Gotham Hoops had the opportunity to enter a team in the prestigious IS8 HS Classic this spring. The team, assembled and coached by founder Ray Anczelowicz, boasted a roster of promising prospects from schools across the Northeast.
In this report, we present player evaluations for Team Gotham Hoops:
Farouk Kaba (The Darrow School (NY), ‘23 / Signed with Jefferson University)
Kaba's playoff performances for Team Gotham Hoops were nothing short of extraordinary. As the leading scorer in both games, he showcased his versatility on both ends of the court. Offensively, Kaba's scoring prowess ranged from acrobatic finishes to clutch jumpers, and his finesse was evident in every shot.
Kaba, 6-4, was a disruptive force defensively, making life tough for opposing ball-handlers. His length and athleticism forced opponents into challenging shots both on the perimeter and around the rim. With his pace, athleticism, and all-around versatility, Kaba is primed for a seamless transition to the next level.
Jean Aranguren (Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) ‘23 / Signed with Iona College)
A big-bodied combo guard, Aranguren effected both ends of the floor in his two IS8 games. The 6-3 Venezualian native is a playmaker with the ball in his hands and demonstrated that well this spring. He played just as comfortably with the ball as without and helped spearhead a fourth quarter, come-from-behind victory in the opening contest. He uses his college-ready frame to get to the rim and finish with contact. He also displayed a capable three-point shot. His ability to score in different ways truly made it challenging for opposing defenses. On defense, Aranguren is as tough as they come. His footwork and build helps keep ball-handlers in check as he’s in contact motion and communication with teammates. Newly hired head coach Tobin Anderson and co. have a strong building piece with Aranguren heading to New Rochelle this fall.
Aaron Goldstein (Xaverian High School (NY) ‘23 / Signed with College of Staten Island)
In a series of IS8 games this spring, the agile playmaker showcased his exceptional ball-handling skills. Goldstein, a rising talent set to join the CSI Dolphins, played a pivotal role in leading Team Gotham Hoops to several victories en route to the playoffs. His prowess beyond the arc was undeniable, displaying an uncanny ability to drain three-pointers, whether off the catch or off the dribble. Goldstein, 5-10, wasn't just a scoring threat; he also had a keen eye for facilitating his teammates, consistently reading the floor and finding the open man.
Defensively, Goldstein's quick hands were a disruptive force, often forcing opposing ball-handlers into turnovers. With his skills and dedication, Goldstein has a bright future ahead of him at the Division II level.
Ryan Leonardo (John F. Kennedy HS (NY) ‘23 / Uncommitted)
Leonardo, a slender southpaw hailing from The Bronx, brought his A-game to the IS8 league this spring. His unique combination of size and skill made him a formidable challenge for defenders on the perimeter. Standing at 6-6, Leonardo's versatility was on full display in five standout appearances. He consistently created scoring opportunities with an ultra-quick release and a dynamic handle package that left defenders struggling to contain him.
Utilizing his perimeter game effectively, Leonardo forced defenders to guard him closely, only to exploit their vulnerability with a lightning-fast first step that allowed him to blow by them. His ability to finish in traffic with either hand added to his scoring repertoire. Leonardo's offensive prowess played a pivotal role in Team Gotham Hoops' success, helping them reach the playoff Round of 16.
Leonardo is undoubtedly a player to keep a close eye on. His exceptional skills and contributions to IS8 make him a rising talent worth watching.
Arop Arop (The Hotchkiss School (CT) ‘23 / Signed with Columbia University)
In his lone appearance for Team Gotham Hoops, the talented Texas-native showcased his skills in impressive fashion in the iS8 league. Standing tall at 6-10, Arop brought a unique skill set to the court, featuring slick ball-handling abilities and a jump shot with a soft touch that left a lasting impression.
Arop's performance in a hard-fought matchup, particularly against the UConn-bound Youssouf Singare, demonstrated his tenacity on both ends of the floor. He didn't shy away from the challenge and made significant contributions to his team's efforts.
Columbia University is gaining a tremendous prospect with an incredibly high ceiling when Arop joins their campus this fall. His versatility and skills, highlighted by his ball-handling and shooting abilities, make him a promising addition to their basketball program.
SirPatrick Livingston (South Bronx Prep (NY) ‘24 / Uncommitted)
The senior playmaker, standing in at 6-4, displayed consistent excellence throughout Team Gotham Hoops' six games in the tournament. Livingston's versatility and skill set made him a valuable asset on the court.
