Scouting Spotlight: New England Open Gym Tour
In the latest edition of ‘P.I. Pulse’, Pro Insight contributor Alex Walulik highlights a variety of New England-based prospects who performed well during his month-long tour of visiting open gym sessions throughout the preseason:
Open gyms can tend to be some of the more worthwhile in-person scouting experiences, so once New England basketball programs began to release their preseason schedules, we started filling up our October calendar. Below, we’ll be spotlighting a variety of prospects who made the strongest impressions throughout our month-long pre-season swing. With that being said, here are a few prospects who showed out this past month, along with some noteworthy honorable mentions.
Eye-Catchers
Mouhamed Dioubate | 2023 | 6'7" Forward | Putnam Science Academy (CT) *Alabama commit
All-in-all, Putnam Science Academy forward Mouhamed Dioubate was one of the most imposing players we encountered this preseason. He's the latest PSA frontcourt player to go to the SEC, a group that includes Kentucky’s Ugonna Onyenso. Dioubate is a lengthy forward who gets downhill at will and a strong interior finisher. His motor really shines through on the defensive end, where he's able to defend multiple positions. Dioubate is a potential high-impact defensive player and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him earn rotation minutes early and often under Nate Oats in Tuscaloosa.
Bryce Dortch | 2024 | 6'8" Forward | Brimmer and May (MA)
Bryce Dortch is part of Brimmer and May School’s two-headed monster along with guard Andre Mills. Dortch recently showed out at The Blueprint Combine in Manalapan, New Jersey, this past August. He still has some things to work on, but the difficult matchup he presents to defenders makes him one of the most noteworthy prospects we evaluated this preseason. Dortch commands attention due to his length, athleticism, and positional versatility. He plays with high-level confidence which can generate scoring streaks both in the half-court and in transition. He brings intensity and switchability on the defensive end, as well, utilizing his wingspan and footwork to shut down opponents and blow plays up. With that being said, the 6'8" Dortch has a very bright future, and we fully expect his recruitment to continue to pick up steam.
Que Duncan | 2024 | 6'4" Guard | Notre Dame (CT)
Que Duncan is still filling into his body and it appears like he's going to end up being taller than his current listed 6'4" height. During Notre Dame’s open gym, Duncan flashed solid footwork as a defender, and the prowess to contain a wing in pick-and-roll, while even displaying switchability in low-post situations. Another Blueprint Combine alum, Duncan's defensive potential and upside as a versatile, switchable combo guard are definitely worth monitoring. On the offensive end, he possesses elite poise for a player his age and finds ways to get to his spots on the regular, displaying a knack for knocking down high degree of difficulty shots. Duncan also exhibits fluidity in transition, craftiness while finishing around the rim, and heady decision-making in the half-court. With Duncan, there's still plenty of room to improve, but there are realistic signs of a switchable two-way prospect in the making.
AJ Dybantsa | 2026 | 6'8" Forward | St. Sebastian's (MA)
Despite being a freshman, St. Sebastian's and Expressions (MA) product AJ Dybantsa was perhaps the most well-rounded prospect we encountered throughout the preseason. Dybantsa is a high-level finisher in the paint, thanks to his long strides and 6'11" wingspan guiding him to the cup. Dybantsa's handle and shot-creation are very functional, too. His energy and demand-the-ball mentality have already fostered national recognition. Based on Dybantsa's talent-level and mindset, the likelihood of the Massachusetts native becoming the unanimous top 2026 prospect in the country is high.
Elmarko Jackson | 2023 | 6'3" Guard | South Kent (CT) *Kansas commit
One of the more impressive players we caught this preseason, Elmarko Jackson showed why the defending National Champion Kansas Jayhawks sought out his services. The senior guard is tailor-made for Bill Self's program as he plays tough but in-control and unfazed. Jackson's combination of size, speed, and power instantly stand out when watching him play. He's got elite physical tools, but has made strides as a decision-maker and pull-up shooter in the past year. It will be worth monitoring how he develops as a three-point shooter this season. Either way, Jackson is a player to become familiar with.
Papa Kante | 2023 | 6'10" Big | South Kent (CT) *Michigan commit
Throughout open gym, Papa Kante made waves on a team full of talented players, anchoring the interior for the Cardinals. For Kante, it's his physical frame and reported 7'4" wingspan that immediately stand out. His toughness as a rebounder is also unavoidable. Kante also brings rim-running proficiency and seals well for post position, allowing him to show off his strong combination of hands, footwork and touch. Kante is also capable of hitting open jumpers and is comfortable knocking down an occasional trail three. While he is improving as a shot-creator, he demonstrates an ability to draw contact and plays with infectious confidence on both ends of the floor. With physical tools and the ability to rim-run, rebound and block shots, Kante seems destined for success in Ann Arbor.
Windston Legentus | 2026 | 6'0" Guard | Brimmer and May (MA)
Windston Legentus boasts some intriguing physical tools and is as skilled of a p