West Coast Elite Summer Classic (Underclassmen Standouts)
West Coast Elite Summer Classic (Underclassmen Standouts)
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.
Ziaire Williams (Sherman Oaks/Notre Dame) Club: BTI Select
2020, WF/PG, 6-foot-7, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Williams continues to ascend up the recruiting ranks due to an ever-growing confidence. With his high school and club team (BTI Select), Williams excels due to having the ball in his hands. He is a point forward type with a sweet handle, impeccable vision, and he is an explosive athlete. His jump shot needs to continue to evolve (release), but he makes enough them to keep opponents honest.
Mady Sissoko (Wasatch Academy/UT) Club: Mountain Stars
2020, C, 6-foot-9, 235 pounds
Joel’s Take: This rim-running 5-man plays with a hot motor and most importantly understands who he is as a player. Arguably one of the best rebounders in the country regardless of class. He snatches boards in and out of his area and he can explode over the defense. His offense is still in it’s rudimentary stages, but he is a beast overall.
Tsalta Wainwright (Culver City) Club: Team Why Not 16U
2021, CG, 6-foot, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Yes, he likes to launch it, but he is a talent. The slick lefty has unlimited range on his shot and his ball skills are dazzling and instinctive. He has a great burst off the dribble and his mid-range finishing skills are impressive. If the shot isn’t available, he’ll find the open man—think a young Nick Van Exel.
Dylan Anderson (Perry/AZ) Club: Powerhouse Hoops 15 Compton
2022, PF, 6-foot-9, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: Anderson is arguably one of the Top 5 soon-to-be-ninth graders in the country. Long frame, huge feet (size 19), and skilled. Despite his enormous feet and a gawky frame, he is quite bouncy in the paint area pursuing rebounds and putbacks. In terms of skill he shows great touch in the paint all the way out to the elbow.
Nathan Biddle (Crater/OR) Club: WCE 15U UAA
2021, PF, 6-foot-9, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: Biddle is yet another promisng prospect from the West Coast. The stretch 4-man can drain 3s, finish in the paint via the drop step or jump hook, and he is a quality athlete. He can fill the lane in transition, finish over the top of the defense, and his timing is quite potent for someone so young.
Jalen Scott (Paradise Honors/AZ) Club: Powerhouse Hoops 15 Compton
2021, PG, 6-foot-1, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Scott has all the physical tools to be a Division 1 point guard someday. Long arms, great speed and quickness, and a ton of savvy. His passing ability is high-lelel for someone of his youth and he has a nice floater to his game. He can knock in the open shot, but it’s his true point guard feel that caught my attention.
Devin Askew (Mater Dei) Club: Big Red
2021, CG, 6-foot-4, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: Askew is one of the more unique prospects in So-Cal. The burly combo-guard is a fearless competitor who can get into the lane utilizing his strength and savvy or launch his solid looking jump shot. He can play on or off the ball, but his biggest improvement has been his decison making as he has become a much more efficient player in the past year.