Bruce’s Best: Top 5 Fundamentally Sound Players
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We all love spectacular R&J athletes, but for every guy catching the lob, there’s a guy throwing the pass. It’s great to jump high, but fundamentals last longer. In this article, we take a look at the top 10 most…
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Continue ReadingWe all love spectacular R&J athletes, but for every guy catching the lob, there’s a guy throwing the pass. It’s great to jump high, but fundamentals last longer. In this article, we take a look at the top 10 most fundamentally sound players in the state.
Jaden Hardy Jaden Hardy 6'4" | CG Coronado | 2021 State #4 Nation NV 6’5 CG Coronado 2021 (#1PHN 2021)
Best Fundamental: Coming off Screens.
Hardy is the best I’ve seen at the H.S level. Whenever coming off a screen he:
- Sets the defender up with a proper jab step
- Stays low
- Comes off shoulder to shoulder with the screen setter.
Sean Klekas Sean Klekas 6'0" | PG Elko | 2021 State NV 6’0 PG Elko 2022 (#97PHN 2021)
Best Fundamental: Screen Setting.
Lot of PG’s have been good screen setters, Klekas is another one. When setting screens he always:
- Has his base approximately shoulder length apart.
- Makes contact with his man in the middle of the back.
- Stays set.
Will McClendon Will McClendon 6'4" | SG Bishop Gorman | 2021 State #42 Nation NV 6’3 SG Bishop Gorman 2021 (#3PHN 2021) (featured image)
Best Fundamental: Off Ball Defense
McClendon is one of the cleverest defensive players I’ve seen. When he’s off-ball you can expect him to:
- Have his hips and head turned so he can always see ball and man.
- Use his inside hand when attempting passing lane steals.
- Backtap when defenders get pass him.
Sebastian Mack Sebastian Mack 6'4" | CG Coronado | 2023 State #58 Nation NV 6’1 CG Durango 2021 (#1PHN 2023)
Best Fundamental: Layup Package
May seem like a basic thing, but Mack is one of the most fundamental finishers in the state. Once at the rim he will:
- Use either hand to finish
- Maximize distance while using his legally allowed 2 steps
- Keep his chin on the rim until the ball goes through the net.
DJ Thomas DJ Thomas 6'2" | PG Liberty | 2024 #19 Nation NV 6’0 PF Liberty 2024 (#1PHN 2024)
Best Fundamental: Pivoting
Reminds me of the H.S version of Luca Doncic with his footwork. Thomas does a remarkable job of:
- Coming to a two-foot jump stop
- Timing his ball fakes with his pivots
- Using his pivot to create passing angles.