Pangos AA Festival: East – West Recap
The Pangos AA Festival took place this weekend in Chandler Arizona. The format features 40 of the top players in the class of 2021 divided up into 4 regions. The first Semifinal featured the West led by Duke Commit Palo…
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Continue ReadingThe Pangos AA Festival took place this weekend in Chandler Arizona. The format features 40 of the top players in the class of 2021 divided up into 4 regions. The first Semifinal featured the West led by Duke Commit Palo Banchero and the East lead by Uconn commit Rahsool Diggins. The West jumped out to a big lead and never looked back eventually winning the game by a score of 125 – 99.
Here are my takeaways.
1) KJ Simpson is even better than I thought
For the past two years, I have been telling anyone that would listen that KJ Simpson is the best defensive player in the country. Tonight he showed that he can do it on both sides of the floor. His defense checked out as per usual, but he also showed that he can impact games with his 3 point shooting ability, playmaking, and elite R&J athletic ability. Based on his play today, it looks like U of A is getting much more than a defensive star.
2) It’s hard to see how Paolo Banchero Paolo Banchero 6'10" | PF O'Dea | 2021 State #3 Nation WA isn’t going to end up being the #1 pick in the draft in 2 years
Legendary scout Frank Burlison said it best, at times Banchero was toying with his competition. Despite competing against the most elite players in the country, he looked like a man amongst boys. He already has a league ready body, however, what is most amazing about him is his lighting quick first step. The 6’9 4 man moves like a two-guard, on several occasions, Banchero was able to drag his opponent out to the perimeter before unleashing his quick first step and blow by ability.
3) Rahsool Diggins is the prototypical Uconn PG
Although it wasn’t the greatest of nights for the East, Diggins was one of the bright spots. His play reminds you a lot of Kemba and Shabazz Napier. The PG plays with tremendous confidence, has tremendous wiggle, and did a great job of setting up his teammates. Despite the loss, he led all players in the game with 8 assists.
4) I stand by my statement that Kaden Perry Kaden Perry 6'10" | C Battle Ground | 2021 State #16 Nation WA is the most underrated player in the nation
While Banchero is the clear-cut best player in the country, let’s revisit this game roster two years from now. Perry brings energy and a sense of urgency to nearly every play. If you want to identify his best skill, it would be his lighting quick 2nd jump. He uses it to grab rebounds, block and alter shots. It was nearly impossible to finish over the 6’9 PF as players were constantly looking over their shoulders in an attempt to avoid the uber-athletic big.
5) Seattle Rotary had 4 players start the game
One of the most disheartening things about the 2020 EYBL season being canceled is that we may have missed a chance to watch the most talented EYBL team of all time. If you count Drew Carter’s dual scholarship to Colorado, Seattle Rotary’s starting 5 earned 6 scholarships. 4 of those players not only participated but started in the Semifinal game, Nolan Hickman (Kentucky) Palo Banchero (Duke) Kaden Perry Kaden Perry 6'10" | C Battle Ground | 2021 State #16 Nation WA (Gonzaga) Shane Nowell Shane Nowell 6'6" | SG Eastside Catholic | 2021 State #85 Nation WA (Arizona). I can’t guarantee that this team wins Peach Jam, but you would have to show me a more talented squad.