Francisco’s Finest: Summer Standouts (Underclassmen)
Francisco’s Finest: Summer Standouts (Underclassmen) LONG BEACH, Ca.—As the summer winds down and most kids are back in school, here are some of the standouts that exhibited their basketball prowess during the summer months. Before the Fall evaluation period begins,…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Finest: Summer Standouts (Underclassmen)
LONG BEACH, Ca.—As the summer winds down and most kids are back in school, here are some of the standouts that exhibited their basketball prowess during the summer months. Before the Fall evaluation period begins, here are a list of prospects that are committed or are garnering Division I interest, including supreme scorer Javonte Johnson (Chauncey Billups Elite). In addition, stock raisers including the multi-faceted point guard Ty Ty Washington (Firestorm Elite) opened the eyes of college coaches near and far.
Nathan Bittle (Crater/OR)
2021, PF, 6-foot-11, 210 pounds
Joel’s Take: The long and rangy Bittle is a versatile prospect. He is most comfortable launches deep 3s and his touch is impressive. His touch inside and out is a major asset and he shows a high IQ for the game. In transition he can finish on the break with a bang out, but he needs to get stronger in his base and upper body. He gets pushed around on the block too often and struggles to finish through contact.
Kenneth Simpson Jr. (Chaminade)
2021, SG, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds
Kenneth Simpson, Jr. is an explosive combo-guard who could play at the High-Major level.Joel’s Take: Simpson is a modern version of today’s versatile guard. He can play some 1 in a pinch due to his ability to get by opponents and set up teammates, but he is at his best attacking off the dribble and scoring at all three levels. Finishing through contact, knock in 3s, and converting in the paint via the floater makes him a gifted guard.
Ty Ty Washington (Ceasar Chavez/AZ)
2021, PG, 6-foot-3, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: The more I watch Washington the more he reminds me of a Andre Miller (Verbum Dei/Utah/NBA) type. He has the strength to break down pressure. He is equally effective as a faciltator and scorer. As he continues to hone the skills and feel of a point guard, his future looks quite bright.
Aidan Mahaney (Campolindo)
2022, PG, 6-foot-2, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the better looking young point guards in the West is Mahaney. This kid is all about winning and brings a strong mindset to each and every game. He pushes the ball well in the open court, advances the ball well in transition, and can knock down jump shots consistently. His head is always up and he has an array of scoring skills in the paint.
Benny Gealer (Rolling Hills Prep)
2022, PG, 6-foot-1, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: There are not too many guards on the West Coast that oozes confidence like Mr. Gealer. He excels in transition where he shows excellent speed while attacking the defense. He pounds it a bit much, but he is definitely a playmaker. Converting deep 3s in his No. 1 strength and he has the ability to burst by defenders at will. HIs shot selection can be erratic at times, but that should improve with maturity and improved savvy.