Francisco’s Geico Takes: IMG Acad vs Sunrise Christian–Risen Up
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Francisco’s Geico Takes: IMG Acad. vs Sunrise Christian (Risen UP) FORT MYERS, FL—Each and every season one of the events I look forward to is the Geico Nationals. The combination of high-level talent and effort never disappoints—and this year’s version…
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Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Geico Takes: IMG Acad. vs Sunrise Christian (Risen UP)
FORT MYERS, FL—Each and every season one of the events I look forward to is the Geico Nationals. The combination of high-level talent and effort never disappoints—and this year’s version of the event was no different. Whether it was the potent point guard play of Tennessee-bound Kennedy Chandler Kennedy Chandler 6'1" | PG Sunrise Chrisitan | 2021 State #14 Nation KS or the immense potential of 2022 Jalen Duren Jalen Duren 6'9" | PF Montverde Academy | 2022 FL , each and every game did not disappoint.
On the Rise
Tamar Bates Tamar Bates 6'4" | PG IMG Academy | 2021 State FL (IMG Academy)
2021, WF, 6-foot-5, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Bates is a late-blooming wing-type who excels in transition. The lefty scorer excels in transition due to his slashing ability and bounce. He gets a good lift on his jump shot, has a quick first step to the basket, and he has improved his shooting with deep range. He gets his shot off quickly and overall his scoring package is evolving to all three levels.
Basketball Player
Gradey Dick Gradey Dick 6'7" | SF Sunrise Christian (KS) | 2022 State #21 Nation KS (Sunrise Christian)
2022, WF, 6-foot-7, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the better all-around juniors I’ve seen this season has been Dick. The recent Kansas-bound wing-type affects the game in multiple ways. He stops on a dime and can deliver the jump shot from deep or drop off a nifty pass. He is an instinctive rebounder, handles it well in the open court and he can finish in transition.
3-Point Marksmen
Kenny Pohto Kenny Pohto 6'10" | C Sunrise Christian | 2021 #186 Nation KS (Sunrise Christian)
2021, PF, 6-foot-9, 225 pounds
Joel’s Take: Pohto is an intriguing 5-man for the next level. The game has changed in the last decade or so, and Pohto is proof of that statement. His touch from beyond the arc is impressive and his shooting mechanics are tight. He isn’t a rim-running “big”, but he can set screens and would flourish in a pick-n-pop offensive set.
Jaden Shackleford clone
Jaden Akins Jaden Akins 6'3" | PG Ypsi Prep | 2021 #87 Nation KS (Sunrise Christian)
2021, 6-foot-1, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: Being out in California I became familiar with Alabama shooting guard Jaden Shackleford—and that is who Jaden Akins Jaden Akins 6'3" | PG Ypsi Prep | 2021 #87 Nation KS reminds me of heading forward. The Michigan State-bound combo-guard has a feathery stroke and the ball skills to get to the rim.