Francisco’s Finest: UAA Finals 2019 Standouts
Photo Credit: D1Vision.com
Francisco’s Finest: UAA Finals 2019 Standouts
HENDERSON, Nev.— It reached 119 degrees in “Sin City” but it was nice and cool—more like chilly—in the friendly confines of Coronado High School where Under Armour presented their additon of club basketball madness—The UAA Finals. There were a plethora of eye-catching moments as well as some stellar prospects—young and old—including 2020 Anthony Edwards and 2019 Nico Mannion.
Makhi Mitchell (Bishop McNamara/VA) Club Team: DC Premier
2019, PF, 6-foot-9, 235 pounds
Joel’s Take: Mitchell is a burly interior player who has a nice dose of moxie and savvy at both ends of the floor. Despite not being a big leaper per se, Mitchell does know how to carve out space and he has a nose for the ball. Soft hands, long arms, and good feet are part of the package as well.
Isaiah Wong (Monsignor Bonner/NJ) Club Team: WeR1
2019, PG, 6-foot-2, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: In the coming season, Wong will need to refine his jump shot, but the other aspects of the point guard positon are evident. He has great size (long arms) and quickness for the position. In addition, his assist to turnover ration in most games I watched was as efficient as it gets. He has an innate ability to get into the lane and he can either exhibit one of his nifty finishes or drop off the ever-so-clever assist.
Nico Mannion (Pinnacle/AZ) Club Team: West Coast Elite
2019, PG, 6-foot-3, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: It could be argued that Mannion is the most improved player in the country. As a result of his dominant play, Mannion and his family decided to expedite the process and enter college a season early than anticiapted. He posseses outstanding strength, speed, and bounce and he always plays on balance. He can nail the deep 3-ball or stop on a dime and nail the elbow pull-up. Overall, he is a Top 10 national recruit.
Precious Achiuwa (St. Benedict’s/NJ) Club Team: New Heights
2019, PF, 6-foot-9, 225 pounds
Joel’s Take: Achiuwa, like consensu No. 1 prospect James Wiseman, has an up-and-down motor. At this level it doesn’t matter much most of the time because of his immense talent, but heading forward it will affect his production. He is a gifted 4-man who has excellent perimeter skills. He can knock in deep jump shots or explode off the dribble for the monster finish. The body type, athleticism, and skills are there, does he want it bad enough—that will be the question.
Scottie Lewis (Ranney/NJ) Club Team: Team Rio
2019, SG, 6-foot-5, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Lewis plays as if he has been shot out of a cannon. He is arguably the best finisher in the class off the dribble or in transition. His explosiveness borders on the absurd and his defensive prowess is noted as well. However, if he is to reach his potential and play in the NBA, his jump shot and perimeter handle (versus pressure) need to continue to improve.
Will Baker (Westlake/TX) Club Team: Texas Hard Work
2019, C, 6-foot-11, 235 pounds
Joel’s Take: Baker is one of these prototypicle versatile 5-man that are becoming no longer an aberration. The skilled lefty can nail deep shots, handle the ball in the open court, and he’s a fine athlete. His touch is soft, he runs well in transition and not to mention his face-up skills are highly impressive. He needs to play with more physicality going forward but his skill set is impressive.