Francisco’s Finest: Class of 2022 Improvements (Power Forwards/Part 1)
Francisco’s Finest: Class of 2022 Improvements (Power Forwards/Part 1) 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…
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Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Finest: Class of 2022 Improvements (Power Forwards/Part 1)
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.
Kijani Wright (Windward)
6-foot-8, 225 pounds
Joel’s Take: Wright is a physical specimen with a chiseled frame and a whole lot of game. The inside-out 4-man possesses a soft touch from the outside, yet can finish with either hand in the paint. He has great hands, is an instinctive rebounder in and out of his area, and has excellent footwork in the paint area. Going forward he needs to improve his bounce to compete against length at the next level.
Koat Keat (Renaissance Academy)
6-foot-9, 170 pounds
Keat is a Luol Deng type with ball skills and quickness.Joel’s Take: This Luol Deng-type emerged this season at the Westchester Tip-Off Classic. He has quick feet that allows him to blow by opponents in the open floor and the skill to finish. His ability to snatch rebounds, lead the break, and slash his way to the rim is impressive. He has an evolving face-up game from the elbow, but his touch needs to improve as does his strength to finish through contact.
Jeremiah Nyarko (St. John Bosco)
6-foot-7, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: Nyarko is a bouncy 4-man who is just beginning to reach his vast potential. He is a quick leaper in the paint who has long arms to finish over length. His touch from the elbow is impressive as is his savvy in the paint. His ability to finish in transition and timing on the defensive end, exhibits his impressive upside. As his face-up skills (1st step/jump shot range/ball skills) improve, thus will his stock.
Shy Odom (Sierra Canyon)
6-foot-6, 225 pounds
Odom is a best on the inside, but has a nice touch from the perimeter too.Joel’s Take: Due to the Trail Blazers immense talent, Odom wasn’t able to fully showcase his all-around talent. The Barkley-esque 4-man can play inside and out. His touch from the perimeter is on the come and his face-up skills are impressive. He is at his best banging inside and finishing above the rim, but continuing to improve his game 15-feet and out will be key to what level he excels at going forward.
Elijah Price (St. Anthony)
6-foot-8, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: Price has an excellent frame with broad shoulders and long arms. He has soft hands and is active in the paint due to his instincts and quickness. He can catch lobs off the break and gets numerous points finishing in the paint. He needs to improve his footwork in the paint as well as extend his range on his jump shot to improve his stock.