Varsity Level Physically Gifted Players
Over the past few weeks we have seen many different types of physically gifted players. We have seen players that are either super tall or super quick. We have also seen some players that have tremendous strength. You cannot teach height and you cannot teach super speed. You also cannot teach strength. These are all things done in the weight room or in the conditioning room. You can teach techniques like dribbling and shooting but you cannot teach these. Here are some of the physically gifted players we saw this week.
Brandon Oloumou #12 – Menaul Panthers – Center – 6’10 210 lbs
Brandon is obviously gifted in height and length at 6’10 but he is so much more than that. When I asked what position he prefers he immediately told me center which tells me this kid is super tough. Brandon gets most of his points through offensive rebounds and put backs off the glass. His vertical is outstanding and his coach confirmed that it is over 40 inches! Hustling, getting blocks, and rebounding is what Brandon does best. When we saw him he had 3 blocks and 3 steals. The long arms and wingspan are absolutely weapons on the basketball court. I think that Brandon could definitely succeed with his passion to be a big man at the next level.
Xandro Zubia #3 – Monte Del Sol – PG – 5’3 110 lbs
Xandro is a super quick and a super aggressive point guard that can put up points. When we saw him he was loving the pick and roll game as well as driving to the hoop with authority. His speed with the ball definitely reminded me of fast point guards I have seen in the past. His quickness makes it a problem for the other team on defense. An energy player who has max stamina and can stay on the floor for the whole game if needed. A leader who likes to make quick decisions off the pick and roll. When we saw him he had over 20 points and 2 three pointers. The quick thinking, the fast dribbling, scoring and stamina is what Xandro could bring to the next level. I see him as a speedy point guard with nice ball control.
Prashant Chouhan #10 – Menaul Panthers – SG/SF/PF
An offensive weapon who can do it all inside and out, Prashant had 17 points and 7 assists when we saw him play. When I spoke to him he said that he likes to be patient and wait for the right moment to make the correct play even if the result does not work out. He wants to find the open man if that is what the play calls for or expose a matchup instead and take it himself. Along with that he has leadership skills and will tell teammates where to go on the floor if needed. He wants to put his teammates in the right spots and keep everyone on the same page during the game. He plays within the flow of the game and quietly racks up points. When I spoke to him he said that he is very coachable. Leadership, discipline and an all round offensive game is what could make Prashant a very great prospect at the next level.
Javon Tosa #35 – Walatowa Cougars – SF/PF – 6’3
Javon has only been playing Basketball for a few years but his physical gifts are absolutely there. When we saw him at a tournament game, he had the best block we had seen all afternoon over three games. His vertical must be at least 30-35 inches plus. When I spoke to him, he said he is a team player who is smart and does not take many risks. He also told me that he takes pride in playing defense without fouling and that he is very driven to get better. The fact that he is willing to do anything to get better is great for his Basketball future. At this time his best attributes are defense, making high percentage plays, patience, vertical and the willingness to improve.