Francisco’s Finest: Southern California Tip Off (Most Productive)
Francisco’s Finest: Southern California Tip Off (Most Productive)
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. This segment we’ll cover the “Most Productive” players at this event.
Kyree Walker (Hillcrest/AZ) Club Team: Dream Vision
2020, SG, 6-foot-5, 210 pounds
Joel’s Take: Walker, who is committed to Arizona State, is considered one of the Top 10 recruits in the Class of 2020. When you think of him physically—think Stanley Johnson (Detroit Pistons). He bully-balled his way to a number of conversions and he had a highlight reel of explosive dunks in transition. Not too mention he is a potent passer. However, in order for him to be considered an elite recruit, he needs to become a more consistent shooter as well as keep his composure when things are not going his way.
Ethan Anderson (Fairfax) Club Team: Pump N Run Elite
2019, SG, 6-foot-1, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: Anderson is built like an NFL linebacker and he plays with bad intentions. He attacks ferociously in transition and utilizes his strength and bounce to finish in traffic. His pull-up jump shot is tight and his 3-point stroke is solid as well. Overall, he is a physical wing-type that needs to play efficient to garner more college interest.
Shengze Li (Santa Margarita) Club Team: Pump N Run Elite
2019, C, 6-foot-11, 245 pounds
Joel’s Take: Li is one of the newcomers that emerged during the 2017-18 season. He became eligible in January and slowly, but assuredly, put a stamp on every game he entered. His frame strong and lengthy and his feet are nimble. He can step out and convert jump shots and he is active in the paint. His fundamentals (keeping the ball high and playing wide) need polishing, but he is a Division 1 recruit.
Nimari Burnett (Prolific Prep) Club Team: Dream Vision 16u
2020, SG, 6-foot-3, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Burnett grew on me as the weekend progressed. The native from Chicago is a ball stopper, but he makes plays inside and out. He can explode to the rim for the athletic finish or drop in a jump shot. His length (very long arms) and bounce are impressive, but his decision making (getting others involved) need to improve.
John Clausell (Leuzinger) Club Team: Truth EYBL
2019, PG, 5-foot-5, 140 pounds
Joel’s Take: His size for the next level is definitely a concern, but this kid can play. He is a tenacious on-ball defender with a deadly combination of quick hands, exceptional lateral quickness, and a ton of moxie. He can hit the 3-point shot and gets great lift and he has the bounce to finish in traffic.
Sedrick Altman (Colony) Club Team: Dream Vision
2019, SG/WF, 6-foot-4, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: Altman is a consistent jump shot from being recruited consistently at the Division 1 level. He has a prototypical Division 1 frame with long arms, broad shoulders, and he is an explosive athlete. He can break down defenders and get to the rim and he finishes through contact. During the season he had a tendency to do too much, but at this event he advanced the ball to open shooters and played much more efficiently.