Through a barrage of asphalt proving grounds and AAU avenues which criss-cross the eastern seaboard in pursuit of top-shelf competition, Brooklyn has witnessed a number of fringe-level, still relatively obscure recruits grow in all components of their game.
Beyond the consistent commitment to the arduous day to day grind, devotion to shoring up gaps and skill refinement has allowed for a number of the borough’s recruits to blossom: Here is a Look:
Rob Phelps Jr., Christ The King: As a high IQ, left handed 6-foot-5 guard-wing, Phelps Jr. has already established rare polish and know-how at his age.
In the trenches, the long-armed Phelps has been active as an offensive and defensive rebounding presence. Phelps’ relentlessness with pursuit of 50-50 balls and high engine, along with his instinctive nature, have been noteworthy.
Phelps sees over the top, kicks in timely assists, and also knows when to call his won number and stick that timely 15-18 foot jumper. The Team Crate product is also comfortable putting the ball on the deck and engineering offense.
Though he was not smothered with the same high expectations, hype, and mega-visibility as most kids in his age group, AAU-wise, Phelps should enhance his profile for a Christ The King that is again teeming with talent for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
The rising sophomore will benefit from an uptick in quality minutes in the hothouse, talent-laced environment that is the vaunted NYC CHSAA-AA. Phelps still needs to work at running the floor on a consistent basis and also committing himself to his lateral defense. Both will be immense areas of focus as his development continues.
Wayne Best, Bedford Academy–The 6-foot guard has rapidly surfaced into a heads up passer who plays with boundless energy.
Best has opened up a dependable outside shot, with a newfound knack for sticking timely shots. He differentiates himself as a shooter with his ability to levitate above the floor, gaining the type of elevation on his shot which many at this level lack. The significant rise on his shot and sustained form helps him soar above draping shot contesting hands and circumvent hard close-outs.
Best is flushed into a prominent role next season under Bedford head coach Rob Phelps, once the maniacally prolific scorer known for his Nazareth HS heyday.
Part of Best’s evolution has involved improving his transition defense. During Phelps time at Bedford, defensive integrity has been akin to breathing on the scale of importance. There is a standard set here. Each and every one of Phelps’ players is held to a high standard defensively, regardless of what they may bring scoring-wise.
Josh Naklen, Bedford Academy–Naklen shoulders the onus of leader for this Bedford team. The slick, crafty guard is one of the more battle-tested players in the PSAL, with a wealth of big game experience under his belt.
As a foundational piece at point guard, the 5-foot-10 Naklen is able to permeate the teeth of defenses on hard surges to the rim. Having added muscle to his once spindly frame, the Class of 2024 can sustain the wear and tear that parallels being an alpha scorer.
Having developed into a three-level scorer, Naklen has established a consistent mid-range game. He is able to create space for his shot via pull-ups, the stepback jumper, and also ward off defenders with a manipulative arsenal of one on one moves. In personifying the sheer toughness and savvy of a New York City guard, Naklen will take on a commanding locker room voice during his final season.
