C/O 2022 Big Guards Wings and Forwards
This is a highly regarded group of NorCal players from the class of 2022 standing at 6’5-6’6 who would’ve attracted the attention of college coaches and media if they were playing this grassroots season. True positions are still being defined…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThis is a highly regarded group of NorCal players from the class of 2022 standing at 6’5-6’6 who would’ve attracted the attention of college coaches and media if they were playing this grassroots season. True positions are still being defined for this young group, whether they’re big guards, wings or forwards, they all played at a high level and were key contributors to the success of their high school teams.
Chris Bunch Chris Bunch 6'7" | SG Wasatch Academy | 2022 State #74 Nation UT 6’6 De La Salle (Concord CA)
Bunch is regarded as the top NorCal prospect in this class. A good frame, broad shoulders, with some added muscle he’ll continue to attract attention, while he develops his skills. He’s a good shooter from three on the catch and shoot or when he gets into a rhythm. He has a nice step back move, his shot selection and efficiency on the jumper are improved. He needs to stay focused and get into the weight room. He has multiple DI offers.
Jaylen Thompson 6’6 St. Joseph Notre Dame (Alameda CA)
Thompson broke out last Spring and Summer on the grassroots circuit, his play attracted the attention of several Pac 12 programs. He has continued to play good ball throughout the high school season. He too has a good frame and broad shoulders, with more muscle and continued skill development, he’ll blossom into a sought after recruit. Expanding the range on his jumper and consistency should be a priority.
Darrion Williams 6’6 Capital Christian (Sacramento CA)
Williams game has improved across the board, he’s still an effective player in the post, he’s transitioned into a quality player on the wings and transition. He handles, and makes good decisions with the ball. He has a good mid range elbow jumper, his efficiency from the three continues to rise. A good low post defender, and a solid rebounder. He’s a steady player who’ll only get better. He averaged 11.2 ppg, 7.8 rebs, 2.8 asts.
Takai Emerson- Hardy 6’6, Vanden (Fairfield CA)
A player with a longwing span, strength, and still growing. Hardy has a rapidly improving skill set. He plays with good intensity and is in the flow of the game. He’s hard to deal with 15 feet and in, his one dribble drive, jumper in the key, and strength around the rim are on display. He’s a top rebounder and an above average defender. Expanding his shooting range will help his game.
Derrick Claxton Derrick Claxton 6'6" | SF Inderkum | 2022 WA 6’5, Inderkum (Sacramento CA)
A slender player with good moves and touch around the basket, his use of the backboard stands out. A good player in transition who sprints to fill the lanes for layups and dunks. As a Sophomore he was the leading scorer and rebounder on a pretty good team. 15.6 ppg, 8.8 rebs. He has good length and blocks a good number of shots. He has some scoring ability in him. His time in the weight room and continued skill work, his stock will rise. I will see more of him
Miles Byrd Miles Byrd 6'6" | SF Lincoln | 2022 State #174 Nation CA-N 6’5 Lincoln (Stockton CA)
A long armed wiry player still growing, a skill set that needs some polishing. He has the ability to create his own shot off the dribble, hit the mid-range jumper and knock down the three. If he becomes efficient doing these, his stock will go up. He can get to his spots or take it to the rim in transition, his passing is good. He gets a lot of deflections and plays the lanes well with his long wingspan. He averaged 12.3 ppg, 6.4 rebs, 2.8 asts.