Offensively, he excelled at attacking the rim, demonstrating a knack for navigating through defenders to finish strong. Livingston was equally adept at making tough perimeter shots, showcasing his range and accuracy. His scoring contributions were pivotal for the team's success.
Defensively, Livingston was a disruptive force, constantly getting in passing lanes and creating turnovers. His defensive prowess often translated into easy transition scores for his team, highlighting his ability to impact both ends of the floor.
Livingston's performance in the tournament emphasized his value as a versatile guard with the ability to contribute in various facets of the game. His size, skill, and defensive tenacity make him a player worth watching.
Ahmad Torrence (Thurgood Marshall Academy (NY) ‘25 / Uncommitted)
In both playoff games, Torrence proved to be a matchup nightmare for opponents. His unique blend of size and versatility made him a standout performer on the court.
At 6-5, Torrence's physical attributes allowed him to excel in various roles, from scoring to playmaking. His basketball IQ was evident as he dissected defenses with precise passing and timely decisions. Torrence's scoring ability was well-rounded, as he demonstrated the capability to finish around the rim with ease and navigate through traffic, showcasing his skill and composure under pressure. Additionally, his sharpshooting from beyond the arc added another dimension to his offensive game.
Torrence's recent transfer from Hudson Catholic (NJ) to local TMA, where he will play under the guidance of his father, Abdu, has quickly propelled him into the spotlight as one of NYC's most promising junior prospects.
Mohamed Diaby (Our Savour Lutheran - Prep (NY) ‘24 / Uncommitted)
Diaby's athleticism is nothing short of phenomenal, as he consistently showcased his remarkable ability to play high above the rim. His athleticism was particularly evident in a pair of playoff games where the prep standout not only met but exceeded the expectations against Division I-caliber opponents.
What sets Diaby, 6-7, apart is his versatility on both ends of the floor. Defensively, his length and foot speed allowed him to seamlessly guard multiple positions. Whether pressuring opposing ball-handlers on the perimeter or emphatically swatting away shots around the rim, Diaby's defensive prowess was a game-changer.
His ability to impact the game on multiple levels makes him a compelling prospect, and his performances against tough competition in the playoffs solidify his status as a player with tremendous potential.
Andre Bowles (Murray Bergtraum HS (NY) ‘23 / Signed with SUNY Sullivan)
Fresh off a triumphant PSAL championship, Bowles showcased his talents while representing Team Gotham Hoops in pool play. His contributions on the court were instrumental to the team's success.
Bowles, 6-4, exhibited exceptional ball-handling skills, consistently creating scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates. His ability to navigate through defenses and set up plays was a key asset. In the open court, Bowles was a force to be reckoned with, demonstrating his agility by pushing the ball up the floor and finishing fast breaks with precision, using either hand.
As a southpaw, Bowles brought a unique dimension to his game, catching opponents off guard. Additionally, his quick hands disrupted opposing ball handlers, leading to turnovers and defensive stops.
Anas Rezk (The Darrow School (NY) ‘25 / Uncommitted)
As a sophomore, the big-bodied forward played a vital role for Team Gotham Hoops in the spring tournament. However, it was in the playoffs where he truly shone, using his imposing size to make impactful plays on both ends of the floor.
This 6-5, junior playmaker is a promising prospect with a developing skill set and a ceiling that appears to be sky-high. His ability to step up in clutch moments during suggests that he's on the path to becoming a formidable force in the game.
Amari Cribb (Our Saviour Lutheran - Prep (NY) ‘23 / Signed with Southern Connecticut)
Cribb, with his size and impressive athleticism, established dominance in the paint throughout multiple pool play games. As a southpaw big man, he showcased a reliable mid-range jumper while truly excelling in the low post. The 6-8 Cribb exhibited a natural ability to finish above the rim with finesse and, on the defensive end, proved to be an effective shot-blocker and rim protector.
Xavier Barrow (Susan Wagner HS (NY) ‘23 / Signed with CCBC Dundalk)
In a dynamic display of skills, Barrow's elusive ball-handling prowess was showcased in a duo of thrilling pool play games for Team Gotham Hoops. Despite his wiry frame, the guard expertly dictated the tempo, orchestrating plays for both himself and his teammates in the open court and fast break.
Barrow's abilities extended beyond facilitating; he also exhibited an impressive touch from beyond the arc, making him a multifaceted threat on the offensive end. His performance left a lasting impression, demonstrating that he is a player with the potential to impact various aspects of the game.
Team Gotham Hoops returns to the court for the 2023 IS8 Fall HS Classic. Stay tuned for updates.