Nike Extravaganza XXIII: Biggest Sleepers
Nike Extravaganza XXIII: Biggest Sleepers
SANTA ANA, CA—The 23rd Annual Nike Extravaganza wasn’t as loaded as in years past with the likes of Tyson Chandler, Kevin Love, Stanley Johnson, and Lonzo Ball, but it was chock full of quality teams and intriguing prospects. The best game of the day featured perennial LA City power Westchester taking on one of the consistent powers in Orange County in Capistrano Valley. In the following recaps we’ll venture back and highlight the best of the best as well as some intriguing sleepers and eye-catching surprises.
Francisco’s Finest: Biggest Sleepers
Tyson McWilliams (San Diego/St. Augustine)
2020, SG, 6-foot-2, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: McWilliams, who is the son of former USC tight end Johnny McWilliams, is rounding out into a solid basketball prospect before our eyes. Playing with great confidence he attacked relentlessly in transition and converted plays while slashing his way to the rim. In addition, he showed the ability to make the right pass and get his teammates involved. At this stage he projects well as 2-guard, but with added game management skills he could evolve into a point.
Giordan Williams (Long Beach Poly)
2019, SG, 6-foot-3, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Williams had another solid performance against a tough opponent (Sierra Canyon). He has a rangy frame that should fill out nicely and he can score from the 3-point stripe or in transition. Defensively, his length and active hands—Shelton Diggs and his staff do an excellent job teaching hard-nosed defense—makes it difficult on opposing guards.
Sedrick Altman (Colony)
2019, SG, 6-foot-3, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: Altman is a physical specimen who possesses a terrific burst off the dribble. His 1st step is strong and quick and he has the explosiveness and strength to finish over length and through contact. His jump shot was shaky and he missed a number of lay-ups, but his ability to create plays was evident. Going forward he needs to slow down and monitor the situation before attacking because at the Nike X he forced the issue a bit much.
Jonathan Salazar (St. John Bosco)
2019, WF/PF, 6-foot-6, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: After Salazar became eligible in January it took a few games for him to adjust to “real” basketball games as opposed to the club basketball free-for-all. At the Nike X he showed his whole arsenal and his decision-making was much more sound. The burly 4/3 snatched rebounds in traffic, lead the break, and snapped nifty passes. He converts through contact an a regular basis and his high-motor is evident.
Zellie Hudson (Westchester)
2018, WF, 6-foot-5, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: If there ever was a poster child for the glue-type of player—Hudson would be on it. The willowy wing-type impacts the game with his defensive prowess, rebounding, and a high motor. His ball skills haven’t quite caught up with his impressive frame and bouncy nature, but he has the tools and mindset to be a Division 1 player someday.
Cade Potter (Orange Lutheran)
2019, PF, 6-foot-7, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: Potter has battled ups and downs throughout his high school career in terms of production. However, during his junior campaign he appears to be finding his groove. He has the college-level skill set for a 4-man due to his ability to knock in 3-point shots as well as the knack to score in the paint. As he gets stronger and more potent on the block, his recruitment will continue to rise.