Nor Cal Players at The Bigfoot Classic, Las Vegas
Las Vegas Nevada, July 24-28, where the Bigfoot Classic Event brought out a number of grassroots programs from Nor Cal to participate in what could be the last event for a lot of these prospects before they head back to…
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Continue ReadingLas Vegas Nevada, July 24-28, where the Bigfoot Classic Event brought out a number of grassroots programs from Nor Cal to participate in what could be the last event for a lot of these prospects before they head back to school. There were a lot of games at different venues being played at the same time, but I was able to see some Nor Cal players compete. Here are five players who I thought played well in Vegas.
Harry Nauci 6’6 2021 West Coast Xtreme Purple 17u San Jose Ca.
Raw still learning the game, his big body and presence in the paint helped this team win a close contest. He’ll get rebounds in his space, he didn’t block many shots, but made it difficult for opposing players to get up uncontested shots inside. He’s got a good shooting touch, and can knock down the elbow jumper, he’s a good passer from the high post area, when he learns to use his body, and improve his footwork. He will be hard to guard.
Malik Merchant 6’1 2021 SF Soldiers 16u. San Francisco Ca.
Every once in a while you’ll see a prospect that puts defense first. Malik seems to be at his best on the defensive end. He was active, and aggressive in guarding his man, with quick lateral movement and the ability to stay tight without picking up fouls stood out. He played the passing laness and brought a certain toughness when he guarded bigger players. He does poses a quality mid-range shot and he did knock down three 3pt shots in one game. Nice to see a defense first prospect.
Bryce Smith 5’9 2021 SF Soldiers 16u. San Francisco Ca.
A bouncy energetic point guard always moving, handles are good, always looking to take advantage of the situation whether passing or driving into the paint. He doesn’t force shots, but will look to score. He has a good shooting form and can hit from a distance. Good on ball defender.
Lee Hubbard III 6’1 2021 SF Soldiers 17u. Oakland Soldiers 16u.
One of the more durable prospects this week in Vegas. He played 7 games with 2 teams. The games I saw he played with good energy on both ends of the courts. A solid on ball defender who forced timely turnovers when the game was on the line, and made good decisions by getting the ball to the right guys for baskets to keep his team close.
Michael Mitchell 6’3 2021 Oakland Soldiers EYBL 16u.
This prospect has been playing point guard this whole grassroots season for the EYBL Soldiers 16u, and has played against quality competition. He is making progress at the position. He does a good job settling the team into half court sets, he executes the pick and roll pretty good. He’s become a better passer when penetrating the lanes and finding open team-mates, and he’s finishing at the rim better. When he moved over to the 2 guard position he knocked down open 3’s with confidence, and had good movement without the ball. Showed he can play both guard spots, he’s still growing and will get stronger.