Francisco’s Finest: Pangos Best of SoCal Summer Showcase (Class of 2023/Part 2)

Murphy as elite speed and quickness and projects well to the point guard position.

Joel Francisco

July 7, 2020 @ 01:19 PM

Francisco’s Finest: Pangos Best of SoCal Summer Showcase (Class of 2023/Part 2) LONG BEACH, CA—I felt the next time I’d be in a gym would be a surreal-like feeling—and that is exactly the case. Dinos Trigonis, who had been running events in Arizona, Utah, and Iowa—unveiled his first event in So-Cal—and it was quite good to say the least. From the playmaking abilities of Maurice Wright Jr. and Tyler Rolison to a couple of improved “bigs” in Xavier Edmonds and Jazz Gardner, the talent was evident in the Class of 2023 tilt. The Next Step Zachary Davidson (Mater Dei) 2023, PF, 6-foot-7, 195 pounds Joel’s take: Zachary is the younger brother of Division 1 target 2021 Nick Davidson—and Zachary has the physical tools to be in his shoes some day as well. He is more perimeter-oriented than his older brother and projects well to the 4/3 position going forward. His production wasn’t noteworthy during this game, primarily because he didn’t get many touches, but he has a nice evolving inside-out skill set and his overall athletic package is solid. David Manea (Irvine/Beckman) 2023, CF, 6-foot-5, 190 pounds Joel’s take: Manea is a high motor stretch 3/4 with solid perimeter skills. His triple threat game is a weapon as he showed the ability to jab step and get to the rim. He can knock in the 3-ball as well and shows ideal mechanics on his shot. He has a nose for the ball and his head is always up navigating the defense. Improving his initial burst going left will take his stock higher. Kollen Murphy (Ontario/Colony) 2023, CG, 6-foot-2, 155 pounds [caption id="attachment_1011092" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Kollen-Murphy.jpeg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1011092" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Kollen-Murphy-150x150.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Murphy as elite speed and quickness and projects well to the point guard position.[/caption] Joel’s take: “Burst” is the first term that comes to mind when evaluating this slick lefty. The future point guard prospect has the speed and quickness to blow by defenders and the explosiveness at the rim to finish. His jump shot is a bit inconsistent, but his stroke looks solid overall. Continuing to change speeds and manage an offense should be his next steps. Robert Cooks (Los Angeles/Washington) 2023, PG, 5-foot-11, 165 pounds Joel’s take: Cooks is a bulldog type of point guard with strong broad shoulders and an ability to carry defenders on his hips while attacking. His overall feel for the game is impressive as he plays with a good pace and never got sped up while attacking defenders. He can knock in the 3-ball, feed the post, and run an offense as well. A definite sleeper right here. Tyler Small (Servite) 2023, PG, 6-foot, 150 pounds Joel’s take: Small was one of the bigger surprises at this event as he should team up with Tajavis Miller to form a formidable back court at Servite. His craftiness is evident as he sliced and diced the defense with his tight handle and scoring package. He can score from all three levels and can finish with either hand at the rim. As he gets stronger and continues to develop as a point guard, his stock will elevate.