Bruce’s Best: 2021-2022 Season Debuts

<p>With the college season underway in an ever-changing world, we take a look at some west coast players who next year at this time will be making their long-awaited college debuts. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="533055" first="Will" last="McClendon"] <em>6’3 SG Bishop Gorman 2021</em> <strong>||UCLA||</strong> - Next year at this time McClendon and his big shot-making ability will be suiting up for the Bruins. People question McClendon’s athletic ability, but no one question his skills. I’m expecting him to make shots at the next level, really interested in watching his playmaking and defense. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="533053" first="Zaon" last="Collins"] 6’0 PG Bishop Gorman <strong>||UNLV||</strong> - I’m just happy that one of my favorite high school players to watch is staying home to play his college ball. I really feel as if Collins has an opportunity to be better as a college player. That’s saying something considering the 3-time state champ is considered a top 30 player nationally. His speed and athleticism at the PG position is perfectly suited for the college game, and could be just what the Rebels need to help them get to the next level. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="611182" first="Paolo" last="Banchero"] 6’9 PF O’Dea <strong>||Duke||</strong> - Banchero is going to be one of the most anticipated players in the nation next season. The Duke signee is a one and done guy that will have huge expectation. My only question is will he dominate from the 3 or 4. Banchero has a decent floor game, with underrated ball skills. I’m curious to see how evolved these skills are by the start of his college career. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="611183" first="Kaden" last="Perry"] 6’9 PF Battle Ground <strong>||Gonzaga||</strong> <em>(featured image)</em> - I’m not as excited about Perry, next year as I will be two years from now. When Perry ends up a lottery pick just remember you heard it hear first. His quick jumping ability is elite, and while his overall offensive skills are still developing, the thought of him rebounding and blocking shots for the Zags is simply too much fun to miss. </p> <p>Nolan Hickman <em>6’0 PG Wasatch</em> <strong>||Kentucky||</strong> - It’s been fun watching Hickman develop over the last few years. He’s elevated himself from a good player to a stud. What I’m excited to find out is, what kind of stud. The guys a winner, that’s headed to a school that produces lottery picks. Next year at this time could be the start of a special season in Lexington for Hickman. </p> <p>Jahmai Mashack<em> 6’3 SG Etiwanda</em> <strong>||Tennessee||</strong> - Two things intrigue me about this. The first is a west coast guy heading down south to play his basketball. The second is that perhaps no player is perfectly suited for that than Mashack. Take a look at how Tennessee plays under Rick Barnes, now go and look at how both Mashack’s AAU and high school squads play. No coincidence he ends up in Tennesse. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">Follow Prep Hoops</a></p>