West Coast Elite Summer Classic (2019 Standouts)

West Coast Elite Summer Classic (2019 Standouts)

CLAREMONT, CA—The 2nd NCAA allotted evaluation period is over and it's off to Las Vegas. But before we get into that conversation, Ryan Silver launched his West Coast Elite Summer Classic and there was a bevy of “West Coast” talent from California, Utah, Washington, and Oregon to feast our eyes upon. In our second installment we'll be discussing the “standouts” in the 2019 class—and clearly Nico Mannion was the standout of the bunch. 

Nico Mannion (Pinnacle/AZ) Club: WCE 17U UAA

2019, PG, 6-foot-3, 185 pounds

Joel's Take: What you like to see in every prospect is continued improvement each year—and that is exactly what is occuring with Mannion. His game has gone to another level in the areas of strength, shooting, and finishing ability. He gets great lift on his pull-up jump shot, advances the ball crisply in transition, and has become a tough defender. In a nutshell, he is the best point guard in the country. 

Isaac Johnson (American Fork/UT) Club: Exum Elite

2019, PF, 6-foot-9, 220 pounds

Joel's Take: Johnson is a skilled lean post who has long arms, impeccable footwork, and a soft shooting touch. He utilzes the pivot to perfection and can finish with either hand. While in transition he has the dexterity to finish in traffic and he is a quality athlete. Playing through physicality has always been an issue, but that appears to be improving as well. 

Drake London (Moorpark) Club: BTI Select

2019, WF, 6-foot-6, 220 pounds

Joel's Take: This jack-of-all-trades wing impacts the game with savvy and a ton of moxie. A typical sequence with London involves rebounding, astute passing, and strong finishing. His jump shot is inconsistent, but his mechanics look solid. We're looking at a straight winner right here. 

Bernardo Da Silva (Wasatch Academy/UT) Club: Mountain Stars

2019, PF, 6-foot-8, 210 pounds

Joel's Take: Da Silva is wiry post prospect who possesses very good length, soft hands, and excellen timing. He has a nice touch out to the elbow and can finish over his left shoulder with the drop step move. Passing from the high post is another attribute to his arsenal. 

Josh Green (IMG Academy) Club: WCE 17U UAA

2019, SG, 6-foot-5, 195 pounds

Joel's Take: When it comes to discussing the most explosvie 2-guards in the country, Green needs to be on that list. He can score from all three levels, rebounds in and out of his area, and he can finish through and over defenders. His passing is quite good in the open court and he gets great lift on his shot. However, his shot selection needs refining as he forced the issue a bit much at this event. 

Nathan Hansen (Timpview/UT) Club: Mountain Stars

2019, SG, 6-foot-3, 180 pounds

Joel's Take: Hansen was one of the better camps at this event due to his overall skill set. He handled pressure well, snapped passes to open shooters, and moves very well without the ball. However, his greatest asset is his jump shot and nifty finishing in transition.