UAA Finals Scouting Notebook

Maxwell was on the ground at the Under Armour Finals event in Chicago! Check out his notes on future NBA prospects!

The Under Armour circuit returned to the Chicagoland area for the first time in two years with their final event of the season. The stakes were high as teams competed in tournament play for the opportunity to call themselves the 2024 UAA Champions. But there’s more to it than that. Players were jockeying to climb rankings, boost their star ratings, and earn more scholarship opportunities. After a weekend full of hoops, I want to shine a light on some of my favorite players coming out of the event. Keep in mind, because this is No Ceilings, this is being done with an eye toward future NBA prospects. Also, if you’re not following me on Twitter/X, please do so.

Big Names and Big Standouts

Shon Abaev, 6’8”, SOH Elite

Shon Abaev looked and produced more like an NBA prospect than anyone else I saw at the event. He has an exceptional base for pro potential. He’s tall, he’s skilled, he can move, and he knows how to play.

Abaev is an exceptionally well-rounded offensive player. He has a trusty, reliable jumper and a high release. But beyond that, he has some real shot-maker junk to him. He’s a polished ball-handler with smooth footwork who can create his own openings and convert long-range pull-ups. Still, he’s quick and slippery enough to get downhill. He’s got enough bounce and size to finish above the rim. Even better, Abaev is an unselfish creator. His eyes are always up for his teammates. He made smart, calculated passes both in the halfcourt and in transition. He’s got something to offer defensively, too. His size and presence are felt off the ball, as he can disrupt passing lanes or help at the rim. Timing and savvy, combined with his length, allow him to make a consistent impact on that end. His tools go a long way at the point of attack as well.