Francisco’s Finest: UAA Finals Underclassmen Stock Raisers
Francisco’s Finest: UAA Finals Underclassmen Stock Raisers
HENDERSON, Nev.— It reached 119 degrees in “Sin City” but it was nice and cool—more like chilly—in the friendly confines of Coronado High School where Under Armour presented their additon of club basketball madness—The UAA Finals. There were a plethora of eye-catching moments as well as some stellar prospects—young and old—including 2020 Anthony Edwards and 2019 Nico Mannion.
Micah Peavy (Dekany/TX) Club Team: Texas Hard Work
2020, WF, 6-foot-8, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: Peavy has that prototypical wing-type frame and the skill set to go along with it. His ball skills are solid in the open court and his pull-up game is smooth. He gets good lift on his shot and his release is tight. His length and lateral quickness allows him to guard multiple positions where he projects well as a 3-and-D at the next level.
Clark Slajchert (Oak Park) Club Team: West Coast Elite
2020, CG, 6-foot-1, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the cold-blooded performers in So-Cal is Slajchert. He is a knock down shooter from deep either off the catch or dribble and he plays at a great pace. He has a solid 1st step, changes speeds very well, and his middle game (floaters, runners, pull-ups) is tight. In the half court set he gives both scoring and facilitating, but he is geared to score.
KJ Adams (St. Andrews Episcopal/TX) Club Team: Texas Hard Work
2021, WF, 6-foot-6, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: Adams is one of the more promising sophomores-to-be I witnessed this summer. The explosive wing-type can slash and elevate to the rim in transition or pull-up and hit the pull-up jump shot. His length (very long arms) and exceptional lateral quickness should catapult him into becoming an elite wing defender.
Ryan Evans (Mater Dei) Club Team: West Coast Elite
2020, SG, 6-foot-2, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Evans, who has transferred from Santa Margarita to Mater Dei, is one of the best shooters in the West. He is a hard-nosed player who gives a 100% at both ends of the floor. He sprints in transition and can stop on a dime and nail the 3-point shot. He sets up his shot well, has excellent mechanics, and his release is quick and tight. He needs to continue to work on his lateral quickness and burst off the dribble to take his game to another level.
Tramon Mark (Dickinson/TX) Club Team: Texas Hard Work
2020, SG, 6-foot-4, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: Mark is a wiry scoring guard who has a nice dose of athleticism and skill. He can score off the bounce in the half court or slash his way to the rim in transition. He plays angles well with the ball and is a willing passer. Definitely one to watch going forward.