Day 4 in Las Vegas saw the action continue to heat up as the playoffs at the Adidas Super 64 headed into quarterfinal action at the 16U and 17U levels.  When the clock stopped with the final games of the day a number of the top players in the country like junior to be Jernell Stokes of the Atlanta Celtics had made their presence felt.  Here’s a look at a few who impressed during the fourth day of action in Vegas…

(Note – Listed in alphabetical order)

ROSCOE ALLEN – 6’8” – F – 2012 – PUMP N’ RUN ELITE
A skilled long forward who can play on the wing or in the post, Allen showed versatility and skill during a strong first half effort in a loss on Sunday.  Highly regarded by most in the country, Allen is a definite high major talent who could see his stock explode over the next year.  Can hit the trey ball, attacks off the bounce, has solid instincts, and is just scratching the surface of his potential.

RODNEY BULLOCK – 6’7” – SF – 2013 – D.C. ASSAULT
One of the most coveted rising sophomores in the country, Bullock has excellent length, he can hit the perimeter jumper, has solid rebounding instincts, finishes in the open court, and has a huge ceiling.  A high major talent without question, Bullock continues his rise with a solid effort on Sunday.

EVAN CUMMINS – 6’9” – PF – 2012 – N.E. PLAYAZ
With two of the best rising juniors playing up at the 17U Playaz squad, room is there for Cummins to develop with major minutes and he looked the part of a high major forward on Sunday with a solid effort that included range, activity, rebounding, and finishing at the mid range area and around the basket.  Upside is the key with him as he should really take off nationally with another year under his belt that should allow him to mature physically and continue to develop skill wise.

PATRICK INGRAM – 6’2” – SG – 2012 – ERIC GORDON ALL-STARS
Love everything about this young talent in terms of his heart, effort, ability to attack the rim off the bounce, etc.  He can hit the trey ball but consistency needs to improve.  Leadership, toughness, hustle, and activity combine with athleticism and ability to score the basketball.  Gave another high major floor effort again that included a key steal late in the game that was punctuated by a three point play to come from behind and win.

SHABAZZ MUHAMMAD – 6’5” – SF – 2012 – DREAM VISION
Absent a struggle in the second half in a loss to the Compton Magic early in pool play, Muhammad has been ridiculous at times and Sunday was no exception.  Fresh off a 52 point effort on Saturday, Muhammad followed it up with two more 30 point efforts on Sunday.  He hits the trey ball, can hit the mid range jumper, posts well on the left block, attacks the glass, etc. 

MARCUS SMART – 6’4” – SG – 2012 – TEXAS ASSAULT
Tough powerful and explosively athletic, Smart is a beast on both ends with his activity and hustle and the powerful perimeter talent can punish opposing guards as a result.  He has range, scores off the bounce, and has the ability and heart to take over games offensively. 

JERNELL STOKES – 6’8” – PF – 2012 – ATLANTA CELTICS
One of the most impressive performances of the day was turned in by Stokes.  A powerful specimen with skill and agility, Stokes was lethal on the glass and punished opposing bigs on Sunday while powering home basket after basket.  A big powerful interior forward who can score on the blocks and control the glass, Stokes is a high major talent who should generate a lot of burn in the coming months.

ADONIS THOMAS – 6’6” – SF – 2011 – MEMPHIS MAGIC
Not too much left to say about Thomas that hasn’t already been said.  A top 10 talent when we release our new rankings in August, Thomas has been spectacular the entire week and Sunday was no exception.  He hits the perimeter jumper, has explosive hops, his handle is improved, and he scores off the bounce in takeover type fashion. 

CHRIS THOMAS – 6’4” – SG – 2013 – COLORADO HAWKS
We’ve raved about this young talent for the past couple of years and he continues to see his stock soar every time he takes the floor.  On Sunday he exploded for 39 points in a ridiculous performance that saw him show off his athleticism, perimeter stroke, handles, etc.  He scores off the bounce, attacks the rim, and basically has the ability to take over the game anytime he wants offensively.  One of the top 5-10 rising sophomores in the country without question.

DENZEL VALENTINE – 6’4” – G – 2012 – MICHIGAN MUSTANGS
A long and at times awkward perimeter talent, Valentine has handles and exceptional instincts that pair with his vision and playmaking skills to make for a strong floor leader.  He showed solid range on Sunday and scored off the bounce but his leadership and ability to create on the offensive end was equally impressive.  Solid effort on Sunday.