2022 Breakout Candidates: The Magic Bubble

<p>CORONA, CA - On Saturday evening, Etop Udo-Ema and the Compton Magic held an event to raise social awareness through basketball.  Udo-Ema talked about the importance of voting and also how today’s youth can use their platform to make a change and impact society.  On the basketball side, several Compton Magic squads faced off against Compton Magic alumni teams which featured players who currently play in college and pros as well.  Prep Hoops takes a look at some players who were overlooked but are primed to break out from the class of 2022.</p> <p>https://twitter.com/TheSlamNJam/status/1299431960339787779</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="954229" first="Max" last="Allen"] (Sierra Canyon, 2022) - The 6’8" 260 lb bigman looks like he is in the best shape of his life.  He told Prep Hoops that he has lost 30 pounds since the season and looks extremely nimble and agile.  Pitted up against overseas pros and current college players, Allen was able to use his size and IQ inside to finish around the rim.  Allen does a great job sealing his man and playing with his back to the basket and displays IQ in the paint and uses a series of pump fakes and head fakes to throw his defender off. Allen also did a good job of boxing out and throwing outlet passes.  Expect Allen to have a huge year at Sierra Canyon this year.</p> <p>Kalib LaCount (King Drew, 2022) -  A bolt of lightning in the open court, LaCount was one of the fastest and quickest players in the open floor.  He was the perfect pair last year to bigman [player_tooltip player_id="939985" first="Fidelis" last="Okereke"] and with his departure, the 2022 Golden Eagle will be one of the top players in LA City Section.  Although he only stands in at 5’9" LaCount plays with swagger and confidence of someone much bigger.  He uses his tight handles and speed to get into the lane and is acrobatic enough to finish above bigger players.  Keep an eye on LaCount and the King Drew Golden Eagles as he is another player who will have a big season.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="972525" first="JQ" last="Strong"] (St. Bernard, 2022) - The son of former NBA player Derek Strong certainly has basketball in his genes.  JQ stands in at 6’8" and is an ever improving talent.  Strong displays slithery finishing ability and uses his athleticism in the open court to finish with dunks and alley oops.  He displays the potential to space the floor with a soft touch and nice rotation on his jumper.  Strong can play both on the block and face up as he has a couple of nice up and under moves around the bucket.  Keep an eye on Strong and his progression at St. Bernard’s.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="701253" first="Damarion" last="Pouncil"] (South Mountain (AZ), 2022) - The 6’7" forward made his debut for the Compton Magic and was very impressive on both sides of the floor.  Pouncil is mobile and has length and athleticism.  He uses his length to contest shots and darts in to grab boards, routinely using his length to tip himself the ball.  On offense he shows the ability to finish around the bucket including a huge jam against the overseas team.  Pouncil has a nice skillset and has a lot of potential and scouts who are looking for an athletic wing should have him on their radar.  Currently he holds an offer from Portland St. and also one from Eastern Washington.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="766843" first="Jake" last="Overbay"] (Lincoln, 2022) - One of the diamonds in the rough, Overbay is a deadly floor spacer from Lincoln HS in NorCal.  Overbay is a sharpshooter with deep range.  He also has an underrated handle and crafty moves to get himself open.  Jake also displayed his athleticism with a bounce pass alleyoop to himself on a fast break.  Currently Overbay holds offers from Montana and William Jessup University and should start receiving more attention soon.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>