Classic at Damien: Stock Raisers (Pt. 1)
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LA VERNE — The 5th annual Classic at Damien post-Christmas tournament is one of the best venues to watch many of the top teams and players in the state. This year’s event was no different, and despite some late and…
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Continue ReadingLA VERNE — The 5th annual Classic at Damien post-Christmas tournament is one of the best venues to watch many of the top teams and players in the state. This year’s event was no different, and despite some late and in-tournament drops, we were still able to get a good look at a ton of prospects from SoCal and beyond. In this piece we take a look at the players who raised their stock in front of college coaches and scouts.
Curtis Williams Curtis Williams 6'6" | SF Etiwanda | 2023 State #159 Nation CA-S , Etiwanda – Williams is one of the top junior wings/guards on the west coast and his play throughout this event backed that statement up. The 6-foot-6, class of 2023 prospect, has a long, wiry frame with smooth athleticism and has added some more offensive tools to his repertoire over the last couple of seasons. The Etiwanda offense goes as Williams does and that level of responsibility will further refine his offensive game. Williams can knock down perimeter jumpers from three and mid-range and is attacking the rim and finishing off the bounce with more confidence.
Denzel Hines Denzel Hines 6'5" | PF Colony | 2023 State CA , Colony – There’s a lot to like about Hines’ game, but the two things that will likely be his calling cards at the next level are defensive versatility and rebounding on both sides of the floor. The 6-foot-6 junior has the frame of a power forward combined with good vertical athleticism and a high motor, resulting in him being able to guard multiple positions and compete inside on the boards. Hines has good hands and touch around the basket and flashed some touch from the perimeter, as well.
Devin Williams Devin Williams 6'10" | PF Corona Centennial | 2023 State #86 Nation CA-S , Corona Centennial – How can a national-level recruit with multiple scholarship offers in the bag raise their stock? Easy, by playing really well in front of numerous college coaches a level above the current offers he held coming into the event. The 6-foot-9 junior forward is as skilled as they come and is transforming from a stretch-only four man to a stretch-four who has improved his rim-running in transition and finishing around the basket with physicality. Williams is well known as a big who can operate on the perimeter and knock down shots, but he had a number of impressive power finishes during this event.
Isaiah Sherrard, Oak Park – Sherrard has put up some impressive scoring numbers so far this season and it was good to get a closer look at him during this event. The 6-foot-7 wing has an unorthodox but effective offensive game, highlighted by his ability to hit catch-and-shoot three’s and expose defensive mismatches with his ball skills and driving ability out of face-up situations. We expect Sherrard’s recruitment to pick up heavily over the next season-and-a-half.
Jimmy Oladokun, Damien – The Damien high school forward helped himself a lot during this event by simplifying his game. There were times last season where Oladokun tried to do too much, resulting in forced shots or turnovers, but he showed an improved basketball IQ and let the game come to him in the Spartans’ four games. Oladokun, a 6-foot-8 junior, is one of the more skilled forwards in Southern California and flashed his inside-outside touch, along with his passing IQ, in front of college coaches and scouts.
Jovani Ruff, Long Beach Poly – Ruff solidified his status as one of the top 2025 prospects in the state and put himself on the regional and national radars with his performance at The Classic. The 6-foot-4 guard showed impressive versatility throughout this event with his shot creating and shot making in addition to his ability to play the point guard position with a poised demeanor. Ruff is one of a handful of freshman playing a major role within a good high school basketball program.