EBO Big Showdown: 2020 sleepers
Last weekend the EBO Showdown, the largest AAU tournament in San Diego, was held in various venues across the county. With multiple divisions per age group, this event gave us a lot to digest. We start with some of the…
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Continue ReadingLast weekend the EBO Showdown, the largest AAU tournament in San Diego, was held in various venues across the county. With multiple divisions per age group, this event gave us a lot to digest.
We start with some of the sleepers from the rising senior class.
EBO Big Showdown: 2020 sleepers
David Cheatom, 6-3 W, LA University/ You Ball
Cheatom has a big-time reputation in Los Angeles as a prolific scorer, but it hasn’t translated to his recruitment. In this sense, he’s a sleeper to me. Cheatom’s approach is a lot like Cedric Ceballos – he does most of his damage in and around the basket on quick drives or offensive putbacks. Defensively, his length and quickness and determination allow him to guard multiple positions and switch on guards. If he can shore up his perimeter shooting, Cheatom definitely has a place at the college level.
Michael Frankling, 6-2 G, Gardena/ Los Angeles Elite
Frankling is an assertive scorer a nose for the basket. Defensively, he plays the passing lanes well and gets out in transition, where he finishes at a prolific rate. In the halfcourt, he is always looking to attack downhill, which sets up his nice mid-range pull-up game. Love his intensity as well.
Mission Bay rising senior Trae Taylor is vastly improving as a prospectTrae Taylor, 6-6 PF, Mission Bay/ SDA Soldiers Black
Taylor appears to be a prime candidate for a breakout senior season. The long, willowy forward is starting to turn potential into production. In a losing effort against You Ball, Taylor scored facing up and with his back to the basket, rebounded and protected the rim. And, he’s much more aggressive than earlier in his career, looking to dunk on players now.
Justin Gladney, 6-1 G, Fairfax/ Los Angeles Elite Bryson
The lefty is a very young 2020 prospect, but more than holds his own at this level. He is a strong slasher who can finish around the basket with runners, floaters or through contact. His midrange pull-up game has also come a long way. He can be streaky from three, and if he continues to become more consistent shooting it off the catch, he will have a very productive senior season.
Elijah Mark, 6-4 SG, El Segundo/ Los Angeles Elite Bryson
Mark was one of the more intriguing prospects on hand due to his combination of size, length and shooting ability. He looks the part of a D2-ish wing type shooting guard. He needs to get better handling the ball and scoring off the dribble, but the tools are definitely there to be a sleeper prospect.
Grant Norberg, 6-8 PF, Scripps Ranch/ San Diego Spartans
Scripps Ranch had its best season in more than a decade, and with players like Norberg, it’s easy to see why. The lefty big has a nice face-up game and can hit shots efficiently from midrange and can step out and hit the college three. Developing his right hand is paramount for him to take the next step, but college hoops might not be in the cards, as Norberg is also a standout baseball prospect.
Kai Collins, 6-1 PG, Point Loma/ Gamepoint San Diego
Badly outmanned in their loss to Los Angeles Elite, Gamepoint got a positive showing from Collins, an up-and-coming senior guard. Collins has a wiry frame, but has very good length, a nice mid-range pull-up and can score it out of the pick-and-roll set. He was the most poised and unafraid of the moment against the superior team. Division 3 programs should take a look.