As I close out my Elite 24 coverage, I first want to highlight the front-court play that manned the gym. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather in Atlanta, the boys game on Saturday night couldn’t be completed but I still got a good sample size on the players and their performances. Ace Bailey was featured in my previous article here so he won’t be in this iteration.
Flory Bidunga, 2024 6’8 C - Kokomo (IN): The recent Kansas Jayhawk commit is an automatic double-double. Bidunga was in his normal mode...dunking everything, beating everyone down the floor and protecting the rim. Even though he is limited as a ball-handler and mid-range shooter, what he does well, he’s elite at. Has great hands, endless motor and if mother nature didn’t interfere I wouldn't have been surprised if he was named game MVP.
Bryson Tiller, 2025 PF - Overtime Elite (GA): A strong built forward that’s expanding his game. Saw flashes of him changing direction off the bounce and he impacts the game on both ends with his rebounding, 18-foot in scoring and communication and placement as a help defender. One of the better players in his class and continues looking more comfortable operating further out from the paint.
Moustapha Thiam, 2025 C - DME (FL): Very intrigued by Moustapha especially with his size, rim protecting and touch. He has good touch around the rim and can make shots out to 15-feet. Upside with the shooting. Not an elite shot blocker at this stage but a dependable one that you can tell is still learning how to play. He showed a skill-set and ability to operate in tight spaces.
Derik Queen, 2024 PF/C - Montverde (FL): Queen is a load inside and holds an array of moves and finishes. Completes tough layups and hook shots with his left hand just as good as he does going to his right. Equipped with great hands, did a solid job in drop coverages on ball-screens and his play-making in the post is top tier.
Sebastian Williams-Adams 2025 PF/SF - St. John’s (TX): A dual-forward that plays with physicality. Looked to attack offensive glass, assertive driver to the rim and although Williams-Adams didn’t shoot it well and the speed of the close-outs seemed to give him some fits, he still showcased his versatility and looks to make an impact outside of just scoring the ball.
Caleb Wilson, 2025 SF/PF - Holy Innocents Episcopal School (GA): Can see why Wilson is ranked as high as he is in the 2025 class. Didn’t make a big impact in the scrimmages, but he flashed his shooting as a trail and pop guy, one dribble pull-up and attacked closeouts.
Chase McCarty, 2024 SF - IMG (FL): At 6foot-6 with long arms, McCarty was productive throughout the week. Knows how to play, makes open shots from three and was alert as a help-side defender.Always seemed to be at the right place at the right time on both ends of the floor.
Khani Rooths, 2024 SF - IMG (FL): Khani continued to show his versatility. Handling the ball and becoming a driver. Also made nice passes when he’s getting to the cup and he’s just a match-up problem due to size, athleticism, length and emerging skill set.