Dr. Pepper Classic, the Day 1 standouts and stoyrlines

Chattanooga, Tennessee – The top team in the country, Bel Aire (KS) Sunrise Christian, traveled to Chattanooga this weekend to compete alongside some of the top talents in Tennessee. The 7th Annual Dr. Pepper Classic was a great setting.

On3 got a courtside viewing of Gradey Dick’s continued progression, Blue Cain coming into his own and updated viewings of a pair of massive, massive human beings making plays.

6-11 C Sumto Cyril 2024

Cyril is a physically imposing player; you notice that immediately. His consistent attribute in-game is his rim protection. The sophomore has good timing and explosion at the basket. You see those traits on the offensive end as well. Once he gets his hands securely on a ball, he tries to dunk everything. There will be questions about his hands and touch, but his motor and work ethic remain for the entire game. Cyril finished with 8 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 blocks at the Dr. Pepper Classic.

Claimed Offers: Tennessee, Memphis, Florida, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, etc.

6-8 SF Gradey Dick committed to Kansas

Dick knows how to score and can do so in a number of ways. His reputation is that of a shooter, and he does that very well. The coach does a great job of getting him a couple of early shots to get into a rhythm. Once the first one falls, Dick does an excellent job of moving off-ball. He attacks closeouts, finishes through contact at the basket, and pulls up for mid-range jumpers. There is an efficiency about Dick’s game on that end. Defensively, he has good length and explosion; he also understands angles as a team defender. Dick is On3’s No. 16 player in the 2022 class. He finished with 16 points in the win.

7-2 C David Craig committed to Mercer

It is hard not to be immediately taken back by the sheer size of Craig. Listed at 7-2, he may be an inch or two more. The South African weighs around 305-pounds and has long arms. While he does not move fluidly, he has great hands and knows how to play. Craig sets up a massive target on the block and moves the ball toward where the help comes. Craig will face up and dunk or finish with either hand around the basket if the doubled team does not come. The Mercer signee finished with 12 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 7 blocks at the Dr. Pepper Classic.

6-3 CG Blue Cain 2023

There is a smooth feel to Cain’s game. The junior is a true combo guard with the ability to create off the bounce and score at all three levels. Cain has sneaky bounce at the rim and is aggressive in the passing lanes. He will need to continue putting on weight, but he can get to his spots in the half-court and play within three dribbles. While he has a laid-back feel to his game, the production speaks for itself. Cain finished with a game-high 19 points with 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks.

Claimed offers: Yale, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest