Prospect Spotlight: 2019 Oscar Lopez (Bishop Montgomery)
Prospect Spotlight: 2019 Oscar Lopez (Bishop Montgomery)
TORRANCE, CA—Over a year ago, Oscar Lopez made one of the most important moves of his life—leaving Lynwood High School. His game wasn’t maturing and scouts—myself included—were losing hope on whether he would reach his potential.
Fast forward one year and life has changed dramatically for Mr. Lopez.
After marinating in a different culture and a new Head Coach in Doug Mitchell, Lopez’ game has been transformed. The ball skills and overall feel for the game have always been there for him, but now he is in the best shape of his life and his game has catapulted to new heights.
Lopez is a 6-foot-5 wing-type with very good ball skills, an innate passing ability, and he is as tenacious a competitor as you will find.
Lopez is an all-around glue-type who can impact the game inside and out. (Photo credit: Nick Koza)While on the block he knows how to carve out space, can finish with either hand, and he has terrific hands. On the perimeter, he can screen and cut with aplomb, and his perimeter shot has become more dependable.
Heading into his junior campaign, he had zero college interest, but due to the coaching of Mitchell and the mindset change of being part of one of the best clubs in the nation in West Coast Elite, he is experiencing the fruits of his labor.
“He has received offers from Cal State Fullerton, New Mexico, San Diego, Santa Clara, Cal Poly, UC Davis, Northern Arizona, Montana, and Sacramento State,” notes Director of the West Coast Elite program Ryan Silver.
Lopez doesn’t plan to make his official visits until the fall. “I want to wait until the July evaluation period is over,” explains Lopez.
In the past month, Lopez has been nursing a foot injury, but he appears to be on the mend after taking half of June off from any basketball activity. Knowing his newly discovered aggressive mindset, Lopez will be itching to hit the hardwood in July to take his stock to even higher level.