After going 3-19 at Hazen his freshman year, Cortez played a key role in turning the ship around and helped lead the Highlanders to an 11-12 record last season. He’s a pretty skilled guard who will finish at the cup with either hand, understands how to utilize different finishes to combat shot-blockers, and has good change of direction in tight spots. Cortez is a very positive player too. Good attitude, willing to advance the ball, and recognizes the efficiency of a pass over a dribble.

Cortez really shined over the course of the day as a reliable operator in transition. Showed he can capably fill multiple roles on the break and was able to quickly get out in transition as a ball handler to capitalize on slow transition defense. Did a great job reacting to possession changes off the ball too, streaking out ahead of the defense and displaying the effort needed to catch defenses lacking. Had a handful of sneaky finishes at the rim, using both hands, and slipping some inside hand finishes off around shot blockers.