Arizona End of Summer Showcase – Best “four” men
Gerry Freitas had an impressive collection of team and individual talent on hand at the Inspire Courts in Arizona for his End of Summer Showcase. The collection of teams from the West Coast included a number of familiar faces in…
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Continue ReadingGerry Freitas had an impressive collection of team and individual talent on hand at the Inspire Courts in Arizona for his End of Summer Showcase. The collection of teams from the West Coast included a number of familiar faces in new jerseys, including Compton Magic standout Malik Thomas Malik Thomas 6'3" | SG Damien | 2021 State #99 Nation CA-S , who participated with Oxnard-based Team Build Up.
Washington Supreme was the story of the event, as they dominated EYBL program Vegas Elite en route to a 4-0 showcase record.
In this report, we talk about some of the power forwards who impressed us over the weekend that was.
Tyson Degenhart, 6-8 F, Washington Supreme
Several of my colleagues have pegged Degenhart as the event’s top performer, and it’s hard to argue that. Degenhart brings a blend of physicality and inside-out skill that makes him a mismatch for opponents. He shoots it at a good clip from deep on the catch, and uses that threat to set up straight line drives against slower defenders. If matched up with a smaller defender, he scored at will in the paint and on offensive boards. Boise State has a good one coming their way.
Caleb Nelson Caleb Nelson 6'7" | SF Carlsbad | 2021 State CA-S , 6-7 F, Coastal Elite Slayers
Nelson was the story for the San Diego team, changing the complexion of the game whenever inserted. His perimeter shooting is his calling card, but his energy on the boards, hustle plays and straight line drives against bigger post players were very impressive. Coastal always seemed to go on a run when he was in the game.
Arthur Kaluma Arthur Kaluma 6'7" | PF Dream City Christian | 2021 State #38 Nation AZ , 6-8 F, Vegas Elite
The highly rated prospect fits the mold of the modern four man, with his combination of size, handle and shooting prowess. He scores from each level with confidence, and handles like a guard. Defensively and on the boards, Kaluma needs to be consistently engaged, as his effort level tends to vacillate.
Tre Watson, 6-5 F, NM D1 Ambassadors
Headed to Fresno State for football, Watson is a very good basketball player in his own right. He’s got broad shoulders, long arms and a no-nonsense approach on both ends. He can extend the defense out with shooting to the college three, and takes advantage of mismatches off the dribble (he often played the five for his team). But where he excels is on the boards, where his motor and second jump allow him to get multiple possessions on the offensive glass.
Elijah Saunders Elijah Saunders 6'8" | PF Sunnyslope | 2022 State AZ , 6-7 F, The Show
On a team with an impressive collection of talent, Saunders managed to stand out with his energy and athleticism. Saunders dominated the boards, ran the floor and finished above the rim in transition. He showed solid shooting touch out to midrange and had a nice first step facing up out of the mid post and short corner.
Casey Jones Casey Jones 6'4" | SF Mater Dei | 2021 State CA-S , 6-6 F, Friends of Hoop Seattle
Jones is a bull in a china shop. He attacks the basket looking to dunk everything, and as a result gets to the foul line a lot. He is a streaky shooter, but showed the ability to hit corner threes off the catch. But it is his athleticism and motor that make him a solid prospect.