UC Irvine Elite Camp: Best Small Forwards
Saturday’s UC Irvine Elite Camp was attended by 114 prospects of varying skill levels and projected collegiate ability.
Prep Hoops So-Cal was in attendance at the Bren Events Center and, in this piece, describes the five best small forwards that made the trip to Orange County. The prospects are listed in alphabetical order.
Dylan Aiono (Ayala – 2019)
Aiono has a very intriguing combination of size, fluidity and physicality on the wing. He’s capable of knocking down perimeter jump shots, but can also use his strength to overpower and expose mismatches against smaller defenders in the paint or off the dribble in transition and half-court situations.
Dexter Akanno (Valencia – 2018)
Akanno was the most explosive athlete at the camp and came in as a relatively under-the-radar prospect. At 6-feet-3 and a built 175 pounds, Akanno bursts out of the triple threat in the half-court and only needs a stride or two to get by his defender and into the paint where he can finish above the rim or through contact. The rising senior has an intriguing skill set as he uses his ball skills and vision like a point guard, but has the frame of a power wing.
Braelee Albert (Brentwood – 2019)
Albert had his defensive versatility on display Saturday as his strength, length and lateral speed allow him to guard all five positions on the basketball court. Albert has a knack for jumping passing lanes and corralling steals which lead to easy baskets on the other end. The 6-foot-5 rising junior has improved his ball skills and ability to create his own shot over the course of the spring and summer.
Dorian Harris (Cerritos – 2018)
It seems like Harris is just beginning to scratch the surface of how good he can be, and each time he takes the floor, he uncovers some more ability. On Saturday, the 6-foot-5 wing discovered he could knock down rhythm 3-pointers off the bounce. Harris danced into a handful of those from multiple spots on the floor.
Devin Tillis (Windward – 2020)
Tillis is loaded with basketball IQ and ability and, if his body continues to stretch out, could turn into a hot commodity for Division I schools come his senior year. The 6-foot-3 sophomore-to-be has the playmaking feel and unselfishness of a point guard, but can also operate and score off the wing as needed.