Live Period Prospect Eye-Openers – Part 2

July 16, 2024

Iyran Francis | 2025 | 6-7 | Forward | Born To Win Basketball NXT 17U

Iyran Francis is a forward with an imposing frame at 6-7, which he uses effectively in the offensive scheme. He has a strong back-to-the-basket game, utilizing his size and strength to establish position and score in the post. Francis demonstrates good touch around the rim and can finish with both power and finesse. His ability to crash the boards is notable, often leading to second-chance points due to his tenacity on the offensive glass. While his perimeter shooting is still developing, Francis has shown potential to knock down mid-range shots, suggesting room for growth in stretching the floor. On the defensive end, Francis’ physical attributes translate into being a solid rim protector. His length and timing make him a threat to block or alter shots, and he’s not easily moved out of position in the paint. Francis is a reliable rebounder, using his height and body well to secure defensive rebounds and limit opponents’ opportunities for put-backs. As he continues to develop, improving his lateral quickness will be key to defending against more agile forwards and contributing to perimeter defense. Francis brings intensity and a competitive spirit to the game. He shows a willingness to work hard and do what it takes to improve, which is a positive sign for his development trajectory. His presence on the court can be motivating for his teammates, and he has the potential to grow into a leadership role.

Iyran Francis is a promising forward with significant upside. His current skill set, combined with his physical attributes, makes him a player to watch in the 2025 class.

Cole Szewczyk | 2025 | 6-2 | Guard | J-UNO NXT 17U

Cole Szewczyk is a 6-2 guard known for his sharpshooting ability and offensive versatility. He has a quick release on his jump shot, making him a constant threat from beyond the arc and he demonstrates good shot selection, rarely forcing attempts. His ball-handling skills are solid, enabling him to create space and drive to the basket when defenses close out on him too aggressively. Szewczyk is also an adept passer who can find teammates in scoring positions, contributing to the fluidity of the team’s offense. Defensively, Szewczyk uses his size and basketball IQ to his advantage. He positions himself well, understands team defensive concepts, and can hold his own against both point guards and shooting guards. His anticipation allows him to contribute to steals and deflections, leading to transition opportunities for his team. While he is a competent defender, continued focus on lateral quickness and agility will improve his ability to stay with quicker guards and enhance his overall defensive prowess. Szewczyk displays a high level of competitiveness and a strong work ethic. He is a team-oriented player who understands his role and consistently looks to make the right play. His leadership qualities are evident, as he often takes charge on the court and provides guidance to his teammates.

Cole Szewczyk is a talented guard with the potential to make a significant impact at the next level. His combination of shooting ability, basketball intelligence, and defensive capabilities makes him a valuable prospect in the 2025 class.

Landon Short | 2025 | 6-2 | Guard | J-UNO NXT 17U

Landon Short possesses a solid frame for a guard, standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall. His physical build allows him to absorb contact well and maintain balance while driving to the basket. His height gives him good visibility on the court and enhances his ability to shoot over defenders. Short is a proficient shooter from all areas of the court. He has a quick release and is capable of hitting shots both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. His range extends beyond the three-point line, making him a threat to score from anywhere on the floor. He displays strong ball-handling skills, allowing him to create his own shot off the dribble. Short can effectively navigate through traffic and has shown the ability to change direction quickly to evade defenders. Short has solid court vision and passing ability. He can deliver accurate passes to teammates, especially in transition or when drawing defensive attention. While primarily known for his offensive skills, Short has shown improvement on the defensive end. He has quick hands to disrupt passing lanes and the lateral quickness to stay in front of his assignment. Short demonstrates a high basketball IQ, making smart decisions with the ball and understanding game situations well. Known for his strong work ethic, Short is committed to improving his game and is constantly working on refining his skills.

Landon Short projects as a versatile guard who can contribute immediately at the collegiate level. His scoring ability, combined with his playmaking skills and work ethic, make him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor.

