Legends Classic: Tre Johnson Unfazed, Rasheer Fleming Rising

I was in Brooklyn, NY this past weekend to see Texas, Syracuse, Texas Tech, and Saint Joseph’s compete in the 2024 Legends Classic. Four competitive games in back-to-back nights at the Barclays Centers attracted scouts and notable executives from nearly all 30 NBA teams. Here are some notes and observations on some of the top prospects present:

Texas freshman Tre Johnson unfazed by combined 11/36 FG

Texas freshman Tre Johnson was the headliner of the event and entered the weekend on a heater to begin his college career –– averaging 23.5 points on a blistering 58.6% from three-point range through four games.

Tre’s hot start to his freshman season came to a screeching halt in Brooklyn, shooting 4-of-18 from the field in Texas’ opening win vs. Syracuse and 7-of-18 in their title win over St. Joe’s. However, his confidence and assertiveness never wavered.

He’s incredibly engaged on the court and exudes fierce competitiveness –– seen in the focus of his eyes. He’s vocal, constantly communicating with teammates, coaches… and referees. He’s already the clear alpha of the team just weeks into the season, despite being the youngest. Texas runs most of their offense through him, and he hunts shots unfazed, make-or-miss.

Between the 2:34 mark of the first half and the 3:45 mark of the second half vs. Syracuse, Johnson missed 10 consecutive shots and committed a pair of turnovers. Yet, in crunch time, trailing by one, Johnson confidently maneuvered to his spot in the mid-post and converted on a tough fadeaway to give Texas a one-point lead. He’d then go on to draw two trips to the charity stripe in the final minute, sinking all four attempts to seal the win for Texas.

At 6-foot-6 with long arms, Johnson is a natural-born scorer. He’s smooth and confident, whether shooting off the catch, off movement, or pulling up off the bounce. That said, his game isn’t without question marks. His handle can get loose, he often lives on a tough shot diet, and he’s not the most explosive or elusive finisher at the rim. Defensively, he shows solid effort guarding the ball, but like many freshmen asked to shoulder a heavy offensive load, there’s still plenty of room to grow—especially when projecting him to the NBA level.

St. Joe’s Rasheer Fleming continues to surge

Through three weeks of college basketball, it’s clear that Rasheer Fleming has made a significant leap from 'sleeper' to surefire NBA Draft prospect, appearing as the best player on the floor during key stretches of St. Joe’s trio of high-major matchups against Villanova (W), Texas Tech (W), and Texas (L).

At 6-foot-9, 240 pounds with a near 7-foot-5 wingspan (!!), Fleming possesses exceptional physical tools that he uses effectively on the court. He grabbed 27 rebounds this weekend against Texas Tech and Texas, while also recording 4 steals and 3 blocks. He competes for loose balls and showcases impressive defensive range on the perimeter, closing out on shooters, containing quicker guards with his length, disrupting passing lanes, and rotating for blocks off the ball.

Offensively, he’s a lob threat above the rim, stretches the floor from deep (41% from three on 22 attempts this season), and shows flashes of growth as a driver with his ball-handling, body control, and finishing. Fleming led the Atlantic 10 in offensive rebounds last season and looks on track to do so again this year. There’s still room for growth in his decision-making and processing, as shown in his 5 assists to 11 turnovers through 6 games this season.

Fleming is on an intriguing trajectory and looks poised to sneak into the 1st round of our debut 2025 NBA Mock Draft next month.

Texas Tech’s JT Toppin ultra-productive

JT Toppin earned an invitation to the NBA Combine following a promising freshman campaign, where he led the Mountain West Conference in field goal percentage, rebounding, and blocks at New Mexico. Measuring in at just 6-foot-7 barefoot at the Combine, Toppin is an undersized big man by NBA standards, but he does have a 7-foot wingspan and is quick off his feet –– snagging boards, slamming putbacks, and swatting shots.

Offensively, he’s a lob threat, a pogo stick on the glass (sixth-highest OREB% in CBB), and comfortable turning over either shoulder on the block, using savvy timing and fakes to deter contests. Defensively, he utilizes his length well and shows decent fluidity in space.

Toppin totaled 37 points, 20 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 3 steals in 66 minutes this weekend vs. Syracuse (W) and St. Joe’s (L), impacting the game with his activity on the glass, finishing around the basket, and rim protection.

A career 34% three-point shooter on relatively low volume through 44 college games (13-of-38), scouts would feel more comfortable projecting him to the next level with more progress as a shooter that would allow him to play out more on the perimeter.

Texas Tech’s Darrion Williams polarizing

Listed at 6-foot-6 with a stocky 210-pound frame, Darrion Williams is an unorthodox prospect, showcasing a blend of bully ball and playmaking that had scouts in the gym comparing him to David Roddy and Dillon Jones. A career 39% three-point shooter through 72 college games, Williams provides considerable versatility offensively with his ability to make plays for others, knock down shots, and rebound. While some NBA scouts are intrigued, others are skeptical about his frame and how his game translates –– regardless, he’ll enter Big 12 play with plenty of eyes and could emerge as a popular sleeper due to his unique style of play.

Syracuse freshman Donnie Freeman still finding his footing

A consensus five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, Freeman has been recognized throughout his prep career for his two-way tools at 6-foot-9. While he showed some promising flashes in Brooklyn, his consistency, intensity, and overall impact show considerable room for growth.