Francisco’s Finest: Southern California Tip Off (Best Shooters)
GARDEN GROVE, CA—The club basketball season has arrived and it was time to make a trek down to the Next Level Complex for the Southern California Tip Off. Gerry Freitas, a Nor Cal basketball guru who puts on events during the spring and summer, did another outstanding job of corralling the best teams and players from around the area. However, at the end of the day it would be highly touted sophomore by the name of Nico Mannion that would steal the show. Here we take a look at the best shooters of the event.
DJ Davis (Centennial) Club Team: Truth EYBL 16u
2020, CG, 6-foot, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Davis is about scoring and he is quite good at that aspect of the game. He is a prolific jump shooter with deep range (23-feet) and his release is impeccable. He can attack off the dribble and can score in a variety of ways in the paint area. He’ll find open teammates off the dribble and his vision is evident, but he is a scorer first and foremost.
Clark Slajchert (Oak Park) Club Team: WCE 16 UAA
2020, 6-foot-1, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: The savvy Slajchert impacts the game with his moxie and scoring ability. He can play either guard spot and excels at both positions. He projects a 1, but he can be a cold-blooded scorer. His jump shot is high-level and he gets it off quick. Developing his point guard skills (drive and kick/advancing he ball in transition/pick and roll) will take his game to a new level.
Julian Rishwain (Sherman Oaks Notre Dame) Club Team: WCE 17 UAA
2019, SG, 6-foot-5, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Rishwain was arguably the best shooter in the event. He has extraordinary long arms and he gets his shot off quickly. He sets up shot well, is always on balance, he shoots it with confidence either off the catch or off the dribble. He needs to get stronger finishing in the paint and be able to play through contact while attacking, but overall his progression has been quite good.
Dillon DePina (Heritage Christian) Club Team: WCE 16 UAA
2020, WF, 6-foot-3, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: DePina is a thick-bodied wing who can score in bunches. He has a smooth 3-point shot, but he also has the knack to score in the paint and off the dribble. He uses his frame to ward off finishers while finishing, but it’s his 3-point shot that stood out this weekend.
Jaden Shakelford (Hesperia) Club Team: Truth EYBL
2019, CG, 6-foot-3, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: The left-handed marksmen plays the game at a great pace. He can lead the break, stop on a dime, and launch a picture-perfect jump shot. He is always on balance while launching his shot and equally effective off the catch as he is off the dribble. His passing acumen is impressive as he zips cross-court passes on the money. At the next level his ability to score and pass will allow him to swing between the 1 and the 3.
Jake Kyman (Santa Margarita)
2019, WF, 6-foot-7, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: Kyman is coming off a stellar junior campaign and is go-to skill is shooting. He is a consistent 3-point shooter off the catch and he gets nice lift on his shot. His IQ for the game is displayed through his passing prowess as well. He needs to get stronger and more explosive while finishing in transition and continue to develop his mid-range skills to elevate his stock.