Magic Memorial 17U BattleCup: Top Forwards/Centers (Pt. 1)
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ANAHEIM — The 2022 edition of the Magic Memorial Day event brought together a solid field of Southern and Northern California club teams and a handful from programs from surrounding states including Nevada, Arizona and Nebraska. In this piece we…
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Continue ReadingANAHEIM — The 2022 edition of the Magic Memorial Day event brought together a solid field of Southern and Northern California club teams and a handful from programs from surrounding states including Nevada, Arizona and Nebraska. In this piece we take an in-depth look at some of the standout forwards and centers from the 17U BattleCup Division.
Devin Williams Devin Williams 6'10" | PF Corona Centennial | 2023 State #86 Nation CA-S , Compton Magic – Williams is one of the more skilled big men on the west coast. The 6-foot-10 rising senior has inside-out scoring touch that he can extend to the three-point line off the catch. His combination of fluid athleticism, size and length makes him an effective rim runner and transition scorer. Williams continues to show flashes of improved rim protecting ability.
Dylan Benner, Los Angeles Elite – Benner is an intriguing class of 2024 prospect who should see his recruitment pick up soon. The 6-foot-8 forward has great feel for the game in both back to the basket and face-up situations. Benner can put the ball on the floor and score through contact when driving to the basket, but he can also knock down perimeter shots off the catch. The rising junior showed poise when doubled in the post and made high IQ passes to open teammates.
Jazz Gardner Jazz Gardner 7'0" | C Los Altos | 2023 State #85 Nation CA-S , Dream Vision – Gardner is another super skilled big man in SoCal’s 2023 class. The 7-footer has real floor spreading ability to the three-point line with his consistent perimeter shot and the senior-to-be can establish deep post position, get a catch, and make an effective back to the basket move while finishing with either hand around the basket. Gardner, as he did last season at Los Altos high school, has shown the ability to rebound the defensive glass and lead a quick transition break the other way.
Justin Bodo, Team Lillard – Bodo’s best attribute is simply how hard he plays. The 6-foot-10 center is the true definition of a “high motor” player who consistent outworks his opponent. The class of 2023 prospect out of Southern California Academy has great feel, footwork and touch on the block and uses those traits to be a go-to scorer down low. Bodo is an active rim runner and works hard on the offensive and defensive glass.
Kevin Patton, Jr., Dream Vision – Patton is the most “wing” of the forwards on this list due to his primary position projecting as an athletic attacking 3-man or a stretch 4 who can create mismatch problems with his combination of size, athleticism and ball skills. Patton can knock down perimeter shots, create mid-range jumpers off the bounce or get to the rim and finish above the rim.