Hoops 2.0 SoCal Showcase: Diamonds in the Rough

David Vuong

November 17, 2020 @ 05:49 AM

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA - As the travel ball season continues, more kids are making a name for themselves. As some of the 5 and 4 star names remain on top of the headlines, there are always several players who fly under the radar. Prep Hoops takes a look at some of the underrecruited and under the radar players from Hoops 2.0 Showcase.   Jaden Winfield (G, 2021, Prodigy/ Riverside King) All the way from St. Louis, Missouri, the 6’5 guard certainly made a name for himself right off the bat. Possessing excellent footwork, Winfield knows how to get the ball in the bucket by any means. He has a quick first step, good ball handling, and deceptive athleticism. Jaden can catch and shoot, create off the dribble for himself, and even has good moves for up and unders and fadeaways when posting up. Winfield has mid major potential and definitely needs to be on the boards for colleges.   [player_tooltip player_id="972425" first="Nathan" last="Perez"] (G, 2022, Cali Rebels/ Saugus HS) After taking off almost 7 months off of a knee surgery, one player who is back in action and showing impressive recovery is [player_tooltip player_id="972425" first="Nathan" last="Perez"]. The 6’3” SG had a good showing on Saturday finishing with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block vs a very talented Prodigy team. He is a deadeye shooter, brings a high basketball awareness and IQ, and plays hard on both sides of the floor. So far in 3 games so far in showcase play, Perez is averaging 16.6 PPG. Currently, the Saugus product has an offer from Point Loma and should accumulate more as coaches see how much he has recovered and progressed.   Cruz Billings (PG, 2022, 949 Elite/ Foothill HS) While not the tallest guy on the court, Billings is a true floor general. The former Orange Lutheran guard did an excellent job running the offense for 949 Elite, driving and drawing the defense, kicking to open shooters, and throwing lead passes. He has a high IQ and makes excellent reads off the pick and roll, at times causing opponents to run into each other and throwing them off with his head fakes. Billings is a true playmaker and would be a great PG for schools who have shooters for him to find.   Zane Hoegel (G/F, 2021, Middlebrooks Academy) Former Arcadia prospect is now under the tutelage of Coach Middlebrooks. Zane is a high IQ player who really is always in the right place at the right time. He makes the right cuts, sets off ball picks, and runs flares. Hoegel makes his bread and butter with his midrange jumper and can also hit the 3 ball. In his current role, he does a lot of off ball movement and sets a lot of picks, but also takes the opportunity to hit a lot of catch and shoot jumpers. Zane has potential to play at the next level. Would do great at a NAIA or D3.   [player_tooltip player_id="951215" first="Darvelle" last="Wyatt"] (F, 2021, Prodigy/ Etiwanda HS) Wyatt is an intriguing prospect because he is a big 6’4” and can do a bit of everything. He displayed the ability to shoot the ball, take his man off the dribble, and also bang inside. A big man who can both play the post and stretch the floor will always be a hot commodity. With coaching from former pros Tracy and Cameron Murray in the offseason and also Dave Kleckner during the regular season, Wyatt has surrounded himself with excellent coaching and knowledge. Looking for him to have a huge year again.   Other sleepers: Trevor Telson (G, 2022, 949 Elite/ Foothill HS) Kaleb Smith (F/C, 2022, Prodigy/ Los Osos HS)