Francisco’s Finest: Prephoops 250 (Top Surprises)
Francisco’s Finest: Prephoops 250 (Top Surprises) Fountain Valley, CA-In this day and age where prospects are recognized early on in their budding careers, it’s nice to come to an event and find some diamonds in the rough. Many prospects nowadays…
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Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Finest: Prephoops 250 (Top Surprises)
Fountain Valley, CA-In this day and age where prospects are recognized early on in their budding careers, it’s nice to come to an event and find some diamonds in the rough. Many prospects nowadays are unveiled before their junior campaigns, but there are always a handful of “Sleeper Types” that emerge later on in their high school career that turn out to be fine players.
Top Surprises
Dennis Johnson (Compton HS)
2019, CG, 6-foot, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Johnson is a wiry combo-guard who was an aberration in terms of how most approach a camp setting. Most of the time kids come into camps looking to dominate the ball, especially the guard-types. However, Johnson immediately set the tone for his steam by getting others involved exhibiting a nice feel for the game. He plays at a good pace and rarely forces the issue. His 3-point shot looks solid and he knows how to slash his way to the rim. Once his strength kicks in, he should exhibit college potential.
Nathan Amanuel (Cerritos HS)
2018, 2G, 6-foot-2, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: Cerritos High School has a college prospect that was unveiled at the Premier 80 during July in 6-foot-5 Dorian Harris. Well it appears they have another one in Nathan Amanuel. The 6-foot-2 senior appears to be another late-blooming prospect that has a nice skill set as well s nice dose of athleticism. He is a versatile player who impacts the game rebounding in traffic, pushing the ball fast in transition, and he is explosive going to the rim. Due to his motor at both ends, athleticism, solid ball skills, and playable jump shot, he definitely falls under that sleeper category.
Joseph Octave (San Pedro/Mary Star by the Sea)
2019, 2G, 6-foot-4,, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the smoother scorers in camp was Mr. Octave. He averaged over 20ppg as a sophomore and while watching him for a couple of games, it became apparent that he is effortless scorer. He doesn’t get great lift on his jump shot, but his release is smooth and he’s always on balance. He has a knack to score from all three levels and he never gets sped up with the ball in his hands. Continuing to improve his initial burst (1st step) off the dribble and finishing through contact will elevate his stock. One of the top sleepers in So-Cal heading into the regular season.