Simply Basketball Showcase Standouts Pt. I

<p>The Simply Basketball Showcase took place Thursday afternoon June 23rd at Chabot College in Hayward, CA. 40 players, 4 teams with prospects who’ll reclassify to 2023 or head to Juco. 2023’s who’ll be seniors in the coming season, had good representation at this event of 40. There was a small number of invited 2024’s. In this article we’ll focus on 2023 prospects of the Senior class, who we haven’t seen in a while. </p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1253144" first="Jake" last="King"] 6’5 2023 Forward of Clayton Valley Charter HS</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>King</strong> </em>the big body, square shoulder prospect has improved his jump shot from long range. He hit 3’s spotting up in the corners, he dropped a few in transition. He used his dribble on the drive using spin moves to finish his shot. He worked well getting his shot off inside as well using a jump hook and strong power moves off two feet. He’s a vocal player on defense, and he will get his share of rebounds.</p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1380872" first="Julian" last="Costa"] 6’2 2023 PG of Liberty HS.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Costa</strong> </em>can play both guard position, at this level he looks more suited for the off guard spot showing he can knock down the mid-range jumper regularly, using the dribble drive or catch and shoot, his 3’s go down in rhythm. He has quality handles, good vision, and can get into the paint. </p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1380890" first="Miles" last="Lawrence"] 6’4 2023 Wing/Forward.</strong></em></p> <p>The athletic<em><strong> Lawrence</strong></em> continues to improve his game. He brings versatility to the court. He can get a bucket in the post area using his strength, and length when called to do so. He has the handles to create shots for himself, and others, he did did well attacking the paint, and pulling up for mid-range jumpers. He’ll finish in transition, he’s a good rebounder for his size. He’s on the Wright’s Watch List.</p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1137228" first="Malachi" last="Miller"] 6’4 2023 Guard of Central Catholic HS.</strong></em></p> <p>We like the college ready body of <em><strong>Miller</strong></em>. He’s a strong guard who can handle physical play on the court, working in the post or getting to the basket. He shows an ability to knock down the mid-range jumper with contact, and hand in his face. He’s strong on the drive anticipating body contact, his balance and strength keeps him going downhill as they say. He’ll finish and get to the free throw line.</p> <p><em><strong>Lloyd French 6’4 2023 Guard of Downey HS.</strong></em></p> <p>A versatile guard with the skills to do multiple things on the court. He’s a solid big guard who sees the court well, can handle and pass in transition and on the perimeter. The lefty handles the contact on the drive into the paint, and finishing in transition. He has the range to hit his 3pt shots. He defends away from the basket.</p> <p><em><strong>Mecca Okereke 6’7 2023 Wing/Forward of San Leandro HS.</strong></em></p> <p>It was our first good look at the athletic prospect who runs and jumps well in transition, around the basket, going for dunks, blocks and rebounds. He’s a quick leaper, he had a couple of follow up dunks, and put backs. He was a solid rebounder, he ran the court well. He put up a couple of 3’s, his shooting form needs some attention. Good upside. </p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1380763" first="Mwandishi" last="Adams"] 6’6 Forward of Edison HS.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Adams</strong> </em>has the size and strength to effect the game on both ends in the paint area at this level. He jumps well going after rebounds, he has the lower body strength to hold his own defending in the post. He has an improved set of post skills in the paint, including a jump hook and a paint jumper. He’s explosive attacking from a short distance. </p> <p><em><strong>Calum Rutherford 6’11 2023 Center of Analy HS.</strong></em></p> <p>A 6’11 prospect at the high school level always attracts attention. He has work to do but he’s an aware prospect who’ll give you what he’s got right now. He has plenty of upside to his game. He’s a player that can get you rebounds, change shots. He’ll set solid screens,  passes okay, and is a target on the low block. He’s on the Wright’s Watch List. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>