Sepulveda is probably one of the easier players in this group to envision finding ways to help without having a large offensive role. When we saw him last month he had plenty of plays that didnt always make a highlight but they were so effective. He defended without fouling, stayed engaged away from the ball and set some of the better screens I saw from this group. There was purpose behind the screens and not just a way to be in the way. He made contact and actually freed teammates up and used it to free himself up sometimes as well. That’s winning basketball. As a freshman, embracing those details can separate him while the rest of his game develops. Sepulveda still has to expand offensively and adjust to the physicality of high school basketball, but understanding how to contribute without needing the ball on each play is a good place to start.

Sepulveda was one of those guys whose value showed up the more you watched him. Some guys needed to score to feel involved, and he was doing all of the little things. He competed defensively, which pops in these kinds of settings. He stayed engaged away from the ball and did some of the dirty work. I particularly liked the screens he set. They weren’t token screens just to go through the motion; he made contact and created legitimate separation for guards to turn the corner or get clean looks. Sepulveda embraced his role, played with consistent effort, and found ways to help his group without needing the offense centered around him.