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

<p><span style="font-size: 14pt"><b>Francisco's Finest: Class of 2022 Improvements (Combo-Guards)</b></span></p> <p>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 <b>Evan Mobley</b>, <b>Ziaire Williams</b>, <b>BJ Boston, Josh Christopher</b> from the Class of 2020 and <b>Peyton Watson </b>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. <b>Kijani Wright</b> is the most polished prospect thus far, but <b>Amari Bailey</b> and <b>Koat Keat</b> have the most upside in my opinion. Going forward it would not surprise me to see this list change in the coming seasons.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><b>Tajavis Miller (Servite)</b></p> <p><b>6-foot-3, 165 pounds</b></p> [caption id="attachment_975392" align="alignleft" width="150"] <em><strong>Miller reminds me a bit of a young Chauncey Billups</strong></em>[/caption] <p><b>Joel's Take</b>: Miller, who reminds me a little bit of a young Chauncey Billups, is equally effective as a scorer or playmaker for his teammates. His deep shooting stroke is his go-to move, but it can be inconsistent. He has improved as a facilitator—both in transition as well as in the half court set. While in transition he is a one-man fast break who can get to the rim. Improving his initial burst and consistency of his jump shot are keys to his growth. </p> <p><b>Devon Arlington (San Marcos)</b></p> <p><b>6-foot-3, 170 pounds</b></p> <p><b>Joel's Take:</b> Arlington has great size for the position with overall good length, has a nice dose of moxie, and his feel for the game is advanced. He needs to improve his initial burst for the next level, but he keeps defenders honest with hesitation dribbles and his pull-up game is very tight. Floaters and pull-up jumpers come with ease and his 3-point stroke is smooth—not too mention his passing acumen which makes him a D1 point guard for the next level. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><b>Benny Gealer (Rolling Hills Prep)</b></p> <p><b>6-foot-1, 155 pounds</b></p> <p><b>Joel's Take</b>: “Moxie” is the first word that comes to mind when describing Gealer. The fearless scorer has definitely matured during his sophomore campaign. His pull-up shot is tight and he has range and he attacks well in transiton as he snaps passes to open teammates. He has improved his game management savvy, but his ability to finish against length and strength with either hand needs to improve.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><b>Daniel Michelini-Jackson (Santa Monica)</b></p> <p><b>6-foot-2, 160 pounds</b></p> [caption id="attachment_975390" align="alignleft" width="150"] <em><strong>Michelini-Jackson is one of the up-and-coming point guard types in So-Cal.</strong></em>[/caption] <p><b>Joel's Take</b>: One of the biggest revelations this season was the emergence of Michelini-Jackson. The wiry point guard prospect exhibited an nice of combination of scoring and faciliating. He excels in the open court where he drops dimes to open teammates. He can utilize the drive and kick or finish in the length utilizing his length. Overall, he needs to get continually stronger, especially attacking with his off hand (left) and his jump shot needs to gain range and consistency.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><b>Donovan Dent (Corona/Centennial)</b></p> <p><b>6-foot-1, 155 pounds</b></p> <p><b>Joel's Take</b>: Dent is one of the better slashing point guard types in So-Cal for his class. He has an ideal frame for the next level and the quickness and speed too boot. His burst is quite good and he can finish with either hand. Defensively, he has excellen lateral quickness and active hands. He can hit the pull-up in the mid-range area, but he needs to extend the range on his jump shot to take his game to another level.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>