Francisco’s Finest: Pangos Spring Live (Part 2)
Francisco’s Finest: Pangos Spring Live (Part 2)
NORWALK, CA—Although the majority of the elite club teams were battling it out in Indianapolis and Atlanta, Dinos Trigonis lured some of the better 15U and 16U teams to his event—and the short trek up to Cerritos College was worth it.
Derrick Nettles Jr. (Rancho Verde) Club Team: Team Why Not 15U EYBL
2021, 6-foot-6, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: The big-bodied Nettles Jr. was a varsity contributor this spring due to his strong frame and motor. Well, nothing changed during this event as he affected the game with his assertiveness at both ends. He snagged rebounds, led the break, and powered his way to the rim on a number of occasions. He keeps possessions alive with his nose for the ball and timing. He can force it at times and he needs to implement the jump stop while attacking, but he is productive.
Skyy Clark (Homeschool) Club Team: Team Why Not 15U EYBL
2022, PG, 6-foot, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the better 8th graders in So-Cal is Clark. The multi-skilled has a mature scoring package as he can convert baskets at all three levels, but his specialty is maneuvering his way to the rim. He shows great dexterity while navigating through the defense and his body control and nifty scoring ability in the paint is quite potent. If the defense sags, he can drain the deep jump shot.
Dimtrius Dudley (Heritage Christian) Club Team: Team Why Not 15U EYBL
2022, CG, 6-foot-1, 150 pounds
Joel’s Take: Dudley possesses that ideal basketball frame with long arms and he is athletic as well. He can get to the rim off the dribble and his burst is impressive. He displayed a nice runner in the paint and he shows good body control while attacking. His jump shot looks solid out to 19-feet and he looks like a prospect that has much room to improve upon as he matures physically.
Caleb Whalen (Arroyo Grande) Club Team: 3Ball
2019, CG, 6-foot, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Whalen is a fearless competitor who displayed some nifty ball skills versus pressure and he finished quite a few plays in the paint over length. He pushes the ball hard in transition, advances the ball to open shooters, and has a bevy of moxie at both ends of the floor.
Gage Gomez (Arroyo Grande) Club Team: 3Ball
2020, 6-foot-3, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: The slick lefty with a sweet stroke had his jumper flowing and his release is quick. He handles the ball well in the open court, makes good decisions, and he plays with purpose in mind. His forte is shooting off the catch, but he can also hit the pull-up. He needs to get stronger attacking the rim and finishing through contact, but he was solid throughout the weekend.
Chris Howell (San Marcos) Club Team: Coastal Elite Slayers 16U
2021, PG, 6-foot-6, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: Howell has elite size for the lead guard position and he plays the game at a very high level in terms of savvy. His passing is impeccable on the break as well as in the half court set. He’ll rebound, start the break, and he manages the half court offense with aplomb. However, if he is to play at the highest level or the Division 1 level for that matter, he must improve his ability to knock in the open shot as well as finishing in traffic.
Austin Cook (Damien) Club Team: Coastal Elite Slayers 17U
2020, WF, 6-foot-5, 210 pounds
Joel’s Take: The physical wing has a nice feel for the game and he is a knock down shooter. He sets up his shot well and is always on balance while releasing his shot. His savvy stands out as well with his ability to deliver timely passes in the half court set. He’ll hit the offensive glass and has a nose for the ball. He needs to get better at finishing in the break over length and through contact as well, but overall he is solid basketball player.