West Coast Elite Summer Classic (2019 Sleepers)
West Coast Elite Summer Classic (2019 Sleepers)
CLAREMONT, CA—The 2nd NCAA allotted evaluation period is over and it’s off to Las Vegas. But before we get into that conversation, Ryan Silver launched his West Coast Elite Summer Classic and there was a bevy of “West Coast” talent from California, Utah, Washington, and Oregon to feast our eyes upon. Our first installment will be the 2019 Sleepers.
Nikola Trifnovic (Seattle Prep/WA) Club: FOH Seattle 17U
2019, PG, 6-foot-2, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: This crafty point guard is fearless at both ends of the floor. He shows a solid burst in transition, can change speeds, and his head is always up. He can toss in the runner or deep jump shot and he is clever with his ball handling while attacking the defense.
Dexter Akanno (Valencia) Club: BTI Select
2019, CG, 6-foot-4, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: Akanno is yet another guard-type that is a bit of a ‘tweener. He can score in transition using his strength and aggressive mindset. He impacts the game in the areas of rebounding and perimeter defense. He has active hands, gets into the passing lanes, and he’ll either take it hard to the basket or convert in the mid-range. How his jump shot develops will be the catalyst on what level he ends up at.
Trey Stewart (American Fork/UT) Club: Exum Elite 17U
2019, CG, 6-foot-2, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Stewart is a solid looking combo-guard for the low Division 1. He has long arms, broad shoulders, and he has a good burst off the dribble. His jump shot is playable and at this stage he is more scorer rather than facilitator. Improving his decision making will help his development going forward.
Emmanuel Kuac (Kearns/UT) Club: Exum Elite
2019, WF, 6-foot-5, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the more explosive athletes that encountered in the 2nd session was Kuac. The high-flying wing-type explodes for rebounds in and out of his area and can finish over the top of length. His ball skills are on the come, but his jump shot—albeit it has good lift—needs polishing in the release department.
Griffin Effenberger (Lewis & Clark/WA) Club: FOH Seattle 17U
2019, CG, 6-foot-5, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: If coaches are looking for a hard-nosed perimeter prospect, look no further than Effenberger. The low Division 1 or DII guard-type impacts the game with his motor, pull-up game, and feel. He has a strong frame with broad shoulders and good length and he possesses solid quickness and speed.