Francisco’s Finest: Prep Hoops Session # 1 (Biggest Revelations)
Francisco’s Finest: Prep Hoops Session # 1 (Biggest Revelations)
THOUSAND OAKS, CA—It was quite the trek to the Sports Academy, but it was worth it. In this era where there are far too many “Club” basketball squads, the task of covering a gazillion teams can be overwhelming, but this event was efficient with only four courts rolling. The main attraction were the heavy weight programs of The Truth, Pump n Run, and Cal Supreme.
The Sports Complex in Valley, was host to the 1st Annual Prep Hoops Session # 1 and the quality of teams made the long ride quite worth it. There were a plethora of talented players including sophomore Josh Christopher, juniors Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Jaden Shackelford, as well a number of under-the-radar prospects like Armon Muldrew.
Armon Muldrew (Perris/Orange Vista) Club Team: Pump n Run
2020, PG, 6-foot-1, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: The biggest revelation of the weekend had to be the play of Muldrew. The strongly built combo-guard is relentless in transition, knocks in deep jump shots, and constantly puts pressure on the defense with his high-level burst. His crossover is tight and slick and he has the strength to finish through contact. Definite D 1 prospect here.
Barry Wilds (Fairfax) Club Team: Pump n Run
2021, CG, 5-foot-10, 145 pounds
Joel’s Take: It appears Steve Baik has another guard to go along with Ethan Anderson and Robert McRae next season in freshman Barry Wilds. The slick combo-guard will help fill the void of departing Jamal Hartwell. In a nutshell Wilds is a scorer with a solid burst and he can finish with either hand. In transition he can come to a jump stop and nail the 3-point shot and his vision looks solid as he found open teammates.
Jeremy Dent-Smith (Serra) Club Team: Cal Supreme
2022, PG, 5-foot-11, 150 pounds
Joel’s Take: Dent-Smith, who is rumored to be heading to Serra (Gardena), has long arms and overall solid length. He plays with a good pace, changes speeds, and makes sound decisions for being so young. He is not a burner, but he gets where he needs to go and he has a scoring package as well including a solid 3-point shot.
Garrett Schaefer (Temecula Valley) Club Team: Gamepoint
2020, SG, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Schaefer, who is the younger brother of Riley Schaefer (Cal Poly Pomona), has the same physical tools as his older brother. Garrett has long arms is an fluid athlete who has a nice burst in transition. He gets to the rim and can finish, but his best asset may be his passing acumen. The evolution of his jump shot will be the key to his development going forward.
Kyle Braun (Calabasas) Club Team: Cal Supreme 16u
2020, SG, 6-foot-1, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Braun is known for being a lights-out shooter (off the catch) and that is exactly what took place this weekend. He has added some mass to go along with his long arms and he’s getting more explosive attacking the rim. A definite sleeper going forward.
Caden Starr (Santa Clarita Christian) Club Team: Pump-N-Run
2020, SF, 6-foot-4, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Starr is a multi-skilled wing-type who possesses a terrific feel for the game. Like his older sibling Jordan, Caden never over-handles it, makes great decisions, but is a more natural scorer than his older brother. His burst is solid as is his handle against pressure despite not being overly quick. Due to his savvy, rangy frame, and IQ he will be prospect to watch in the coming seasons.
Adrian McIntyre (Saugas)
2020, CG, 6-foot-1, 160 pounds Club Team: Pump n Run
Joel’s Take: When I think of McIntyre, moxie immediately comes to mind. The aggressive combo-guard can shoot 3s, attack pressure, and exhibits competitiveness and leadership across the board. A definite sleeper in the 2020 class.