Francisco’s Finest: Double Pump Spring Hoop Fest (Biggest Surprises)
Francisco’s Finest: Double Pump Spring Hoop Fest (Biggest Surprises)
ANAHEIM, CA—The Double Pump Spring Hoop Fest was light on the “Big Names”, but it did give us a glimpse of the future of basketball in the Southern California region. BTI Prospects have a promising backcourt in 2021’s Kenneth Simpson Jr. and Keith Higgins Jr. while The Truth received terrific performances from Keith Dinwiddie and DJ Davis. Here is a look at some of the surprises from this event.
Syris Turks (Palos Verdes) Club Team: Cali Rebels 15U Elite
2021, CG, 5-foot-11, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: This stocky combo-guard has a strong mindset at both ends of the floor. He uses his strength, IQ, and leadership to impact the game in multiple ways. He can slash to the rim, hit the open jump shot, and he looks to make the right basketball play. Whether it be advancing the ball in the open court, cutting to the rim, or getting a stop for his team, Turks is involved.
Tanner Hayhurst (Eagle/ID) Club Team: Select Basketball 16U Red
2020, SG, 6-foot-5, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: Quite possibly the biggest surprise was the play of Hayhurst. The lanky 2-guard showed solid bounce and quickness, but it was his tight handle with either hand that allowed him to weave his way through our defenders that caught our eye. He gets good lift on his jump shot and his release is quick. Definite college player down the road at some level.
Caleb Bellach (Manhattan Christian/MT) Club Team: Select Black 17U
2019, WF, 6-foot-5, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: Spring is the time of the year during the club basketball season, where the sleepers start to emerge and Bellach is no exception. The crafty wing with solid ball skills against pressure and a sweet shooting touch should garner some Low D1 and DII interest during the spring and summer evaluation period.
Devan Sapp (Archbiship Mitty) Club Team: The Truth 16U EYBL
2020, SG, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: Sapp is the master of the mid-range game. The strongly-built 2-guard plays under control and is always on balance when converting plays. Doesn’t over handle it, reads defenses with aplomb, and can nail the pull-up or runner in the lane. Not too mention he can knock in the 3-point shot and is a willing rebounder.
Antonio Singleton (Hesperia)
Club Team: Podigy Elite 16U
2020, PG, 5-foot-11, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: The chiseled point guard prospect was one of the more explosive point guards we saw all weekend. In addition to his burst was his competitive spirit. He plays both ends with a relentless passion and is always looking to make a play. He gets to the rim with ease and can hang in the air to finish over length. His pull-up game looked solid as he could stop on a dime in traffic and either toss in a runner or hit the mid-range pull-up. Defensively he has exceptional lateral quickness and active hands. He plays too fast at times and needs to change speeds, but he is an intriguing prospect.