Francisco’s Finest: Class of 2021 Improvements (Combo Guards)
Francisco’s Finest: Class of 2021 Improvements (Combo Guards) LONG BEACH, CA—Devin Ugland, one of the better evaluators in the country, did an outstanding job of breaking down—by position—the best prospects in the Class of 2021. In a four part series,…
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Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Finest: Class of 2021 Improvements (Combo Guards)
LONG BEACH, CA—Devin Ugland, one of the better evaluators in the country, did an outstanding job of breaking down—by position—the best prospects in the Class of 2021. In a four part series, I will dig a little bit deeper and present the areas of the game for many of these prospects that need to be addressed to improve their production at both ends of the floor.
For example, what does the No. 1 prospect in the class—that being Peyton Watson—need to implement in his game for it to go to a new level? Etiwanda’s Jahmai Mashack is a tremenous defender, but what element of his game needs improvement? These are just two examples of what is going to be addressed in the following blogs.
Reese Dixon-Waters (St. Bernard)
6-foot-4, 180 pounds
Joel’s Take: Dixon-Waters has been on the radar since his middle school years and his game has improved each and every season. The multi-skilled guard can play all three perimeter positions due to his ball skills, scoring traits, and feel for the game. To take his game to another level he needs to continue to improve his shooting efficiency from the perimeter. Developing a tighter mid-range game (triple threat skills) and becoming a more consistent shooter from beyond the arc will elevate his overall game.
Kenneth Simpson Jr. (Chaminade)
6-foot-2, 165 pounds
Kenneth Simpson, Jr. is an explosive combo-guard who could play at the High-Major level.Joel’s Take: One of the most explosive players in the West is Simpson. His initial burst is quick and strong and he can finish through or over opposing defenders. He plays with a relentless motor and impacts the game in the areas of rebounding, perimeter defense, a clutch shooting. He has solid range on his shot and gets good lift, but his shot needs to get more consistent to open up his devastating driving game.
David Elliot IV (Birmingham)
6-foot-3, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: Elliot has all the physical tools to be a solid Division 1 guard. He can score from all three levels and finish through contact in the paint. His jump shot comes and goes, but his mechanics look good and lift look good. He’s a fierce competitor as well, but playing the game with more pace (changing speeds) and savvy (can be turnover prone) will help elevate his game.
AJ Burgin (San Diego)
6-foot-4, 175 pounds
Cavers G AJ Burgin is a solid all around guard for the next level.Joel’s Take: Burgin is late-blooming guard with ideal size and overall length. He plays the game with a ton of moxie and he can shoot it consistently from deep. His initial burst is solid, but overall quick guards can cause him issues at both ends. Continuing to work on his triple threat game (1st step position/jab step, etc.) as well as his off hand—both finishing at the rim and ball handling against pressure—will help elevate his stock.
TJ Wainwright (Westchester)
6-foot-3, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: Wainwright is at his third school in three years, but it appears he has found a home at Westchester. Ed Azzam and his staff hold their players accountable at both ends and this has definitely helped Wainwright improve his game. The lefty scoring guard is a solid shooter from deep, can slash is way to the rim, and he plays hard at both ends of the floor. Improving his off hand (right)—both finishing hand ball handling—will help his stock as well as getting his shot more consistent.