Open Gym Report: Jesuit Crusaders
PrepHoops Oregon is hitting up open gyms in the Portland Metro area this next month to get an early look some of the top teams. Tuesday morning’s visit was to see the Jesuit Crusaders. Unlike past seasons, football didn’t take away too many guys as most of the prospective varsity squad was there in the gym. There wasn’t any scrimmaging but assistant coach Dan Feest led the squad through some ball-handling, passing, and shooting drills.
Here are observations on the several players that were present:
Justin Bieker (2019)
Bieker will have an expanded role this year after being more of a supporting cast member last season. The 6-foot-5 lefty really worked on his perimeter game over the summer and this morning he was shooting the ball extremely well from beyond the three-point line. Bieker was also the only player in the gym who could dunk the ball on drills involving finishing at the basket. He is currently getting some D2 looks but is still hoping to attract the attention of WCC schools for a walk-on opportunity.
Aiden Williams (2019)
Williams didn’t shoot the ball as well as we have seen him do all summer long in terms of making buckets, but as far as catching and shooting, his quick release, form, and rotation on the ball were spot on. He has been working on his ball-handling to play a bit more at the point this season and it was evident in the workout. Williams is getting looked at by a number of D3 schools and like Bieker, is also hoping for an opportunity to walk-on at a WCC institution.
Matthew Levis (2020)
Levis garnered a lot of experience playing with International Elite 16U this summer. The 6-foot junior showed some good energy in the workout and while his outside shot was a little flat, he did manage to sink quite a few jumpers. Levis was also a bit more vocal than the other guys in the gym and may find himself having more of a leadership role on the team.
Sam Wiltjer (2019)
Wiltjer, the younger brother of former Crusader star Kyle Wiltjer, is clearly not at the same level as the former Kentucky/Gonzaga standout. But at 6-foot-6, he is one of the tallest players at Jesuit and will provide post play for the height-challenged Crusaders. At this workout, he moved well and was able to hit some mid-range jumpers off the catch-and-shoot.
Roy Bunn (2021)
Bunn played on the freshman team last year but got a taste of high level competition this summer with the Rose City Rebels 15U squad. He is compact at 5-foot-8, but quick with his handle and while his outside shooting has been a question mark, he showed some improvement in that area in this workout once he got into rhythm. According to Feest, Bunn will probably be moved up to the varsity squad this season.
Michael Brittingham (2021)
Brittingham also played on the freshman team last year. At about 5-foot-10, he’s jet quick with the basketball and has a pretty nice looking shot from the outside. Physically he still needs to put on some weight so the question is will he able to battle with the toughness he’ll face in the Metro League but it appears the skills are there.
Dapre Gaston (2021)
Gaston immediately stood out as he was one of the tallest guys in the gym. At about 6-foot-5 and maybe still growing, the sophomore is long and lanky but is clearly raw and still getting a feel for the game. But Gaston ran the floor well and oozes potential. According to Feest, he will likely spend time on JV this season.