Pangos Frosh/Soph Camp: Best of the Bigs
Joel Francisco
Pangos Frosh/Soph Camp: Best of the Bigs
NORWALK, CA— The 2017 Pangos Frosh/Soph All-American Camp was chock full of perimeter talents, but there was also a solid dose of “Bigs” as well. We will cover the most dominant big men of the camp and discuss their strengths and areas of improvement.
Best of the Bigs
Evan Mobley (Temecula, CA/ Rancho Christian)
2020, PF, 6-foot-9, 200 pounds
Joel's Take: This sinewy 4-man gets more productive each time out. He is still growing into his frame and his best basketball is still years away, but he is oozing with talent right now. His paling is a thing of beauty and he has remarkably quick feet. He exhibits a nice shooting touch out to 20-feet and he is a gifted ball-handler for his size.
Jhalon Martinez (Fairfield, CA/ Vanden)
2020, C, 6-foot-10, 230 pounds
Joel's Take: Martinez has a huge frame with excellent length and his hands are very good. He possesses a smooth shooting touch that extends out to 22-feet and he can face-up his defender and get to the rim. He needs to improve his conditioning and dominate from the paint (rebounding/rim protection) at a more consistent clip, but overall his upside is terrific.
Kejani Wright (Los Angeles/Windward)
2022, C, 6-foot-6, 210 pounds
Joel's Take: He is only in the 8th grade (14 years old too), but he had a number of dominant moments. Impressive frame with very long arms and big feet describe this young rising big man. He runs well in transition, can finish on the break through contact, and he shows a nice tough from the elbow. Despite his youth he is a tenacious competitor who plays with a high motor and instincts as well.
Isaiah Cottrell (Las Vegas/Bishop Gorman)
2020, PF, 6-foot-8, 210 pounds
Joel's Take: Cottrell is one of the most improved players in the west, regardless of class. He is a fluid athlete who runs well and he's bouncy. Soft hands, long arms, and a soft shooting touch that stretches out to 20-feet are part of the package. Playing with more assertiveness on the block as a rim protector, finisher, and rebounder will elevate his stock.
Christian Bento (Temecula, CA/ Great Oak)
2021, C, 6-foot-10, 210 pounds
Joel's Take: Like most young “Bigs”, it takes time for their motor skills and skill set to come together—and that is the case with Bento. He has a lengthy frame with long arms and big feet. He convert down low due to his length and feel for the game. In addition, he can also step out and nail the elbow jump shot. He needs to continue to hone his fundamentals (playing wide on the block and keeping the ball high) as well evolving skill set, but overall his upside is impressive.
