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There were plenty of recruitable prospects to evaluate at the 15th Annual Cy Hoops Invitational. The event took place Dec. 11-13 and the championship was won by Mansfield Summit (Arlington, Texas), 55-51, over Dickinson (Texas).
Caden Deffebaugh: A High Value New Mexico St. Pickup
The 6’4-ish guard is known for his hyper athleticism. He elevates violently and there aren’t many in the region that can compete with him vertically. It’s the scoring efficiency that I’ve been impressed with this season. Known more as a streaky shooter throughout the summer, Deffebaugh is turning into someone that’s a reliable shooting threat from three. I also feel that his increased efficiency is due to his shot selection. Less isolation, less forcing tough shots and just working hard to be in position to catch and score. It’s his relocation skills that puts him at an advantage on offense and when he has the hot hand, then he’ll test his shot diet but at that point he’s throwing a ball in the ocean. An athletic scorer that will bring needed spacing and athleticism from day one at New Mexico State and will have the opportunity to gather minutes as a freshman.
Texas Signee Bo Ogden Impresses
Despite a tough loss vs Langham Creek, I do think UT fans should be happy about this future Longhorn. His dad Chris Ogden had a successful career at Texas as well and I think Bo has the ability to impact winning at some point in his collegiate career. Standing at 6’6 with an impressive basketball frame, Bo is a dependable deep threat that has a good feel for the game. Relocates well, attacks closeouts and has no problem getting into the trenches and grabbing a rebound or fighting for a loose ball. The skill and feel is there, but what makes me feel like he could potentially contribute quicker on the court is he has a real fight about him that doesn’t get talked about much but will translate and help him during his time in Austin.
More Cy Hoops Invitational Evals
VJ Kasheev, 2029 6’3 SG – Frisco Memorial: VJ has had a strong start to his varsity career. A highly skilled 2-guard with good anticipation skills. Shooting it well from deep off the catch, gets good elevation on his pull-up jumper, but most importantly plays within the flow of the game. Ability to get to the right spots off the ball and utilizing length to deflect passes and steals was noteworthy at the tourney.
Xander Pruzinsky, 2027 6’7 C – Frisco Memorial: Bouncy big-man that has a soft touch around the rim. Interior play finisher and lob threat candidate and defensively has good timing as a help-side shot-blocker. He’s coordinated with his hands when he’s in the air and can adjust mid-flight on how he wants to block a shot or finish at the basket.
KJ Goodwin, 2028 6’5 SF/PF – Cy Ranch: A tweener with broad shoulders. Physical driver that shows intriguing versatility. Like him as a finisher, driver and rebounder with upside as an multi-faceted offensive threat.
Josh Goodwin, 2026 6’5 Wing – Cy Ranch: An attacking available senior with fine positional size and athleticism. Stays in attack mode and can play multiple spots on the court.
Marc Anthony, 2026 6’6 – SA Johnson: A spindly wing that showed versatility on the offensive end. Good in spot-up situations. Adequate pull-up shooter that is another very solid available prospect for college coaches to look at.
Ian Joshua, 2026 6’0 PG – SA Johnson: Crafty scoring guard that was able to create advantages and generate separation off the bounce. Got to spots and made shots.
Mack Martin, 2027 6’6 SF – Austin Westlake: Intriguing prospect with high ceiling. More prospect than player at this stage, but he can hit the three ball and has a functional handle. At 6’6 with long arms, that alone checks the boxes D1 coaches have. Once he adds more muscle to his frame, plays through contact better and raises the motor, he’ll have a chance to blow up.
Hector Durand, 2027 6’6 PF – Langham Creek: An interesting prospect that had a good game yesterday. He holds an array of skills, but hasn’t put it all together yet. There’s a level of craft, skill and size that makes him a potential scholarship player. The next 6-8 months will be big for him because if he can put it all together and be consistent, he’ll have multiple college programs calling for his services.
