Class of 2021 Potential Breakout Players
It’s been a different summer so far to say the least in the world of high school basketball. Grassroots events have largely gotten underway in some parts of the country while others are still on hold. A lot of players…
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Continue ReadingIt’s been a different summer so far to say the least in the world of high school basketball. Grassroots events have largely gotten underway in some parts of the country while others are still on hold. A lot of players have been missing out on a time when they’d usually have ample opportunities to showcase their game for college coaches.
With events still pretty much on hold here in California, I’ve used the time to watch film on players that I haven’t quite watched in depth before. Here’s a group of players from the Class of 2021 that I’ve seen both in person and through film that could be players to look out for this upcoming season. I’ll have more groupings of players throughout this month.
1. Truman Gettings Truman Gettings 6'8" | PF Harvard-Westlake | 2021 State CA-S – Harvard-Westlake
Gettings is a very mobile big man who can do a couple of different things on the court. He’s more of a forward that is able to play some center. He can stretch the floor with his range out to the three-point line. Active in the paint and can finish strong around the rim; moves very well without the basketball. Mobile defensively; he has quick feet and stay with players going to the rim.
2. Chris Page Chris Page 6'4" | SG Gardena | 2021 State CA-S – Gardena
Page is an athletic wing who has a knack for scoring. He can handle the ball and he can make plays off the dribble. Can create his own shot. He has a decent midrange game and he can shoot from three as well. He is very athletic and he is active around the rim; ready to catch a lob pass and throw it down. He can create contact and get himself to the free-throw line. Has good length defensively.
3. Chris Nickelberry Chris Nickelberry 5'10" | PG Damien | 2021 State CA-S – Damien
Nickelberry is a crafty ball-handler and point guard. He is quick and get to his spots on the court. Comes off screens and can bury the jumper. He’s a good outside shooter and he has good body control to get himself all the way to the rim. Can finish with contact and can finish around bigger defenders. An unselfish player who can create for his teammates. Also a solid perimeter defender with good quickness.
4. Cory Johnson Cory Johnson 6'5" | SF Fairmont Prep | 2021 State CA-S – Fairmont Prep
Johnson is a very good shooter from distance. He can spot up and catch a pass on the three-point line, or he can shoot off the bounce. He’s got a quick release and can shoot with defenders running at him. He can do a little more than just shoot though. He’s a mobile forward who can do damage on the glass. Puts himself in good position to snag rebounds and get second shot opportunities.
5. Jaylen Carter Jaylen Carter 6'3" | SF Manual Arts | 2021 State CA-S – Manual Arts
Carters is in my opinion, one of the more underrated players/scorers in the Los Angeles area. He can score with the best of them and that ability was certainly on display this past season. He can play both shooting guard and small forward and he can make plays with the ball in his hands. Very good three-point shooter; near automatic if left open. Steps into his shot and can score from anywhere on the court. Good perimeter defensive player.