Francisco’s Finest: Geico Top Flight Invite (Air Nado/NV)
Francisco’s Finest: Geico Top Flight Invite (Air Nado/NV) GILBERT, AZ.—Since school started in this virtual world of learning, my mind has been working at a frenetic pace developing lessons and projects for my students. However, when a colleague of mind—and…
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Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Finest: Geico Top Flight Invite (Air Nado/NV)
GILBERT, AZ.—Since school started in this virtual world of learning, my mind has been working at a frenetic pace developing lessons and projects for my students. However, when a colleague of mind—and fellow Prephoops writer—Devin Ugland text me about this event on ESPN2, it was a no-brainer to put my studies down and watch some hoops. It began with a tilt between national powerhouse Big Red (Mater Dei) versus one of Arizona’s in Tri Starting 5 (Sunnyslope). Toss in the likes of consensus No. 1 prospect Chet Holmgren and scoring dynamo Jaden Hardy Jaden Hardy 6'4" | CG Coronado | 2021 State #4 Nation NV (Coronado) translated into an epic day of hoops viewing.
Jaden Hardy Jaden Hardy 6'4" | CG Coronado | 2021 State #4 Nation NV (Air Nado/NV)
2021, PG, 6-foot-5, 185 pounds
Joel’s Take: If Hardy is not the No. 1 scorer in the high school ranks, I would surely like to know who is. He is a three-level scorer who has extraordinary range on his jump shot and his shot creativity is right at the top as well. He can create space with the dribble, rise in traffic, and deliver the pull-up jump shot. As ESPN analyst pointed out, Hardy is equally effective off the catch as he is off the dribble. His shot selection can be questionable at times, but he can also deliver the nifty assist as well.
Frankie Collins Frankie Collins 6'2" | PG Coronado | 2021 State #58 Nation NV (Air Nado/NV)
2021, CG, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: The Michigan-bound Collins affects the game in multiple ways. He has a strong frame that possesses good quickness and he doesn’t need an elevator to reach the 2nd floor. Whether it’s a slashing drive or finding the open man in traffic, he can do it all. Defensively, he can guard either guard position due to his quick hands and high motor.
Chris Page Chris Page 6'4" | SG Gardena | 2021 State CA-S (Air Nado/NV)
2021, SG, 6-foot-5, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: Page gets a bit lost in the shuffle when you consider your running mates are two ball-dominant players in Hardy and Collins. However, Page—albeit a tad on the skinny side—is a talented player in his won right. He gets good lift on his shot, is explosive in transition, and his pull-up game is tight as well. Due to his lengthy frame, he can be a dominant defender with the right mindset.
Osiris Grady Osiris Grady 6'7" | PF Coronado | 2023 #195 Nation UT (Ari Nado/NV)
2023, PF, 6-foot-7, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: Grady stood out a couple of seasons ago as a rising freshman in the Pangos All Frosh/Soph camp at Lynwood High School. He has grown a couple of inches since then and his game has evolved as well. He has magnetic hands, long arms, a soft shooting touch, and his savvy around the paint level is noted. Continuing to add to his offensive game (face-up skills/3-point shot) are areas that I would like to see evolve in the coming seasons.