Francisco’s Finest: The Battlezone (Standouts)

Joel Francisco

December 4, 2019 @ 11:31 PM

Francisco's Finest: The Battlezone (Standouts) CORONA, Ca—The 4th Annual Battlezone, sponsored by Adidas, got off to a terrific start with a number of fine performances as well as some intriguing surprises. The usual suspects—Evan Mobley, Marcus Bagley, and Mikey Williams to name a few—exhibited the kind of skill and overall talent to warrant the attention they have received from college coaches and scouts alike. However, there a number of sleeper-types like high-flying junior Ty Harper and Mr. Fundamental 2021 Daniel Rouzan. Garrett Schaefer (Temecula Valley) 2020, PG, 6-foot-3, 185 pounds Joel's Take: Schaefer, who is bound for Cal Poly Pomona, should be categorized as a diamond in the rough. He's an athletic combo-guard prospect who pushes the ball at a relentless pace and can get to the rim in a hurry. His improvements include a reliable jump shot in the mid-range area as well as his passing acumen—especially in transition. On the other hand, changing speeds should be the next element of his game that needs refining. Caden Starr (Santa Clarita Christian) 2020, WF, 6-foot-6, 185 pounds Joel's Take: The multi-skilled Starr had his whole skill package on display at the Battlezone. Ball skills, soft shooting touch, and a savvy passer are part of the package. He can score from all three levels and he impacts the game with his consistent effort and IQ for the game. However, finishing through contact is an issue that needs to be addressed. Mikey Williams (San Ysidro) 2023, SG, 6-foot-2, 180 pounds [caption id="attachment_567183" align="alignleft" width="150"] 2023 G Mikey Williams has special talent and skill[/caption] Joel's Take: Williams is a physical specimen and he has the skills to go along with his chisled physique. He is more scorer rather than pure shooter at this stage, but he does have the explosiveness to finish above and through the competition. Whether it's pulling up in transition and knocking down a 3-pointer or attacking the rim with a vengeance, Williams is one of the best freshman in the country. Marcus Bagley (Sacramento/Sheldon) 2020, WF, 6-foot-8, 220 pounds Joel's Take: Bagley was arguably the 2nd best prospect in the event next to Evan Mobley. He possesses a college frame already and for the most part was a man among boys at this event. The Arizona State-bound wing-type has a smooth shooting touch out to 23-feet and his stroke is effortless. He has solid ball skills in the open court and has a knack to score from all three levels. Evan Mobley (Rancho Chrisitan) 2020, PF, 6-foot-11, 220 pounds Joel's Take: The thought of Mobley teaming up with his brother (Isaiah) and potential Pac-12 POY Onyeka Okongwu next season should be a chilling thought for the rest of the Pac-12 and the whole country for that matter—that's if Okongwu doesn't test the NBA waters. The younger Mobley exhibited his nimble feet finishing around and over defenders. Snatching rebounds and leading the break were other parts of his game that were on display—including some nifty passes.