A Scout’s Take: The League (Part 1)
A Scout’s Take: The League (Part 1)
WESTMINSTER, CA—Compton Magic put on another worthwhile event as they presented another nice addition of “The League.” With the exception of recent USC commitment Onyeka Okongwu sitting out due to an injury, the rest of Compton Magic Elite were on display as well as number of up-and-coming prospects from the San Diego-based Gamepoint program.
Francisco’s Finest
Baby KG ?
Evan Mobley (Rancho Christian) Club Team: Compton Magic 17s
2020, PF, 6-foot-10, 210 pounds
Joel’s Take: I was fortunate to take in Kevin Garnett’s act years ago while attending the Nike All-American camp. Garnett, who was a rising junior at the time showed impeccable timing and touch in the lane. Mobley shows those same characteristics at the same stage. However, he also shows better ball handling and can also knock in the 3-point shot. Garnett was stronger finishing though contact and he possessed an array of post moves, but the young Mobley has as promising a future as any big in the country.
Astute Passer
Melo Sanchez (Chula Vista/Mater Dei) Club Team: Gamepoint 15u
2021, SG, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Sanchez is an aggressive scorer, especially in transition. He likes to put it on the deck and get to the basket utilizing a variety of moves. However, what caught our eye was his astute passing ability as he dropped off a number of nifty assists at this event.
Coming around
DeShaun Cooper (Balboa) Club Team: Cali Select 16s
2020, PF, 6-foot-6, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: Cooper has filled out some since the last time we saw him (July), but it’s his improved explosiveness that was evident. He has an impressive follow dunk in traffic and he’s a fluid runner in transition. To take his game to a new level though, he must become a more assertive rebounder and rim protector to impact the game more frequently.
Most Improved
Dean Keeler (Marina) Club Team: Cali Rebels 17u
2019, C, 6-foot-9, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: The willowy Keeler is one of the better looking prospects in the Orange County region. He is a fluid runner who is quite active at both ends of the floor despite his slight frame. His length and bounce allows him to deflect shots, snag rebounds out of his area, and he’ll block the occasional shot as well. Offensively he shows a smooth shooting touch from the paint area out to the elbow.
Jump shooter with bounce
Luke Turner (Rancho Christian) Club Team: Compton Magic 15u
2021, WF, 6-foot-5, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Turner is a lanky 2-guard prospect with very long arms and he is quite bouncy as well. He is a two-footed finisher on the break, but he gets nice lift on his finishes. His forte is his jump shot, however. He has range out to 23-feet and he gets his shot off quickly. He needs to improve his mid-range scoring skills, get more comfortable elevating off one foot, and work on his triple threat game, but his upside is quite good.