Tarkanian Classic – Sleepers

Aaron Burgin

December 25, 2021 @ 12:34 AM

<p>Here are several players who might not get the headlines for their respective teams, but are solid players in their own rights, proving it with their play at the Tarkanian Classic. </p> <h3>Erik Weeks, 6-1 2022 G, Arcadia</h3> <p>Wiry, two-way guard is an excellent on-ball defender with solid length and lateral quickness. He competes over screens, forces opposing guards to their non-dominant hands and plays in the passing lanes. Offensively, he’s good at attacking the basket with his right hand, and can hit midrange shots off the catch as well. </p> <h3>Jonathan Maldonado, 6-8 2022 F, Arcadia</h3> <p>The long, wiry big man is an intriguing long-term prospect due to his solid hands and finishing ability around the basket, rim running and rim protection. He gives his guards a good target from the short corner and has solid enough footwork to catch, take one dribble and finish around the basket. He also showed flashes of being able to score with his back to the basket in the paint. Maldonado’s best basketball is ahead of him.</p> <h3>Dillon Cubit, 6-8 2022 F, Fort Worth Christian</h3> <p>Cubit opened up the game catching a lob with an emphatic two-handed dunk. One of the more athletic players on hand in any division, Cubit’s game is very much what we see from the modern big man: he runs the floor hard, catches well in traffic and has the strength to finish through contact. Defensively, he’s a solid rebounder and a very active shot blocker. </p> <h3>[player_tooltip player_id="1201646" first="Jacob" last="Norman"], 6-5 2022 F, Timpanogos</h3> <p>Norman does a little bit of everything for the Timberwolves playing alongside [player_tooltip player_id="969630" first="Bron" last="Roberts"]. He is an active rebounder, especially on the offensive boards where he is a workhorse. A good roll guy in ball-screen action, he scored the game-winning layup in OT against Orange Glen. </p> <h3>Paisley Nickelson, 6-2 2022 G, Palo Verde </h3> <p>A physically strapping guard (plays football), Nickelson is a solid shooter off the catch, and a very physical defender on the ball. He handles it well enough to attack the basket in one or two dribbles and can finish through contact. </p>