Nike Extravaganza XXIII: Biggest Surprises
Nike Extravaganza XXIII: Biggest Surprises
SANTA ANA, CA—The 23rd Annual Nike Extravaganza wasn’t as loaded as in years past with the likes of Tyson Chandler, Kevin Love, Kevin Durant, 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 Surprises
Isaiah Cottrell (Las Vegas/Bishop Gorman)
2020, PF, 6-foot-8, 210 pounds
Joel’s Take: Cottrell has shown tremendous strides since the Fall. However, the footwork and fundamentals while operating in the paint were very impressive—especially for a sophomore. He can turn over either shoulder for the finish and he is getting more and more explosive. Easily one of the best looking prospects out west in the Class of 2020.
Tyler Beard (Chicago/Whitney Young)
2020, CG, 6-foot-1, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: The biggest surprise of the day had to be this exciting prospect from the Midwest. I hadn’t heard much about him from the national scouting services, but after watching him one time, he is a sure-fire Division 1 combo-guard. He has good ball skills, a solid shooting touch, and he is tough to deal with when attacking the basket. A possible Top 100 recruit down the road with ideal development.
Jesse Galloway (Long Beach Poly)
2018, SG, 6-foot-1, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Galloway is the prototypical hard-nosed Poly Jackrabbit. He brings a tenacious mindset each and every game and he affects the game at both ends. He has good length, slides his feet well, and he attacks the basket with a vengeance. Offensively, he showed the ability to play on and off the ball due to his ability to score and facilitate.
Maxx Hazely (Villa Park)
2018, PF, 6-foot-7, 230 pounds
Joel’s Take: Coming into this event, I didn’t have a great feel for Hazely. However, after watching him a full game I like the upside of this late-developing big man. He has a husky frame with good length, soft hands, and he’s sneaky bouncy. He can fill the lane in transition, finish above the rim, and his instincts in the paint appeared to be solid. He’s getting some college interest, but after a stint at the junior college level, he could evolve into a D 1 player.
Brenton Knapper (Colony)
2021, PG, 5-foot-10, 145 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the first traits that stood out while watching Knapper was his moxie. From the opening tip to the sounding horn, Knapper was always in attack mode. He can convert runners/floaters, break down defenders in transition, and he can set the table as well for his teammates. Yet another 2021 prospect to keep an eye on going forward.
Scotty Washington (St. John Bosco)
2021, SG, 6-foot-3, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: This kid just oozes upside. Sinewy frame with long arms and he’s a fluid athlete. He can slash his way to the rim off the dribble and he exhibits terrific body control. He can convert the mid-range pull-up and he gets nice lift on his shot. The 2021 class looks to be a solid bunch of prospects and Washington is one of those kids that will be fun to monitor over the next few seasons.
Nick Manor Hall (Chino Hills)
2019, WF, 6-foot-4, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Manor Hall played with Lonzo during his freshman season and since then, he has really blossomed. He has a terrific frame with long arms and he is quite bouncy. He can knock in shots in the mid-range area and he his demeanor is terrific—doesn’t get too up or too down. Despite his cool demeanor he does possess a hot motor and he shows natural instincts for this game as a defender and rebounder.