Prospect Profile: Joe Juhala (2020 West Linn HS/Team Fly 16U)
He may not have played a varsity minute yet. But Joe Juhala is catching an eye or two on the AAU circuit this spring. The 6-foot-6, 195-pound West Linn rising junior’s athleticism has exploded onto the scene and when he gets that look in his eye and attacks the rim – get ready for some fireworks.
“It’s not all I look for, but dunks are nice and it’s something I try to do at least once a game,” Juhala said. “But if I don’t get them, that’s ok – I just try to help the team out.”
Juhala has been having fun playing AAU basketball this spring with Team Fly 16U. “I like the intensity more than school hoops because they’re all basketball players while school has football players and others as well,” Juhala said. “I also like being able to get along with guys from other schools. I think I’ve been doing good, I’ve been working on my shooting. My down low game and my dunking has improved a lot.
Juhala recently played at The Hoop Memorial Day Classic where he got to do his thing. He’s got a solid build with good length and it’s clear that he can leap with anyone his age in the state. But he can also hit shots out to the three-point line and also finish plays in the paint, while contributing on the boards. It’s all still a work in progress but from all indications, Juhala has the base skills and most importantly the work ethic to get there.
Like many young men, Juhala would love the opportunity to play in college. But first things first. “Right now I’m just focused on playing varsity,” Juhala said. “But I’ll just looking be for somewhere I can play and that fits me.”
In June, Juhala will focus on playing with West Linn and then in July, plans on playing with Team Fly in tournaments in Anaheim and Las Vegas.