Classic at Damien: Underclassmen Standouts (Part 1)
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Classic at Damien: Underclassmen Standouts (Part 1) LA VERNE, CA—Despite a surge of Covid over the Southland, the Classic at Damien persevered with some outstanding games and talent galore—especially the underclassmen. There were some senior standouts like Colorado State-bound Jack…
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Continue ReadingClassic at Damien: Underclassmen Standouts (Part 1)
LA VERNE, CA—Despite a surge of Covid over the Southland, the Classic at Damien persevered with some outstanding games and talent galore—especially the underclassmen. There were some senior standouts like Colorado State-bound Jack Payne (Owyhee/ID) and Fresno State-bound Joseph Hunter Joseph Hunter 6'3" | PG San Joaquin Memorial | 2022 #80 Nation CA-S (Damien) as well as some scintillating underclassmen like 2024 Vyctorius Miller (Crean Lutheran) and 2025 Jovani Ruff (LB Poly).
Jovani Ruff (Long Beach Poly)
2025, SG, 6-foot-5, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: It’s pretty amazing how sound Ruff’s overall game is considering his youth. He is a scoring machine and can convert buckets from all three levels. He has a tight release on his shot and he gets it off quick. His uncanny ability to get to the basket is impressive and he stays low off the dribble. He plays at a great pace and rarely forces the issue, which is very unusual for a freshman. Will be fun to watch his evolution in the coming years.
Vyctorius Miller (Crean Lutheran)
2024, SG, 6-foot-5, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Miller has had a national reputation for a while and he continues to elevate his game. The multi-skilled guard can play all three perimeter positions and he plays the game at a great pace. He has a good burst off the dribble, excellent vision, and he’s a savvy passer. He can knock down the jump shot as well, but his strength is creating off the dribble for either the mid-range score or the assist. Very good-looking prospect here.
Jazz Gardner Jazz Gardner 7'0" | C Los Altos | 2023 State #85 Nation CA-S (Los Altos)
2023, C, 7-foot, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: Gardner has slowly, but assuredly, become a high-level prospect. He doesn’t have much bounce, but this game is about skill—and he has that in droves. He is quite the sniper from beyond the arc, has a solid jump hook at his disposal, and his release on his shot is tight. He has good hands as well and solid fundamentals. In the half-court set, he exhibits a high-level passing game and he plays with a high basketball IQ.
Brayden Burries (Riverside Poly)
2025, SG, 6-foot-4, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the best freshmen not only in the event, but the entire country is Burries. He has a strong frame with good length and his ball skills and scoring ability off the dribble are uncanny. He squares up nicely getting into a triple threat position and his 1st step is impressive. While attacking he shows the ability to get into the lane and his excellent body control while finishing is uncanny. He can knock in the 3-point shot as well and it will be intriguing to see how his overall game evolves in the coming seasons.