Francisco’s Finest: Class of 2022 Improvements (Point Guards)

Joel Francisco

April 28, 2020 @ 01:15 PM

Francisco's Finest: 2022 Improvements (Point Guards) LONG BEACH, CA—After breaking down the Classes of 2020 and 2021, it is now time to dive into the Class of 2022. Unlike the previous classes where there were can't miss prospects like Evan Mobley, Ziaire Williams, BJ Boston, Josh Christopher from the Class of 2020 and Peyton Watson from the Class of 2021, the Class of 2022 doesn't appear to have “that guy” just yet, but they still have plenty of time. Kijani Wright is the most polished prospect thus far, but Amari Bailey and Koat Keat have the most upside in my opinion. Going forward it would not surprise me to see this list change in the coming seasons. Dylan Andrews (Windward) 6-foot-3, 165 pounds [caption id="attachment_974637" align="alignleft" width="150"] Andrews is a talented all-around point guard who has improved his game management skills. [/caption] Joel's Take: Andrews has been on the recruiting radar since his freshman season. He has good size, solid speed and quickness, and he is full of moxie. He has evolved as a facilitator and game manager and those are areas that need to progress. He can score at three levels as well, but consistency with his jump shot needs to improve. Christian Watson (Long Beach Poly) 6-foot-2, 155 pounds Joel's Take: Watson wasn't even on the radar a year ago, but after a breakout sophomore campaign, he is definitely on the rise. The brother of standout senior-to-be Peyton, the younger Watson has an intriguing upside as well. He is growing both physically and skillfully and projects well to the next level. Continuing to mature as a faciltator (pick and roll/drive and kick/etc.) as well as improving the consistency in his jump shot will enhance his stock with coaches. As he gets stronger, his ability to finish through contact will improve. Barrington Hargress (Ribet Academy) 6-foot, 165 pounds [caption id="attachment_835802" align="alignleft" width="150"] Hargress is a consistent jump shot away from taking his game to a whole new level.[/caption] Joel's Take: This bullish point guard is a true facilitator who has a mature feel for the game. He has the strength to carry defenders on his hip, get into the lane, and either deliver the nifty assist or at times—bang on the defender. Finishing in the paint is a true gift for him as he displays excellent body control and he can convert with either hand. He can hit the occasional 3, but his jump shot needs to continue to get more consistent. Jeremy Dent-Smith (Gardena/Serra) 6-foot, 160 pounds Joel's Take: Dent-Smith is another true point guard with a solid frame, good instincts for the position, and he changes speeds well while attacking. He can hit the 3-point shot (off the catch/step-backs), deliver the high IQ pass (good vision) to open teammates, and his head is always up while navigating the defense. His initial burst needs to improve as quick and/or strong defenders can give him issues. Jalen Vasquez (Bishop Montgomery) 6-foot, 155 pounds Joel's Take: Jalen is the younger brother of Josh who is now at Montana running the show for the Grizzlies. Jalen has a similar traits as his brother. He has a nice wiry frame, good quickness, plays on balance, and his shooting stroke is smooth. It was unfortunate that he missed most of his sophomore campaign due to injury, but with this lay-off, he can continue to gain strength while mastering his skill level.