Feast Week is one of the most exciting times for an NCAA basketball fan, and the country was treated to an elite event in Las Vegas this past weekend as a little appetizer. The Continental Tire Main Event featured four top-20 teams in Baylor, UCLA, Virginia, and Illinois.
Each team plays a little bit differently, and there were a handful of NBA decision-makers in attendance to watch a wide mix of prospects. Despite having the least NBA talent, the Hoos were able to win two straight behind their sturdy guard play.
I was fortunate enough to be in attendance and jotted down some thoughts from my scouting perspective.
Virginia
Reece Beekman – Guard – 6’3, 174 lbs – October 2001
Beekman was the most interesting UVA prospect entering the weekend and I thought he played well. He’s not overly big, strong or athletic, for an off-guard, but he’s a high-feel player that was active and attentive on defense. He makes the right reads on offense and he has a bit of a slow release, but he is a capable shooter. I thought he was super competitive and rose to the challenge. I’m not sure he can make it in the NBA without any bankable offensive skill right now. Would be someone I’d target as a UDFA and has the chance to work his way up to a two-way.
Armaan Franklin – Two Guard – 6’4, 195 lbs – Nov 2000
Franklin went off for a quiet 27 against Baylor with a lot of his points coming from the free throw line. He’s got a bit of a longer release but profiles as an off-ball shooting guard. Struggled a bit against the length of Illinois. Nice college player that should have a good European career.