Chris Lindo | 2025 | 6-8 | Forward | Louisiana Elite Pro16 17U

Chris Lindo is a forward with an imposing stature of 6-8, which he uses to his advantage in the offensive paint. He has a strong back-to-the-basket game, utilizing his size and body control to score efficiently around the rim. Lindo’s footwork is advanced for his age, allowing him to execute a variety of post moves. He demonstrates the ability to finish through contact and has a soft touch on his shots, making him a reliable scoring option in close. While his perimeter shooting is still developing, Lindo has shown potential with his mid-range game, suggesting that he could expand his range with further practice and development. On the defensive end, Lindo’s height and wingspan make him a natural shot-blocker. He has good instincts for timing his jumps and can alter opponents’ shots effectively. His rebounding is a standout feature, as he uses his length to secure boards and limit second-chance opportunities for the opposition. Lindo’s lateral quickness is sufficient for guarding forwards, but continued improvement will be beneficial for defending against smaller, quicker players on the perimeter. Lindo brings a competitive edge to the court, often seen in his hustle plays and willingness to battle for every possession. He shows a commitment to team success and is willing to take on whatever role is needed to win.

Chris Lindo is a promising talent with considerable upside due to his size and skill set. His current abilities make him a solid contributor on the court, and with continued development, particularly in his shooting, Lindo has the potential to attract attention from collegiate programs seeking a forward who can impact the game on both ends.

Ford Okehi | 2025 | 6-2 | Guard | Pro Level Titans NXT 17U

Ford Okehi is a 6-2 guard known for his scoring ability and offensive versatility. He has a solid build that he uses to navigate through defenses and create scoring opportunities. Okehi’s jump shot is reliable, particularly from mid-range, and he’s developing a consistent three-point shot that will further stretch defenses. His ball-handling skills are strong, enabling him to take on defenders off the dribble and penetrate the lane. Okehi can finish at the rim with both power and finesse, and he isn’t afraid to draw contact and get to the free-throw line. He also demonstrates good court vision, finding open teammates with accurate passes and contributing to the team’s overall offensive flow. On the defensive side, Okehi’s athleticism and size allow him to match up well against other guards. He has quick feet and active hands, which help him stay in front of his man and disrupt passing lanes. Okehi displays a competitive spirit and a strong work ethic. His willingness to learn and improve is evident, and he shows potential as a leader on the court.

Ford Okehi is a talented guard with the potential to make a significant impact at the next level. His combination of shooting ability, ball-handling, and defensive capabilities makes him a valuable prospect in the 2025 class.

Terrence Shannon | 2025 | 6-1 Guard | Born To Win Basketball NXT 17U

Terrence Shannon stands at 6 feet 1 inch, possessing a compact but athletic build that suits his role as a guard. His stature allows him to navigate through traffic effectively and maintain quickness on both ends of the court. Shannon is a proficient shooter with range that extends beyond the three-point line. He has a quick release and can score efficiently both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. His shooting ability makes him a threat from various spots on the floor. He demonstrates solid ball-handling skills, allowing him to create his own shot and penetrate into the lane. Shannon can change speeds effectively to elude defenders and create scoring opportunities for himself and teammates. Shannon possesses good court vision and passing skills. He can deliver accurate passes to open teammates, particularly in transition or when drawing defensive attention. His passing ability helps facilitate ball movement and create scoring chances. On the defensive end, Shannon shows good anticipation and active hands to disrupt passing lanes and generate steals. Despite his height, he compensates with quickness and effort to stay in front of his assignment and contest shots effectively. Shannon exhibits a high basketball IQ, making smart decisions with the ball and understanding game situations well. He reads defenses effectively and adjusts his game accordingly. Known for his strong work ethic, Shannon is committed to improving his skills and contributing to his team’s success through effort and determination.

Terrence Shannon projects as a dynamic guard who can make an immediate impact at the collegiate level and beyond. His scoring ability, coupled with solid ball handling and defensive skills, make him a valuable prospect on both ends of the floor.