Francisco’s Finest: Pangos Best of SoCal Summer Showcase (Class of 2023/Part 1)

<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Francisco’s Finest: Pangos Best of SoCal Summer Showcase (Class of 2023/Part 1)</b></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">LONG BEACH, CA—I felt the next time I’d be in a gym would be a surreal-like feeling—and that is exactly the case. Dinos Trigonis, who had been running events in Arizona, Utah, and Iowa—unveiled his first event in So-Cal—and it was quite good to say the least. From the playmaking abilities of <b>Maurice Wright Jr.</b> and <b>Tyler Rolison</b> to a couple of improved “bigs” in <b>Xavier Edmonds</b> and <b>Jazz Gardner</b>, the talent was evident in the Class of 2023 tilt. </span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Biggest Standouts</b></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Xavier Edmonds (Bishop Montgomery)</b></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>2023, PF, 6-foot-8, 225 pounds</b></span></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Xavier-Edmonds.jpeg?1594070614352"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1010391 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Xavier-Edmonds-150x150.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Joel’s take</b>: Considering what school he attends, I wasn’t surprised about the continuing evolving game of Edmonds. He is blue collar post player that shows solid foot work, good feet, and soft hands. He knows how to seal and finish on the block and his touch is excellent. Not too mention he exhibited a nice touch out to 20-feet. </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Jazz Gardner (Los Altos)</b></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>2023, C, 6-foot-10, 200</b></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Joel’s take:</b> Like with most “bigs” it takes time, but Gardner is definitely showing some progress since the regular season. He has a lean frame with long arms and his inside-out skills are on the come. His touch from the stripe is excellent and his footwork in the post was sound as well. He still needs to continue to bend his knees and play wider, but that will come with development. On the other hand, I liked how he passed out of the post (good vision). Overall, he needs to play with more assertiveness in the paint and grow as a rim protector, but I like his upside. </span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Maurice Wright Jr (Santa Clarita Christian)</b></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>2023, PG, 6-foot-2, 160 pounds</b></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Joel’s take:</b> One of the most impressive point guards of the event, regardless of class, was Wright. He possesses a nice frame with long arms and his overall game is solid. In fact he reminds me of a young Darren Collison. He pushes the ball well in transition and his look ahead passing skill is on the mark. Toss in some 3s and impressive finishes at the rim and you have a nice looking prospect. </span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Jasyre Robinson (Moreno Valley/Rancho Verde)</b></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>2023, WF, 6-foot-7, 175 pounds</b></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Joel’s take:</b> Robinson was the bigger surprises of the event and he is just oozing with upside. He plays at an excellent high school with one of the most underrated coaches in Brandon Baker. Robinson has that prototypical frame with long arms and he is quick athlete with excellent timing. He excels in transition finishing at the rim due to his ability to run and elevate over his defenders. His hands are evident in the areas of tip-ins and touch catchs on the break. One to watch going forward. </span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Tyler Rolison (St. Bernard)</b></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>2023, PG, 6-foot, 160 pounds</b></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Joel’s take:</b> One of the more mature (plays with poise) point guards in the Class of 2023 is Rolison. As a freshman he did a nice job running the offense for his team and he continues to get stronger in all areas of the game. He can lead the break with aplomb as his decison making is excellent and he can finish in the paint consistently. He can run the pick and roll and his vision on the money. </span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Darius Carr (St. Bernard)</b></span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>2023, SG, 6-foot-2, 180 pounds</b></span></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Darius-Carr.jpeg?1594070725352"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1010392 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Darius-Carr-150x150.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Joel’s take:</b> Rolison’s (Tyler) running mate Carr has a nice game of his own. The quintessential two-guard has a strong frame with good length and long arms. He can create his own shot, knock in the deep 3, and he plays hard. He can explode in transition, finish through contact, and is a willing defender—yep, that about sums it up. </span></p>