Francisco’s Finest: Double Pump Spring Hoop Fest (Most Productive)
Francisco’s Finest: Double Pump Spring Hoop Fest (Most Productive)
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 productive players from this event.
Ian Martinez (Cantwell Sacred Heart) Club Team: So-Cal All Stars
2020, CG, 6-foot-3, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: Martinez can affect the game in multiple ways due to his explosive athleticism and extraordinary length. He can play both guard positions as he can knock down deep jump shots or explode to the rim for the finish. In terms of playmaking, he is a willing passer who looks to make the right play. His ball handling could tighten up versus pressure, but overall his progress has been terrific.
Keith Dinwiddie (Culver City) Club Team: The Truth 16U EYBL
2020, SG, 6-foot-2, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the better emerging scorers in So-Cal is Dinwiddie. He has the strength and dexterity to finish through or over his defender. He is a 3-level scorer who has a natural instinct to get buckets. His ball handling against pressure has improved as well, but his game will go to another level when he finds his teammates that have a better look at the basket.
DJ Davis (Corona Centennial) Club Team: The Truth 16U EYBL
2020, CG, 5-foot-11, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: In the month of April it would be hard to find a more consistent shooter than Davis. His lead guard skills have improved as he is snapping passes to open teammates—which has exhibited his improved vision in recent months. He is a bucket-getter, but the evolution of his point guard skills will be the ultimate determinant of where he goes to college.
Demetrius Calip II (Taft) Club Team: Cal Supreme 16U EYBL
2020, SG, 6-foot-3, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: The smooth shooting lefty can stroke it from deep and he oozes with confidence. He handles the ball well in the open court and his decision making has improved, but if his game is to go to another level, he must be more consistent playing through contact, improve his rebounding, and develop a more efficient face-up game.
Camren Pierce (Etiwanda) Club Team: Prodigy 17 Elite
2020, PG, 6-foot, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: Pierce is about competing—plain and simple. The chiseled point guard is relentless in the open court attacking the rim and he can finish with either hand. He has a tendency to force the issue at times, but under the tutelage of David Kleckner and the Murray Brothers (Cameron/Tracy), this should improve. Defensively, he has the strength, lateral quickness, and tenacity to be a lock down defender.