Francisco’s Finest: Class of 2021 Improvements (Shooting Guards)
Francisco’s Finest: Class of 2021 Improvements (Shooting 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 (Shooting 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.
Jahmai Mashack (Etiwanda)
6-foot-4, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: One of the fiercest competitors in the West is Mashack—and playing for Head Coach Dave Kleckner, there is no other way to play. Mashack is two-way prospect that has a high motor and the athetic tools to be a lock down defender at the next level. He’s an excellent rebounder and finisher in the paint and his jump shot has improved. To take his game to another level is improving his middle game in the half court set. Working on his triple threat game (jab step/up-fakes/initial burst) will improve efficiency on the offensive end—not too mention continuing to smoothen out his jump shot.
Malik Thomas (Damien)
6-foot-3, 185 pounds
Thomas is one of the best scorers in the WestJoel’s Take: Thomas is a no nonsense scorer who recently committed to USC. The chiseled scorer is tough to deal with off the dribble and has the ability to finish with either hand. His jump shot is solid in the mid-range area and his range extends to the 3-point line. He can create space with the dribble to get his shot off as well. Continuing to work on his explosiveness and playmaking for others will enhance his stock.
Keith Higgins (Chaminade)
6-foot-3, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: Higgins reminds me of Miles Simon (Mater Dei/Arizona), but he isn’t at that level yet. He has a solid 1st step, can get into the lane, and he can hang in the air to get his shot off in the paint. His jump shot is solid and he gets good lift on it, but it needs to get more consistent. Refining his half court ball skills (handle) will give him more opportunities to score in the mid-range area will improve his stock. With Higgins, it’s a matter of consistency.
Luke Turner (Rancho Christian)
6-foot-7, 175 pounds
Turner is a shooter who is improving his all round game.Joel’s Take: The wiry Turner has improved each and every season. Since his freshman season, he has striclty been a jump shooter. However, during his junior campaign, he started to rebound and play with more physicality. His jump shot is solid and he gets good lift on it, but to improve his game he needs to improve his face-up driving skills to create more scoring opportunities at the rim and in the mid-range area.
Trevan Martin (Santa Fe Christian)
6-foot-4, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: Martin is one of the best kept secrets outside of San Diego. The do-it-all guard affects the game in multiple ways. He is a relentless competitor at both ends who attacks the glass (excellent rebounder) and he can score through contact. Improving his burst off the dribble and consistency on his jump shot will improve his stock with coaches.