Throwback Thursday: Hustle SZN final takeaways
How about that break? It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to write some stories, and during the interim I’ve seen a ton of basketball. So, for the next few stories, I will be playing catch up, starting…
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Continue ReadingHow about that break?
It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to write some stories, and during the interim I’ve seen a ton of basketball.
So, for the next few stories, I will be playing catch up, starting with my final thoughts on this months Hustle SZN Kickoff in Thousand Oaks.
Yes, it’s been that long!
Hustle SZN Final Takeaways
Coastal Elite 16u Slayers makes big statement
The team of the weekend had to be the Coastal Elite Slayers, who won the 16u championship in runaway fashion over fellow San Diego team West Coast Flight.
Anchoring the big weekend was 6-9 2021 C LJ Glover, who will emerge as one of the top post prospects on the West Coast due to his vastly improved athleticism, rim protection and rebounding. 2021 PG Wayne McKinney carved up teams all weekend, and recently picked up another offer from Boise State.
One of the things that makes this team so formidable its its depth. Beyond McKinney and Glover, the team can go 10 deep and not experience drop off. 6-6 Caleb Nelson and 6-5 Kai Jessie were also extremely impressive.
West Coast Flight 16u is a formidable group
West Coast Flight might have dropped the championship game, but making it there was huge for the upstart Rancho Santa Fe-based program. I left very impressed with the improvement of 6-3 2021 G Christian Gamboa and 6-0 guard Michael Morse, and excited about the growth of Torrey Pines guards Conan O’Brien and Nate Witte.
Tajavis Miller is a name to know in 2022
Los Angeles Elite has one of the best freshmen in Southern California you’ve probably never heard of. 6-2 2022 G Tajavis Miller was an All-League first team selection in the Trinity League – yes, THAT Trinity League – as a freshman. But because he plays for Servite, the worst team in the league, his exploits hover below the radar. What I saw that weekend was an impressive playmaking guard who could score and distribute. He handles the ball, gets into the paint and finishes through contact at a great rate. I’m excited to see what the future holds for him.
Peyton Watson is a high-major prospect
Finally, on a Truth EYBL squad that has better known prospects (Reece Dixon holds a Stanford offer) and bigger names (Shaq’s son Shaqir O’Neal and USC Coach Jason Hart’s eponymous progeny), I left raving about 6-4 Long Beach Poly G Peyton Watson.
He might have had the most upside of any prospect on hand in Thousand Oaks that weekend.
Blessed with impressive length, improving bounce and a dogged intensity, Watson had his fingerprints all over the team’s success. Once his jumper becomes a little more consistent, it’s curtains.