Valdez’s IQ is through the roof and it stands out every single time that I watch him. He’s an alpha and the best passer in the state in my opinion and this was an event that he played with the Junior and Seniors and really stood out. He’s hitting cutters, he pushes the pace on makes and misses and gets his guys easy points by just knowing where they should be. He also creates so much separation with the ball on jumpers and breaking guys down off the dribble in iso or using the screen because of his anticipation. Valdez is going to look great in these kind of situations because he’s not having to see double teams each time out and playing with guys who can create on their own so having a pass-first PG makes it that much easier. This was an event that the 3-ball was on and he kept knocking down shots. Cruz is under control, runs the show and him getting out to the event and playing hard the entire time only boosts his stock even more. He loves hoop and competing. He was one of the top guys on the day.

Valdez, in my opinion, has the hardest job in the entire state. Each night out, he’s playing against one of the top teams in the state, with his team being an underdog each time out, and he truly competes in each one. He’s in incredible shape, he’s reading and adjusting to double teams, and still finds a way to get to his spots. What stands out for me specifically is even though he has to have INCREDIBLE games for Smoky Hill to be in games, he still makes the right play and reads. This Summer, he played 17U ball, and it looked the same. It was refreshing to see him not have to do it all, and he could make a pass and a teammate go and make the right basketball play. He picked up his first offer heading into the season and has high expectations. He comes in as the No.2 player in the class. 

There was so much pressure on Cruz every single night as a freshman playing in a tough conference and having to compete on every single play that he looked like a seasoned veteran right now. He’s seen so much of what defenses are going to throw at him, and at Metro State camp was dissecting the defenses. He plays at his own pace, he finds the open man, and is part of every action for the Buffaloes. The team goes as he allows them to go as a true PG who reads the floor, sees plays develop before they happen, and gets teammates involved. We saw plenty of those plays this weekend, and I’m sure that we will continue to see that all season. 

Cruz had himself quite the year and was the sole bright spot for Smoky Hill this past year. His stat line is an enigma if you really dig into the numbers, as he put up a team-high 15.3 points a game, but there was only one more player who put up double digits, and a huge drop off after that. Yet somehow he still averaged 4.8 assists a gam,e which means that he pretty much contributed to every single basket that Smoky Hill generated. Cruz led the Buffaloes in every category statistically as he put up 6.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 3.5 steals a game. He’s the class’s best true point guard and is amongst the top guards in the state, in my opinion. He will be back in the Top-5 and is off to a hot start to the summer as he gets to showcase his level of play helped him prepare for the year. I’m high on Valdez. 

Cruz is the top underclassman to keep an eye on in the conference, and it’s simply because all that will be asked for him to do in his Freshman season. We have seen so much of him this Fall that it feels like he’s been around for a few years. Cruz is a true PG, and we don’t have many of them across the state. He handles pressure, reads double teams, and despite having to carry the scoring load, makes the right passes and puts teammates in plush offensive situations. Not many players in the state will get as much attention from opposing teams as Cruz will have, but he handles it with poise and stays involved. I think he will have the best numbers for any freshman across the state, and he’s a Top-3 in his class for a reason. He gives you a reason to watch Smoky Hill. 

Valdez impacts the game in every area and has shown early varsity readiness as that is all that we’ve seen him up against. His vision, timing, and ability to deliver precision passes make him unarguably the top facilitator in the class. But what sets him apart is his ability to compete. He competes defensively, controls tempo, and elevates teammates through unselfish play. Valdez will shoulder major responsibility as a freshman and already projects as one of the most complete pass-first guards in the state. He finishes at the rim, creates for himself and others off the dribble, and also knocks down the 3-ball. He can only get better and will have plenty of opportunity to do just that, as I feel he will have the most varsity minutes out of anyone in the class. Cruz is one of the top guards not only in the class, but state and has earned his spot in the Top-5.  

Valdez shows maturity well beyond his years already taking command as a true floor general. He has a natural feel for reading the defense, adapting quickly and making the right decision whether it’s to attack or facilitate. Despite being just a freshman he plays big against older competition, showing poise and toughness that stand out. He controls the pace of play with confidence and puts himself in positions to score. His quick first step allows him to get into the lane and finish at the rim. He’s just as effective creating for others delivering kick outs to shooters or finding cutters in stride. Valdez has the tools, instincts and competitiveness that project him as a leader on the floor and a player who will only get more dangerous as he continues to develop