Puma 2024/25 F Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On July 11th-14th I attended the <strong>Puma circuit</strong> at the big facility of the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa/AZ. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were 5 local programs I watched with Apex Athletix, AZ Venom, Factory, Jump Athletics and Team Supreme.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Here were some of the standout unsigned 2024's and 2025 forwards </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='986972' first='Quentin' last='Rhymes'] Hillcrest Prep (LV Knicks) (Pictured)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the big stock risers in the West is Rhymes. He showed it all off with catch threes in bunches, mid-range pull-ups, high flying dunks on the break and downhill drives. He will grab the ball off the glass and push it and go coast to coast. He handles the contact well with his improved frame from a year ago and he is a better passer then you realize. His shot making, improved frame and size are obvious. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marsai Mason SF 6'6 2024 Phhoenix Prep (Team Supreme)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long athletic wing forward plays both spots. He defends nearly every position and blocks shots, rebounds and will push the pace. He can dunk the ball on the break, get downhill thru traffic and also rattle in threes off the catch. I can't imagine many better unsigned seniors on the entire West Coast than Mason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1875973' first='John' last='Hemsley'] Canyon View (AZ Venom)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A bigger post player who will score it inside the paint. He will rebound and block shots in his area. He hustles back on defense and plays a physical brand of basketball. Once he outworks and gains position, he will efficiently score it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1336442' first='Zane' last='Gaul'] Prescott (AZ Factory)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big post player with size. He scored it multiple ways this weekend with put backs, will go to the chest of defender, hook shots, drop steps and has good hands to catch tough passes. He has a polished hook shot, shoots the 3 and outlets the ball well after a strong two-handed rebound.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dante Brooks SF 6'5 2024 Bella Vista Prep (Apex Athletix)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An unsigned senior is a versatile wing who can play inside and out. He shoots the three and gets downhill and will get fouled or score thru the contact. He rebounds the ball well and can defend from inside and out. He has a cerebral approach to the game to go along with his 4.0+ GPA. He is looking for a college in the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1430449' first='James' last='Steward'] Marcos de Niza (AZ Factory)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A strong power forward had a good showing. He scored with dunks and advanced post moves versus real bigs. He has quick spin moves into reverse layups, euros, hook shots with his right hand and his post footwork was truly clicking for him this weekend. He will close out to shooters and block shots. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1364929' first='Jackson' last='Hunter'] Liberty (AZ Factory)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A top notch shooting wing can get hot quickly. He scores with euro steps downhill but his quick release from the three point line off the catch or pull makes his game go. He likes the mid-range pull-up and can get to the basket with a deceptive quick burst.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Andrew Hoxie PF 6'6 2024</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Phhoenix Prep</strong>&nbsp;<strong>(Team Supreme)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A hyper athletic power forward flies on the break and is a twitchy natural athlete. He is a way above the rim finisher and made some eye popping finishes. He runs the floor, rebounds in and out of his area and blocks shots effortlessly. He brings good energy to the court and shows upside. The unsigned senior is a nice last minute addition to a college. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->