Nike Extravaganza XXIII: Francisco’s Baker’s Dozen (Part 1)
Nike Extravaganza XXIII: Francisco’s Baker’s Dozen (Part 1)
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 stalwarts of 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.
Fighting through adversity
Onyeka Okongwu (Chino Hills)
2019, PF, 6-foot-8, 225 pounds
Joel’s Take: Okongwu has his usual “wow” moments during his campaign against Mater Dei. Effortless finishes and impeccable footwork were part of his arsenal. However, the refs kept Okongwu on his heels at times with some baffling calls. To his credit though, Okongwu kept his composure and did all he could to keep his young squad in the game against a Monarch squad that was firing on all cylinders.
Best Performance
Max Agbonkpolo (Santa Margarita)
2019, PF/WF, 6-foot-8, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: When fellow classmate Jake Kyman collapsed due to an ankle sprain, it was time for Agbonkpolo to put his stamp on the game—and boy did he. In one of the more remarkable 2nd half performances of the season, specifically in the 3rd quarter, Agbonkpolo slithered his way to the rim, nailed deep jumpers, and pretty much did whatever he wanted to in leading his team to victory.
Valparaiso-bound
Javon Freeman (Chicago/Whitney Young)
2018, SG, 6-foot-3, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the blessings of this job is coming across a variety of prospects that you may not be familiar with—and Freeman was one of the those players. The explosive 2-guard has a tremendous 1st step, excellent body control while maneuvering and finishing around defense, and he can knock in shots from all three levels. Combine this arsenal with length and a frame that should fill out nicely and you have a heck-of-a-prospect.
Best Game Manager
Spencer Freedman (Mater Dei)
2018, PG, 6-foot, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: Freedman is the most polished floor general in Southern California and it’s not close. He controlled the offense with aplomb, dropped in some deep 3s, and delivered timely assists. Not too mention in his own words, “I think I recorded my first block of my career.”
A Jump Shot Away
Jordan Brinson (Westchester)
2019, PG, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: It’s all out there for Mr. Brinson, especially if his jump shot comes around. The explosive point guard prospect is a menace to deal with the open court and has the hops and strength to bang on anybody in transition. He delivered some timely assists, is quite good in the drive and kick set, and he is a handful on the defensive end.
On the rise
Isaiah Pope (Orange Lutheran)
2019, PG, 6-foot-4, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: The way Pope keeps adding onto his frame, we may be looking at a 6-foot-7ish skilled wing-type down the road. He doesn’t have great quickness or speed, but he his size and innate ability to change speeds creates problems for the defense. He has a smooth 3-point shot and a high basketball IQ as well. Definitely one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2019 class in So-Cal.
Conner Frankamp-esque
Clark Slajchert (Oak Park)
2020, PG, 6-foot-1, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: If you ever get a chance to take in a Wichita State game, do yourself a favor and set that DVR. Not only will you see impeccable execution at both ends and tenacious defense, but they have a guard that can score from deep or convert baskets in tight situations in Connor Frankamp. In the scouting culture we make comparisons and young Slajchert has similarities in his game to the aforementioned Frankamp—especially the shooting part.