HUSTLESZN DAY ONE STANDOUTS 2023
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Day 1 of the Hustle SZN Kickoff in Irvine, CA is in the books. The class of 2023 was well represented. There were a number of prospects who caught our attention with their standout performances on the first day of…
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Continue ReadingDay 1 of the Hustle SZN Kickoff in Irvine, CA is in the books. The class of 2023 was well represented. There were a number of prospects who caught our attention with their standout performances on the first day of this event. Here’s a breakdown of the top performers in this 2023 class.
Jimmy Oladokun 6’8 Forward, Two One Elite, Damien HS.
This prospect has to be regarded as a rising prospect in California. His size, and movement on the court indicates that he’s a player that’s going to continue to raise his game. He was hard to stop with his inside work. Good footwork, a solid jump hook, multiple dunks standing under the rim off two feet. He rebounds, runs the court, showed some handles, and shot the 3 ball.
Nathaniel Simon 6’0 Combo Guard, MultiLevel Basketball, Jurupa Hills HS, San Diego, CA.
Simon could have been the top scorer of the day. He turned in a 33pt performance in game 1. He’s was on go at the tipoff. This team started the game with just 4 players. Simon picked up the slack, he scored in the half court, transition, and free throws it didn’t really matter. He got buckets slicing and dicing, and through contact. A good ball handler, he sees the court, and will deliver good passes to teammates.
George Gale George Gale 6'4" | SF Branson | 2023 State CA-N 6’6 Wing/Forward, NBBA. The Branson School.
Gale’s fun to watch. He’s bouncy, and active on both ends of the court. He has such long strides that get him up the court in a hurry. The long reach causes problems on the defensive side of the ball. He has a good skillset for a player his size. Gale showed he can play inside or out, knocking down corner 3’s, driving into the lane, and dropping it in, along with effective play on the inside. He’ll have to bulk up a bit.
Kaeden Castillero Kaeden Castillero 6'0" | SG Liberty | 2024 State NV 6’0 Guard, West Coast Select 2023, Liberty HS.
Castillero is a 2024 prospect from Nevada playing with the 16U team. It’s understandable when you watch him play. Castillero might get overlooked at times, but make no mistake about it he’s a knock down 3pt shooter, and he knows it. It was my first look at Castillero, he’s a decent handler, a smart player probing when he has the ball, and ready to drop a 3 on the catch and shoot.
Derek Taylor 6’7 Forward, No Fear Elite, Hilmar HS.
Taylor a long armed lefty worked hard on both ends of the court going after rebounds. He had multiple put backs because of his efforts. He seemed to grow more confident as the game continued. He has a good touch around the basket, finishing with either hand, and off the back board.