Stock Risers: 2021
After analyzing the first half of the AAU season there have been a few players out of the 2021 class that have improved their stock and are looking to turn into household names leading up into their sophomore seasons. The freshman year is always the year where you showcase your potential and how good you could possibly be while also showcasing what they can do at a high level now. Here are a few freshman who have improved their stock this spring.
Derrick O’Neal – PG 5’7 Ceres HS
O’neal is a good on-ball defender and plays at a good pace. His court vision is descent but can still improve. His outside shot can also be more consistent but O’Neal has shown flashes that he could be a floor general point guard that may be very effective out of the pick and roll. If O’Neal’s jump shot becomes more consistent along with him continuing to get stronger, he will turn into a solid point guard in Nor-Cal over the next few years.
Juwelle Jack – PG 5’9 Vallejo HS
Jack is an athletic guard who gets to the rim well and jumps well for his size. His outside shooting has also improved and he has worked hard on the defensive end. Jack has potential to be one of the top players out of the North Bay Area as he continues to develop his game. He will need to improve in creating for others when he penetrates but once he masters that part of his game he will be an impact player in the area.
Lucky Hampton – SG 6’2 Salesian HS
Hampton is a long athletic guard with a good wingspan and can shoot from the outside. He attacks the basket descent but it will be better once he adds strength to his upper body and core area. He will also need to improve on the defensive end but as he looks to play varsity as a sophomore for Coach Mellis, Hampton should improve in that area. His size and ability to shoot will make him a solid prospect.
Gabriel Patrick – SG 6’3 St. Patrick-St. Vincent’s HS
Patrick has shown a lot of improvement over the past three months since the high school season has ended. He was able to grow a little bit and work on his body. He is a potential division 1 player due to his ability to create his own shot, defend, get to the rim, and his athletic ability. Patrick will have to show that he can play point guard in order to increase his chances at reaching a division 1 school but his development has been critical over the spring.