Film Room: Highlighting 2023 Prospects (I)

<p>Back in April, as it became more and more bleak for Southern California basketball players to get back in the gym to improve and be evaluated, I began an initiative to help players improve their games virtually.</p> <p>The gist of the program was this: I offered to review a prospect’s full game film and provide a detailed scouting report on that player’s strengths and weaknesses, along with some workout tools developed by a friend and trainer.</p> <p>The idea quickly took off and as my email inbox filled with submissions from across the country, I thought it would be great to highlight some of those players on the Prep Hoops platform, as well. So, here are a handful of 2023 prospects I reviewed over the last few months.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="994923" first="Mateo" last="Duran"]</strong>, St. John Bosco - Duran is a crafty lefty who is best right now as a catch and shoot threat from three-point range. The 5-foot-9 guard has a quick release and deep range and combines those with a high motor on both ends of the floor.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="923122" first="Tyce" last="Paulsen"]</strong>, Curtis (WA) - Paulsen is one of the better pure shooters evaluated regardless of class. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard is shot ready in every situation, understands how to move without the ball to get open and is great with floor spacing especially against a zone defense. Paulsen has an intriguing frame that projects well for his long-term upside.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="992523" first="Gus" last="Yalden"]</strong>, The Asheville School (NC) - Yalden is one of the more skilled 2023 forwards in the country and we got a few months to evaluate him live in SoCal as he spent his freshman season at Santa Ana Mater Dei. The 6-foot-9 four man has impressive scoring feel on the low block with touch with either hand. Yalden can stretch the floor the three-point line with his face-up shot and has the ball skills and passing ability to rebound, push the break and make a high IQ decision.</p> <p><strong>Noah Marte</strong>, San Diego - Marte began his freshman season on the junior varsity squad, but his shooting ability quickly catapulted him to a varsity contributor. The 6-foot off-guard is confident and consistent when pulling off the catch and can hit from multiple spots behind the arc. Marte also showed good energy and effort as an on-ball defender and defensive rebounder.</p> <p><strong>Tyler Frederick</strong>, Lakeside (AR) - Frederick showcased a nice overall feel for the game, whether it was scoring or distributing. Scoring-wise, the rising sophomore is a consistent perimeter shooter off the catch and off the bounce who also mixes in a good balance of playmaking for his teammates. Frederick is an accurate, timely and unselfish passer.</p>