College coach starter kit – Look for these five players
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Three of these players I have seen in person, and the other two I have only watched on film. It has been my experience that players are almost always better in person, so the ones I have only seen on…
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Continue ReadingThree of these players I have seen in person, and the other two I have only watched on film. It has been my experience that players are almost always better in person, so the ones I have only seen on film are better than advertised. Any which way you look at it, I’m confident in advertising all five.
He’s got good size at 6’6, can play the two or three. He is a great scorer, and gets buckets in a variety of ways. He’s great at getting to the hoop, and has the strength to to take contact and finish. He will turn into a great three point shooter, he’s already a good one. He’s a natural shooting off the dribble. He is a monster on the boards, and can play with his back to the basket if being guarded by a smaller player. I’d sign him, start him at the three and turn him loose.
It’s not as if his name has been a secret in the high school basketball world. This will, however, be his first full varsity season. After watching him at the Pangos All West camp, he’s getting my full stamp of approval. He looked like one of the top 10 players, and was named to the top 50. I saw a kid who has had the game slow down for him, and he took every advantage of that. His floor game was excellent, he brought the ball up, nobody could stay in front of him, he was unselfish and made the extra pass. He had impressive drives and spin moves to finish in the lane, or at the rim. His pull-up jumper was lightning quick, often proceeded by a cross over dribble. He grabbed rebounds and went coast to coast, changing speeds effectively. He locked down on defense, he’s an elite defender. He showed poise and leadership. I would get in line for this kid, he’s just getting started, and I don’t know if I have felt more confident in promoting a player since I started this. Can’t miss prospect by the time he’s graduates. In three more years.
Highlights
Tough player who is skilled in the post. He’s got a back to the basket game that includes a nice jump hook that he has mastered. He runs the floor well. He can step out and hit the three. He’s physical and will rebound. He can put the ball on the floor for a couple dribbles, cover a lot of ground, and get himself to the rim. He is excellent at blocking shots, that includes using his left hand and not getting unnecessary fouls. I think he’s underrated and one of the best bigs in the state. He’s got everything I would look for in a post player at the next level. He had a great off-season season that included winning a couple of big tournaments with his club team, Roots Academy out of Olympia.
Highlights
He’s moving to the Metro league this season and playing for Rainier Beach. He averaged 19PPG at Timberline last season, the move to a tougher league won’t be a problem for him. He’s a great shooter and can fill it up from well beyond the arc. His release is one of the quickest you’ll find. He has a knack for getting himself to the basket and being able to finish over taller defenders. He’s a great ball handler, keeping it quick, low, and tight. He put up 37 in a game last year. I think he’ll be able to prove himself on a bigger stage in the better league, and will still be one of the best players in that league. He can take care of the ball for you, and get his teammates involved. He’s deceptively quick and blows by the defense often. He’ll be one to watch this year as he shows his talents vs tough teams in the Metro league.
Highlights
All teams need shooters, and he’s one of the best you’ll find at doing that. He’s got a perfect looking jumper with big-time range. Here’s what else he can bring. He’s been the primary ball handler for his team the last two years. He’s used to handling it. He hits, tough mid-range shots and is always active in getting himself open, running off screens. He’s tough and plays hard, giving maximum effort at all times. He’s gotten bigger, faster and stronger in the off-season which is noticeable when you watch him play. He’ll be a good bet to drop 30 on any given night this year, but he’s unselfish and doesn’t miss open teammates. He’s a great leader and a high character kid who also happens to be extremely skilled. He was on that same Roots team as Engholm this off-season. Underrated.