Big men Thompson, Kanter impressive

— -- LAS VEGAS -- The Impact Basketball Academy Classic was held this past weekend at the Impact Basketball facility. The three-day event was hosted by Impact Basketball Academy and organized by Rich Marcucci; compliments go to Marcucci for doing a terrific job of organizing the Classic and getting an impressive selection of prep school teams from across the nation to attend. This event was the academy's first major prep school tournament; Impact hopes it will become an annual tradition. Each team invited to the Classic played at least two games, with some of the teams playing up to four games on the weekend. The event was a success in that spectators could evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the country's elite and sleeper talents. ESPNU 100 prospects Tristan Thompson (Brampton, Ont./Findlay Prep) and Cory Joseph (Toronto/Findlay Prep) and international sensation Enes Kanter (Turkey/Stoneridge Prep) continued to shine. We also found a few fast rising prospects and some underclassmen who could become household names in the coming months.

Standout players

Corey Joseph, PG (6-foot-3,180 pounds)
2010, Toronto/Findlay Prep
Joseph continues to show why he is an elite-level point guard in the Class of 2010. His performance at the Impact Basketball Classic led his team to a competitive showing. When Joseph's team needed him to run the offense and get it under control, he did. Joseph was able to break away from the offense and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Joseph plays as though he is being shot out of a cannon; his first-rate ballhandling skills and explosiveness easily set him apart from other point guards in the 2010 class. Joseph showed that he can put points on the board in a hurry with his spectacular drives, long-range 3-pointers and ability to play off the ball screen. Joseph is a special talent in the open court; his speed with the basketball, ability to pass in a variety of ways and quick decision-making ability are impressive. He never stops working, defensively or offensively. Whoever is able to land this top point guard in the late signing period is getting an instant impact player who will elevate the play of his teammates and his program. Tristan Thompson, PF (6-9, 230)
2010, Brampton, Ontario/Findlay Prep, signed with Texas

Thompson is an athletic power forward who works his tail off on both ends of the floor. His physical strength and athletic ability allowed him to dominate in the paint and make him an intriguing prospect. Thompson was able to grab rebounds outside of his reach and off the rim. When gathering offensive rebounds, Thompson kept the ball high and could finish possessions with either hand for a basket. He was aggressive defensively, challenging all shots taken in the lane and never letting his man receive the ball easily in the post. Thompson was effective redirecting guards on high ball screens. In addition to establishing deep post position, Thompson does an outstanding job running the floor for easy baskets and making himself available on guard penetration. He loves to use his strength to overpower the opposition in the post. He made a few nice passes to his teammates out of the post when they were cutting.