Francisco’s Finest: Geico Top Flight Invite (Nat’l Spotlight/FL)
Francisco’s Finest: Geico Top Flight Invite (Nat’l Spotlight/FL) GILBERT, AZ.—Since school started in this virtual world of learning, my mind has been working at a frenetic pace developing lessons and projects for my students. However, when a colleague of mind—and…
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Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Finest: Geico Top Flight Invite (Nat’l Spotlight/FL)
GILBERT, AZ.—Since school started in this virtual world of learning, my mind has been working at a frenetic pace developing lessons and projects for my students. However, when a colleague of mind—and fellow Prephoops writer—Devin Ugland text me about this event on ESPN2, it was a no-brainer to put my studies down and watch some hoops. It began with a tilt between national powerhouse Big Red (Mater Dei) versus one of Arizona’s in Tri Starting 5 (Sunnyslope). Toss in the likes of consensus No. 1 prospect Chet Holmgren and scoring dynamo Jaden Hardy (Coronado) translated into an epic day of hoops viewing.
Moussa Diabate Moussa Diabate 6'10" | PF IMG Academy | 2021 State #22 Nation FL (Nat’l Spotlight/FL)
2021, 6-foot-10, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: When it comes to having a hot motor, Diabate has to be near the top of the list. The versatile power forward is a menace to deal with on the block as well as when he’s exhibiting his face-up skills. He has a quick 1st step and the dexterity to slither through defenders for the finish. Terrrific feet and quick jumping ability are part of the package. Defensively, he showed his potential with his ability to defend out in the perimeter. I would be surprised if he is not on an NBA roster a couple of seasons from now.
Jaden Bradley Jaden Bradley 6'2" | PG IMG Academy | 2022 State #15 Nation FL (Nat’l Spotlight/FL)
2022, PG, 6-foot-3, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Bradley is regarded by many pundits as the No. 1 point guard prospect in his class. His passing acumen is high-level and he possesses a Chauncey Billups type of frame. He pushes it well in the open court, has a tight handle, and he showed glimpses of a solid pull-up game. He is a pass-first lead guard, but into today’s game I would like to see him develop a more consistent jump shot and scoring package.
(Nat’l Spotlight/FL)
2021, SG, 6-foot-4, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: The Texas-bound wing-type affects the game in multiple ways. He has long arms, broad shoulders, and nimble feet. The multi-positional defender did a nice job of making life difficult for Jaden Hardy in the 2nd half as Nat’l Spotlight captured the championship. Offensively, he can knock in the 3, slash his way to the rim, and his motor and attention to detail is terrific.
Eric Dailey Jr (Nat’l Spotlight/FL)
2022, PF, 6-foot-7, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: Dailey plays as if he was shot out of a cannon. The chiseled 4-man is a lefty who thrives in transition and finish with authority. He showed an ability to finish through contact and he is active on the glass at both ends of the floor. His shooting skill extends to the 3-point line, but that is an area that could improve to raise his stock.
Jett Howard Jett Howard 6'5" | SG IMG Academy | 2022 State #64 Nation FL (Nat’l Spotlight/FL)
2022, SG, 6-foot-5, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: When you’re the son of a High Major coach (Juwan Howard), you’re going to be targeted early on—and that is the case with Jett Howard Jett Howard 6'5" | SG IMG Academy | 2022 State #64 Nation FL . The prototypical shooting guard has a soft shooting touch that extends out to the 3-point stripe and he gets great lift on his shot. His long arms and active hands make his a defensive threat and the instincts and motor are evident as well.