Diamonds in the Ruff Top 40 - Be Seen Recap

Friday, December 11th, 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. Here’s a look at the most impressive prospects we saw in the class of 2021 (stay tuned tomorrow for a look at 2022):  

Kasper Klaczek, Long Island Lutheran (NY) – The 6-foot-8 big man made his debut in the northeast last season and is slated as one of the best available big men on the board in the class of 2021 right now. He more than lived up to that hype in this setting as he showed a combination of size, strength, intensity, skill, and athleticism that were on another level from virtually anyone else in attendance. 

Andre Snoddy, St. Thomas More (CT) – The event was a bit of a homecoming for the Long Island native native after spending this fall in Connecticut, but the Boys2Men star showed the type of versatile tools and overall maturity that truly separated himself. He wasn’t trying to do too much or dominating the ball, but nonetheless still asserting himself on both ends of the floor with his power and athleticism. 

Quaran McPherson, Woodstock Academy (CT) – This was a similar homecoming of sorts for McPherson, a New York native who previously starred at Christ the King before transferring to Woodstock last year. A big guard, with size and strength alike, McPherson showed a deep bag of tricks in this setting as he’s become crafty with a veteran type feel for the game and playmaking ability. 

Xavier Riullano, Mount Vernon (NY) – A physical and powerful presence who is capable of playing multiple positions, Riullano was one of the better available seniors in attendance. He had the perimeter footwork and physical strength to create space, was productive putting the ball on the floor, and also showed a clean release on his jumper from behind the three-point line.
 
Colby Jordan, Half Hollow Hills West (NY) – He helped himself as much as any of the unsigned guards in attendance. Jordan wasn’t just quick to the rim, but he was strong as well, able to beat his man off the bounce and then absorb contact on his way to the rim. He also had a crafty finishing package around the cup. 

Sean Durugordon, Putnam Science (CT) – In perhaps his last local performance before departing for the University of Missouri, Durugordon got back to his roots a bit and went into the post, where he first made a name for himself. While he’s worked hard to expand his face-up game over the last year, his best long-term upside is becoming a true mismatch and meshing both of aspects of his game. 

Myles Goddard, Amityville Memorial (NY) – The 6-foot-6 forward seized the opportunity to make a name for himself. He’s well-built with a long and strong frame. He impacted the game in numerous ways. He blocked out on the defensive end, knocked down face-up jumpers, and even made some heady dives away from the ball along the baseline. 

Elijah Muhammad, Eagle Academy (NY) – The upside is obvious. He’s 6-foot-10 and athletic with long legs and huge feet (could he still be growing?) While his overall impact wasn’t always as significant as we would have liked, he ran fluidly, got off his feet with ease, and showed flashes as both a rim protector and finisher.  

Jonah Phang, Archbishop Stepinac (NY) – Phang isn’t a finished product, but he has some intriguing potential. The 6-foot-8 big man checks a lot of boxes physically. He has a sturdy frame with broad shoulders and a solid base in his lower body. He is also pretty quick off his feet around the rim, both with his first and second bounces.  

• Isiah Sween, Central Islip – lead guard who caught our eye with his ability to shoot off the dribble
• Mitchell Cummings, Mount Sinai – strong, physical, and plays bigger than he is on both ends of the floor
• Milan Johnson, Baldwin – quick twitch playmaker with ability to accelerate on a dime
• James Tourin, Babylon – skilled and slippery with his handle and able to get to his spots
• Darian Parks, Chaminade – true big man with a tremendous frame and some raw long-term potential
• Ryan Hudson, Holy Cross – shooter with a clean stroke and wiry frame that needs to keep filling out
• Jaden Kealey, Center Moriches – strong and physical jack of all trades who can plug a variety of holes
• Alex Douglas, Friends Academy – skilled guard who makes shots with range and clean mechanics
• Keith Mency, Stepinac – known for his offense but impressed with ability to defend the ball here
• Gerrad Beaubrun, Baldwin – solid potential with perimeter size, skill, and a clean shooting stroke