Francisco’s Geico Takes: Ariz. Compass. vs Montverde Academy
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Francisco’s Geico Takes—Arizona Compass vs Montverde Academy (Standouts) FORT MYERS, FL—Each and every season one of the events I look forward to is the Geico Nationals. The combination of high-level talent and effort never disappoints—and this year’s version of the…
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Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Geico Takes—Arizona Compass vs Montverde Academy (Standouts)
FORT MYERS, FL—Each and every season one of the events I look forward to is the Geico Nationals. The combination of high-level talent and effort never disappoints—and this year’s version of the event was no different. Whether it was the potent point guard play of Tennessee-bound Kennedy Chandler or the immense potential of 2022 Jalen Duren Jalen Duren 6'9" | PF Montverde Academy | 2022 FL , each and every game did not disappoint.
Chris Webber-like
Jalen Duren Jalen Duren 6'9" | PF Montverde Academy | 2022 FL (Montverde Academy)
2022, PF, 6-foot-10, 240 pounds
Joel’s Take: Comparisons get thrown around a lot in this business and most of the time it is debatable. However, when I first heard the Chris Webber comparisons for Duren, I couldn’t agree more. Magnetic hands, a strong finisher, and a prototypical elite frame (broad and long) are part of the package. In addition, his passing acumen is very impressive. In the modern NBA, you can also compare Duren to Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat).
Point of emphasis
Ryan Nembhard Ryan Nembhard 6'0" | PG Montverde Academy | 2021 State #131 Nation FL (Montverde Academy)
2022, PG, 6-foot-1, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: At one point late in the 1st half, Nembhard had not scored—yet he was dominating the game with his 7 assists. The high-IQ point guard has good size, changes speeds, and his head in always up. He dropped a number of dimes that were high-level and his defensive prowess was spot-on. Creighton got a good one in Nembhard.
Gets to the rim
Dariq Whitehead Dariq Whitehead 6'5" | SF Montverde Academy | 2022 State #5 Nation FL (Montverde Academy)
2022, SG, 6-foot-6, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: Whitehead is one of the best prospects in the country and he showed it at Geico Nationals. The wiry slasher has a terrific 1st step, can finish with either hand, and he shows excellent body control. Defensively, he is a multi-positional defender due to his length and lateral quickness. If his jump shot becomes potent, his future is bright beyond college.
Andre Miller-like
TyTy Washington (Arizona Compass)
2021, PG, 6-foot-3, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: This Andre Miller clone put on a clinic in the semi-final confrontation with Montverde Academy. Washington has a strong frame, changes speeds, and knows how to get into the teeth of the defense with skill and savvy. His float-game is tight and he has the strength to finish through contact. In terms of scoring, he can convert from all three levels and his jump shot looks tight. Overall, it was a strong performance, but I would have liked to see him attack the basket instead of settling for a 3-pointer—being down only 2 at the end of the game.