Prep Hoops So-Cal Spring Stock Raisers
With the April NCAA evaluation periods in the books, who were the prospects who boosted their stock the most? The Prep Hoops So-Cal staff a look at which prospects helped themselves the most during the month that was. Here are the eight names that stood out to our writers, Frank Burlison, Joel Francisco, Devin Ugland and Aaron Burgin.
Spring Stock Raisers
Frank Burlison
Jaden Shackelford, The Truth (Prep Hoops No. 8 2019 prospect)
Event: EYBL Dallas (April 20-22) and Indianapolis (April 27-29)
Frank’s take: The left hander from Hesperia High was already known by the Prep Hoops staff as one of the elite shooters in the West. And he got a chance to show that well-polished jump shot — and more — during strong performances on the first two stops of the EYBL circuit.
He’s picked up a multitude of scholarships offers of late, notably one from the program that resides in Westwood.
Shengzhe Li, Pump N Run (Unranked, Prep Hoops 2019)
Event: The Adidas Gold Gauntlet stops in Irvine (April 20-22) and Atlanta (April 27-29)
Frank’s take: In an era when there are few “true centers”, the 6-11, 250-pound Li aptly fits that description while continually demonstrating why he’s one of the mostly rapidly improving prospects from the western Class of 2019.
He’s always been a strong rebounder (he didn’t become eligible at Santa Margarita until early January) but is becoming a much more reliable scoring threat, as well, by way of either-hand hooks and a solid jump shot from the free-throw line extended.
Several programs from the WCC and BWC are in pursuit and don’t be surprised if some “power” conference members join in the hunt by July.
Joel Francisco
Sedrick Altman, Dream Vision – (Prep Hoops No. 53 2019 prospect)
Event: Adidas Gold Gauntlet stop in Irvine, April 20-22
Joel’s take: Altman, a 6-3 guard, is a chiseled scorer who is relentless in transition. He has the ability to finish over and through contact. He has a great burst off the dribble and his vision has improved. During the regular season playing with his high school team he had a tendency to force the issue, but that hasn’t been the case this spring. Playing for Dream Vision he has done a nice job advancing the ball in transition and playing much more efficiently.
Drake London, BTI – (Prep Hoops No. 27 2019 prospect)
Event: SoCal Spring Tip-Off, Garden Grove, CA, April 8-9
Joel’s take: This 6-5 jack-of-all-trades wing-type affects the game in multiple ways. First and foremost, it’s his motor that catches your eye as he always in attack mode. The skilled lefty can rebound, slash his way to the rim, or knock in shots out to the stripe. He shows a nice feel for the game with is playmaking ability and he guard multiple positions. Due to his consistent production at both ends he has Virginia hot on his feels.
Devin Ugland
Ziaire Williams, BTI – (No. 2 Prep Hoops 2020 prospect)
Event: So-Cal Spring Tip-Off, Garden Grove, CA, April 8-9
Devin’s take: You’re probably wondering how the No. 2-ranked prospect in So-Cal’s 2020 class could possibly raise his stock. Well, not a lot of people were on the Ziaire Williams train prior to this summer due in large part to him battling injuries throughout Mission League play this past high school season.
Williams has exploded this spring, showing his deep skill set and versatility at 6-feet-8, earning scholarship offers from UCLA, USC and Virginia over the last month. The Sherman Oaks Notre Dame sophomore can score inside and out, has advanced ball skills, vision, passing ability and feel for the game for a player with his size and length.
Armon Muldrew, Pump-N-Run 16u – (No. 18 Prep Hoops 2020 Prospect)
Event: Prep Hoops Series Los Angeles, Thousand Oaks, CA, April 13-15
Devin’s take: Muldrew was one of those “off the beaten path” prospects prior to joining the Double Pump club crew. He plays his high school ball at Orange Vista in Perris, where there’s not a ton of exposure, and played club with an independent Cali Elite squad in the first event this spring.
The bigger platform has served the 6-foot scoring guard very well, picking up his first scholarship offer from local program UC Riverside. Muldrew is one of the more explosive athletes in the 2020 class, especially with his first step. Once he gets a defender off balance, Mulrew can elevate and knock down a mid-range or 3-point jump shot, or get into the paint where he can finish with power or finesse.
Aaron Burgin
Ryan Langborg, Gamepoint Elite – (No. 13 Prep Hoops 2019 prospect)
Event: Adidas Silver Gauntlet, Irvine CA, April 20-22
Aaron’s take: Fresh off of an All-CIF junior season, Langborg spearheaded a Gamepoint 17u Elite team to one of three Silver Division championships April 20-22 in Irvine. In the process, Langborg notched several mid-major offers, including UC Davis, UC Irvine and Pepperdine, with Stanford and Harvard reengaged in his recruitment.
The biggest reason for the spike in his recruitment is his marked improvement on the defensive end and his improved playmaking ability off the bounce. Langborg’s teammate Bryce Pope could also be considered in this category. Coming into the spring with zero D1 interest, he leaves with several Patriot League schools showing interest.
Jarred Hyder, Team Eleate – (No. 34 Prep Hoops 2019 Prospect)
Event: Adidas Silver Gauntlet, Irvine CA, April 20-22
Aaron’s take: Few Southern California prospects are due for a bigger jump in our future rankings update than Hyder, a sweet shooting combo guard from Cajon HS. Hyder scorched the nets in Irvine in the Adidas Silver Gauntlet while doubling as his team’s point guard. Much like Langborg, Hyder displayed much improved lateral quickness and effort on the defensive end, further boosting his stock in the eyes of coaches.
He looks to be the latest in a long line of sleepers from the Inland Empire based Eleate program to emerge as a high-level prospect. Hyder secured seven Division 1 offers after the Spring Live Period- Fresno State, UC Riverside, Fordham, UC Irvine, Cal Baptist, San Francisco and UCSD. I think this is just the floor for the talented junior.