Francisco’s Finest: Take Flight Challenge (Sleepers on the rise)
Francisco’s Finest: Take Flight Challenge (Sleepers on the rise) REDONDO BEACH, CA—There were a number of fine performances throughout day two of the Take Flight Challenge—but none were more impressive than 2020 Ziaire Williams terrific all-around game (33-points, 15 rebounds,…
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Continue ReadingFrancisco’s Finest: Take Flight Challenge (Sleepers on the rise)
REDONDO BEACH, CA—There were a number of fine performances throughout day two of the Take Flight Challenge—but none were more impressive than 2020 Ziaire Williams terrific all-around game (33-points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks). Sophomore Kenneth Simpson Jr. (Chaminade), junior Devin Tillis (Windward), and Oregon State-bound Jarod Lucas (Los Altos) put together fine performances as well.
Kaveon Batiste (Westchester)
2019, C, 6-foot-8, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: Batiste slowly, but assuredly, has improved his all-around game. He has a willowy frame with long arms and runs well in transition. His hands need to improve, but his footwork (pivot work) and fundamentals have gotten better since the summer. A definite sleeper for the JUCO level.
Terrance Marigney (Liberty/NV)
2019, PF, 6-foot-6, 195 pounds
Joel’s Take: “Production” comes immediately to mind when describing Marigney. He’s a blue-collar 4-man who is active on the glass due to his quick hops, instincts, and motor. He can convert shots from the elbow in and projects well to the Division II level.
Xavion Brown (Sacramento/Sheldon)
2020, PG, 6-foot-3, 185 pounds
Brown reminds me of a young Rajon Rondo.Joel’s Take: Brown is a Rajon Rondo type of point guard. Explosive in the open court, strong magnetic hands while penetrating the opposition, and a high-level passer. His jump shot needs work, but he’s a beastly point guard prospect.
David Elliott (Birmingham)
2021, CG, 6-foot, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: When Elliott is playing on balance he can be quite effective as a scorer. He has a smooth shot (more like a set shot) and he has an ideal frame with good length. However, there are times when he isn’t on balance when creating his own shot and as a result he takes “tough” shots. Continuing to work on changing speeds, getting the ball out quickly in transition, and playing on balance will improve his all-around game.
Abe Eagle (Chaminade)
2020, C, 6-foot-9, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: Eagle is a project at this stage, but like most “bigs”, it takes time—and he’s no exception. He has a solid frame with good length and soft hands. He pursues rebounds in his area despite not having great lift, but he does have a nice touch that extends to the 3-point line.
Peyton Watson (Long Beach Poly)
2021, WF, 6-foot-5, 165 pounds
Joel’s Take: Watson is slowly evolving from prospect to player. He has that prototypical frame with broad shoulders, long arms, and high hips. He shows a nice soft touch inside and out and is range extends to the 3-point line. He needs to continue to work on his ball skills, moving without the ball, and rebounding, but the upside is there for the taking.