Diamonds in the Ruff Top 40 - Be Seen 2022 Recap

Sunday, December 13th, 2020

After the success of their Top 40 underclassmen event earlier this fall, Diamonds in the Ruff hosted a second Top 40 event recently, this time for juniors and seniors. 

The field was arguably even more impressive than the initial event with talent coming to Long Island from across five different northeast states. 

The Be Seen Tour was on hand to take in all the action. After breaking down the top seniors in attendance yesterday, here is a look at the best of 2022 and beyond: 

Chidi Obichere, Patrick School (NJ) – He was a virtual unknown outside of Long Island at this time last year, but after having seen him twice this fall, it’s clear that Obichere is a name on the rise. There were few prospects more impressive, in either class, at this event. He was all over the rim, showing a level of athleticism and explosiveness that was head and shoulders above anyone else in the field. 

Aaron Talbert, Knox School (NY) – Talbert was the first player to make a statement in this event as he got early with his jumper and went on to make a bunch of shots from long range, off both the catch and the dribble. Talbert is skilled with a lay-up making package at the rim and strong body to match. 

Aaron Davis, St. Benedict’s (NJ) – A newly minted member of the class of 2023, Davis was supposed to be making his debut with St. Benedict’s around this time, but was instead showing his combination of perimeter size and skill in this showcase setting. He’s a constant threat with his jumper, not just from behind the three-point line but also with his ability to pull-up over smaller defenders. 

James Morakis, Salisbury (CT) – Even in times like these, Morakis has really started to make a name for himself this fall. He put up huge numbers for Salisbury, averaging over 30ppg through four games, and showed a rare combination of physical strength, creativity with his dribble, and versatile scoring in this setting as well. 

Jayden Lemond, Dwight Engelwood (NJ) – One of the bigger names in attendance, Lemond came in with reported high-major recruitment already to his name. His upside is easy to see as a big lead guard with terrific size, fluidity, and still untapped potential. He played hard throughout the night and was engaged on both ends of the floor. 

Khalil London, St. Dominic (NY) – One of the most pleasant surprises, London was a name we hadn’t yet heard before but came away being very impressed by. He did a variety of things well – shot it cleanly from three, showed some burst off the bounce, used his left hand well, had good perimeter size, and was consistently productive. 

R.J. Greene, Iona Prep (NY) – An athletic big wing who is only just beginning to tap into his potential, Greene delivered a handful of plays that few others in the gym would have been capable of pulling off. He had good acceleration in the open floor, finishing touch at the rim, and the physical markers to suggest he should be able to keep emerging. 

Clayton Ward II, Long Island Lutheran (NY) – Intriguing…that’s probably the best word to describe him. He’s far from a finished product and not totally productive yet but talented and really just beginning to fill out. He’s fluid with skill and is certainly going to be one to monitor as he continues to grow into his body. 

Jackson McEachern, St. Mary’s (NY) – McEachern was another name we hadn’t heard coming in, but left impressed by. He’s a big-bodied guard who has a little shake and burst off the bounce, was able to get downhill, and also capable from deep with a clean stroke. 

Daniel Becil, Worcester Academy (MA) – A strong-bodied guard, Becil was efficient and productive from start to finish. He didn’t dominate the ball or over-bounce it, but went through contact to attack the rim and finish. His motor was also a constant as he played hard from start to finish. 

• DeAndre Blagrove, Malverne (NY) – powerful, football like, build & similar approach as he imposed his will and bullied opposing defenders
• C.J. Riley Wings Academy (NY) – good with the ball and able to playmake, just needs to keep filling out physically
• Zaire Baines, Portledge School (NY) – southpaw caught our attention by creating space and making tough shots
• Danny Carbuccia, Mott Hall (NY) – youngest player in attendance who showed clear talent and vast potential
• Takei Jackson, North Babylon (NY) – knew how to use his body and attack off the dribble
• Tyler Anderson, Smithtown West (NY) – signs of the clear talent we saw at our last stop in Long Island
• Malcolm Wrisby-Jefferson , Phelps (PA) – lefty, solid handle & feel, developing shooter