The Tune Up: Day 3 Standouts
In this article:
Gabriel Hinojosa (Nike Pro Skills San Antonio /Southside HS- 2022) Hinojosa is a smart, active on & off-ball defender. He has fluid hips, knows how to play angles, and always had correct hand placement- whether he was guarding the ball or denying passing lanes. Offensively, Hinojosa played mostly off the ball but has a quick first step off the jab & doesn’t waste any dribbles deciding what he wants to do. When attacking, Hinojosa displayed the ability to slither his way into the lane & draw contact. Hinojosa plays within himself and contributes to winning as evidenced by Pro Skills SA’s impressive showing at the Tune Up.
David Mcknight David Mcknight 6'4" | CG Midway | 2022 State TX (Young Pro Basketball/Waco Midway HS- 2022) McKnight displayed scoring ability while playing on the ball. He had a variety of between the legs & crossover hesitations to get to the rim to finish. McKnight has quick acceleration off his hesi allowing him to get by defenders & get in the lane. The scoring guard showed a willingness to use his slashing ability to draw help & kick out to shooters & deliver dump-off feeds to his bigs. McKnight also did a good job of communicating on both ends. McKnight was consistently one of the best players for a Young Pro team that went undefeated at The Tune Up.
Devyn Franklin Devyn Franklin 6'8" | SF Waxahachie | 2022 State TX (Young Pro Basketball/North Forney HS- 2022) Franklin has a smooth high release on his jumper giving him intriguing pick & pop potential. He showed the ability to face-up or play with his back to the basket against smaller defenders. He’s a good athlete in space that draws fouls when he gets going downhill. Becoming a consistent three-point & rebounding threat will go a long way in Franklin reaching his potential. His being able to guard small-ball fours & wings in space alike will also be things to look for going forward this summer and into Franklin’s senior season.
Jelani McDonald (Young Pro Basketball /Connally HS- 2023) McDonald played as the lead ball-handler at times but is more of an off-ball scoring guard at this stage. The combo guard displayed effective in & out dribbles to freeze defenders & get in the paint & looks to be a smart cutter off the ball. McDonald was dynamic in transition, displaying advanced footwork to avoid defenders & finish thru contact. Defensively, McDonald was a problem off the ball- routinely disrupting passing lanes and turning steals into points in transition. McDonald has intriguing potential going into his junior season if he can become a consistent shooter off the catch and be able to effectively guard both guard positions on the ball while still being a disruptor in the passing lanes.