Francisco’s Finest: JUCO-Bound? (Top Shooters/Scorers)
Francisco’s Finest: JUCO-Bound? (Top Shooters/Scorers)
LONG BEACH, CA— As the playoffs come to a close and underclassmen are checking out their options for the spring evaluation period, it seemed like the appropriate time to list—and it’s quite an extensive list—of the kids that may not be receiving the college interest they desire, but are fully capable of making an impact at the junior college level. Here are the list of players that caught our attention during this high school season and possess the physical tools and/or skill to play at some level college after a junior college stint.
Chase Anderson (Trabuco Hills)
2018, SG, 6-foot-2, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: Anderson is a springy shooting guard with a legitimate jump shot. His range on his jump shot extends out to 22-feet and he gets tremendous lift on his shot. He also excels in transition where he can elevate to the rim and finish over length. He needs to gain strength, but he projects well as a late-developing scorer for the Division 1 level.
DJ Houston (Crossroads)
2018, SG, 6-foot, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: When it comes to relentless scorers, look no further than Houston. He plays with a hot motor and pushes the ball hard in transition. He has the strength to carry defenders on his hip and he can finish through contact. His jump shot is streaky, but he does get good lift on it and he can score from all three levels. However, at this stage of his career his shot selection (takes quick shots early on in the shot clock) and overall feel for the game (forces the issue) need polishing.
Scooter Smith (Inglewood)
2018, SG, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Smith has been a well-known commodity since his freshman season. He has long arms and he is a solid straight-line athlete. His burst off the dribble (solid 1st step) is impressive and he gets nice lift on his jump shot. He can shoot the 3-point shot or nail the mid-range pull-up. He is a scorer first and foremost, but he will advance the ball to open teammates.
Juan Carlos Canahuate (San Diego/Army-Navy)
2018, CG, 6-foot-2, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the better kept secrets in San Diego is Canahuate. The scoring point guard has ideal length with long arms and he’s a quality athlete. He pushes the ball well in transition and will advance the ball as well instead of over-handling it. He gets nice lift on his shot and his release is tight. He is still learning the skills on how to manage a game, but overall he is intriguing.
Darius Brown (Pasadena)
2018, PG, 6-foot-1, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: Brown is a developing lead guard who plays with a bevy of moxie. He picks up full court defensively and gets under opposing ball handlers. Offensively, he excels in transition and attacking the rim. He is quite good at penetrating the defense (good burst) and he has the vision for the kick out to an open shooter. Working on changing speeds and honing his game management skills well take his game to another level.