Francisco’s Finest: JUCO-Bound? (Top Glue-Types)
Francisco’s Finest: JUCO-Bound? (Top Glue-Types)
LONG BEACH, CA— As the playoffs come to a close and underclassmen are checking out their options for the spring evaluation period, it seemed like the appropriate time to list—and it’s quite an extensive list—of the kids that may not be receiving the college interest they desire, but are fully capable of making an impact at the junior college level. Here are the list of players that caught our attention during this high school season and possess the physical tools and/or skill to play at some level college after a junior college stint.
Kendall Frey (Narbonne)
2018, WF, 6-foot-4, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Frey is a well-built wing-type that has excellent ball skills and he plays with purpose in mind. He attacks well off the dribble and can finish through contact at the rim. He shows good vision and can locate open teammates off the bounce. His jump shot needs polishing to keep his “attack-style” open at the next level.
Toby Okwuokei (Etiwanda)
2018, SG, 6-foot-1, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Etiwanda, under the guidance of Dave Kleckner, has a host of position-less players and Okwuokei fits that description to a tee. He can play the one-through-three and with equal aplomb. He can knock down the 3-pointer, attack in transition, and attack then offensive glass. This kid has winner written all over him.
Alpha Akoli (St. John Bosco)
2018, WF, 6-foot-4, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the better athletes in So-Cal has to be Akoli. He had to sit out the 2nd half of the season due to an eligibility issue (5th year started). Akoli plays with a high motor, attacks the rim with a vengeance, and his defensive prowess was impressive. If his jump shot comes around and extends to 19-feet, he’ll be a hot commodity for Division 1 schools.
Garcia has the athleticism and motor to develop into a college playerDevin Garcia (Dominguez)
2018, WF, 6-foot-4, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: The Dominguez Dons had a number of talented perimeter players and Garcia was the glue to the team. The slashing Garcia is a terrific athlete who can maneuver around defenders for the finish or nail the mid-range jump shot. He needs to get stronger and his ball skills against pressure need to improve, but he’s intriguing.
Tavian Percy (Pasadena)
2018, WF, 6-foot-5, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Percy, who came to Southern California from Florida, transitioned into the Bulldog line-up with ease. He is a high-level athlete that can dominate in transition and can also hit the 3-point shot off the catch. To take his game to the next level, he needs to continue to improve his half court skills (pull-up game, etc.)
Nathan Kasongo (St. Paul)
2018, WF, 6-foot-4, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: Blessed with a solidly built frame and good length, Kasongo was definitely one of the catalysts for keeping the Swordsmen close early on (lead was cut to 10 late in the 2nd quarter). He slashed his way to the rim and his jump shot looks solid albeit he didn’t convert in that area. He’ll rebound, defend inside and out, and can score, one area that needs attention is improving his off hand (left) while attacking the defense.