Of the five primary ball handlers in the 2029 Top 10, Arnold is the most “true” of the point guards. The 5-foot-11 rising sophomore might not have the physical or athletic tools of some of his peers but his basketball IQ when processing the floor and making decisions might be second-to-none. Arnold is a savvy ball handler who uses change of pace and dribble manipulation to keep defenders guessing and balances scoring and distributing well beyond his years. Arnold sees the game a step or two ahead of the opponent which leads to him creating shots for himself and teammates. Arnold averaged 15.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.9 steals per game for Team Why Not 15u.

We were able to take in one Team Why Not 15u game on the weekend and it just happened to be the on that Arnold dominated. The 5-foot-11 point guard scored 25 points on 10-for-15 from the field and 3-for-4 from three-point range all while impacting other facets of the game with five rebounds, four assists and three steals. What Arnold lacks in physical strength and explosive vertical athleticism he makes up for with his ball-on-a-string handles with savvy vision and an elite basketball IQ to create for himself and others with paint touches.

Arnold’s offensive feel, talent and natural gifts were on full-display in San Gabriel Academy’s dominant run to the Sammy Davis, Jr. bracket championship. Few point guards – regardless of class – have the basketball feel and IQ that Arnold brings to the point guard spot as his ability to balance playmaking and scoring is second-to-none in SoCal’s 2029 class. Arnold showed elite passing instincts, mid-range and at-rim scoring ability and a high level of poise and patience with the ball in his hands.

Arnold made his mark as a high IQ decision-maker, pinpoint accurate passer and as a player whose smooth feel for the game made it look like he never forced a shot or decision. The 5-foot-11 point guard was consistently poised beyond his years as a playmaker and orchestrator of offense in half-court and transition offense. When Arnold wasn’t looking to get the ball into his talented big men, he showed the ability to knock down perimeter jumpers with consistency and scored craftily around the rim.