Open Gym Report: Jefferson Democrats
PrepHoops Oregon will be hitting up open gyms in the Portland Metro area this next month to get an early look some of the top teams. Friday’s visit was a return trip to Jefferson, to get a look at the varsity squad. Virtually the entire team was there with the exception of Marcus Tsohonis, who is still rehabbing an ankle injury, and Keylin Vance, who was out due to an emergency according to head coach Pat Strickland.
Here are observations on all the players present:
Nate Rawlins-Kibonge (2021)
Rawlins-Kibonge wasn’t able to participate in the recent Prime Time Top 40 Showcase but at the workout he didn’t look limited at all. He rebounded well but where he made the most impression was with his soft touch facing the basket on mid-range baseline jumpers and working the high-low passing with Kam Robinson. Defensively he was very vocal calling things out and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him become one of the team’s vocal leaders this season, even as a sophomore.
Kam Robinson (2021)
As we have noted elsewhere, Robinson visibly looks in better shape and you can see the results in his movement and his stamina. What he might have lost in weight he hasn’t lost with his skills, as he still established position inside, had a soft touch with his shot, and capably tipped the ball to himself or others on rebounds. Like Rawlins-Kibonge, he was able to execute the high-low passing on both the passing and receiving ends, and also capably knocked down some mid-range jumpers.
Jalen Brown (2019)
It’s becoming very clear that Brown is the team’s most explosive athlete as he finished with two-handed dunks in transition. But in this workout he was clearly the best outside shooter on the team, hitting long range shots from well beyond the three-point line. The key to Brown this season will be his consistency as the talent is definitely there.
Rayven Turner (2021)
As if the Jefferson Class of 2021 didn’t already have enough size, the Demos also have Turner who at 6-foot-5 should play on the frontline. The sophomore is a great athlete who can really finish at the rim but in this workout showed that he’s improved on his ball-handling and perimeter shooting this summer.
Jonathan Nchekwube (2019)
Nchekwube adds even more frontcourt depth for the Demos at 6-foot-7 with a combination of size and athleticism. In this workout, he was extremely physical down low with his teammates even making comment about how tough he was playing. In addition to finishing baskets down low, Nchekwube also showed some of the expanded skills he has been working on, with a decent looking lefty shot and some improving ball-handling.
Trevon Richmond (2019)
With Tsohonis and Vance out, Richmond served as the main point guard for whatever squad he was placed with and capably ran the offense. The 6-foot senior’s shot seemingly hasn’t been on target the last few times we have seen him, but as usual he was all over the court around the ball.
Lamar Washington (2022)
Last week we got a chance to see Washington work out in some one-on-one drills with Trejon Williams and Mookie Cook and show off his incredible shooting range. This week was a little different in full scrimmage situations. Washington was able to utilize his body to create space on drives and while his shot wasn’t necessarily on, it is clear that he will be very effective on catch and shoot opportunities.
Jalen Adams (2021)
This is the first time we’ve been able to get a look at Adams, the son of Jefferson assistant coach Ray Adams, who played for Nike Team Northwest 15U in the spring but was hurt during the summer. He appears to be at full strength now and should provide depth at the point for the Demos. Adams handled the ball well against pressure in the half-court and while he didn’t hit many shots from the perimeter, his form and release looked pretty solid.
Willie Taylor (2019)
At 6-foot-5, Taylor is a hard-working post who will help provide depth for Jefferson in the paint. He will also provide senior leadership.
Isaac Allwine (2021)
Allwine, at 5-foot-9, is a developing point guard who can handle the ball and shoot it a little from the outside. He will likely be playing on the JV squad.