SoCal Fall Prep Classic: Top Big Men (Pt. 2)
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CHINO — Gerry Freitas’ SoCal Fall Prep Classic featured 47 teams from Southern California, Northern California, Arizona and Nevada in a two-day event format that featured matchups of some of the region’s best teams. While we weren’t able to see…
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Continue ReadingCHINO — Gerry Freitas’ SoCal Fall Prep Classic featured 47 teams from Southern California, Northern California, Arizona and Nevada in a two-day event format that featured matchups of some of the region’s best teams. While we weren’t able to see all of the teams over the weekend, we got our eyes on most of them, and here are the big men who turned in standout performances.
Jazz Gardner Jazz Gardner 7'0" | C Los Altos | 2023 State #85 Nation CA-S , 2023, West Ranch
It looked to us like Gardner and his new teammates are still working out some flow on the offensive end, but that didn’t take away from all the different things the 7-footer can do on the floor. The senior center has floor stretching ability off the catch in the half-court setting, but is also a capable three-point shooter from the top of the key when trailing in transition. Gardner has the vision and basketball IQ to make good reads and passes out of the low or high post spots and has shown some confidence and touch with his jump hook over the last few months.
Rockwell Reynolds Rockwell Reynolds 6'8" | PF Santa Margarita | 2023 State CA-S , 2023, Santa Margarita
Reynolds is still flying a bit under the radar on the recruiting front in our opinion. The 6-foot-9 center has a long, wiry frame, good mobility when running the floor in transition and has some traditional tools, skills and instincts of a throwback big man that could help some Division 1 programs. Reynolds has great hands, feet and touch around the basket, understands how to stay opposite the ball and get low for a duck-in or tee-up in the middle of the floor on a baseline drive. The senior plays with a high motor and, despite his thin frame, plays tough and physical in the painted area.
Terrance Hampton Terrance Hampton 6'6" | PF Maranatha | 2023 State CA-S , Jr., 2023, Maranatha
Hampton, Jr. is a highly-skilled four/five man whose burly 6-foot-8 frame, combined with his hands, footwork, touch and passing ability out of the post, make him an intriguing player at the next level. The senior is a patient low-block threat who gives his teammates time to make a cut and clear out before he makes a move and, if a double team comes his way, Hampton, Jr. is a willing and smart passer whose unselfishness makes his team better.
Tyler Bright, 2026, Liberty (NV)
Bright, who is just a freshman, stood out as a player for Division I level programs over the next four years. The 6-foot-8 five man has a very impressive set of intangibles for his class as his soft hands, steady footwork and understanding of spacing inside led to a number of easy catch and finish opportunities. Bright showed some high IQ decision-making as a passer in catch-and-reversal to ball-screen situations or when facing up after a short roll pick and roll touch.