Drew Buggs – Long Beach Poly – Class of 2016

Drew Buggs is a rising point guard in the Class of 2016. What I like most about Drew is that he is a pure point guard who knows how to create for others. He knows how to get the offense moving, and is unafraid to shoot as well. He has nice size and is quite physical as well. His range extends to the the 3 point line, and he doesn’t hesitate to take it to the rim. While Drew is not extremely fast or explosive, he is deceptively athletic. Drew’s also a calm player who doesn’t seem to force the issue. He plays with the ebbs and flow of the game and understands how to play team basketball.

A comparable player to Drew is Serra’s Jason Richardson. Both players have incredible play making ability once they cross half court. Both like to attack the rim, and have a similar style of play as neither are extremely athletic or fast. However, Jason Richardson has great difficulty with his shot, and I’m not sure if that’s something he will ever consistently develop.

I look forward to seeing how Drew plays this year. I see him ultimately being a mid major player.

Donald Gipson – Fairfax HS – Class of 2016

The best way to describe Donald’s game is that he’s a killer. He plays with a next play mentality and absolutely possesses that killer instinct. Donald plays with a nastiness that is not often seen at the high school level. He rarely smiles and has no desire to make friends with his opponents or be part of the buddy-buddy culture that seems to be so prevalent around the NBA and AAU circles. Donald is here to beat your ass in the ground, and if I’m managing a team, that’s what I want in my players.

As of right now, Donald’s game consists of spotting for 3, playing tenacious defense, and converting layups off offensive rebounds. Defensively, Donald is a doberman. He knows how to use his legs/feet as the motor, and effectively positions his arms/hands to steal whenever the opportunity arises. Donald has a rather long wingspan that allows him to smoothly get his shot off and snag high rebounds around the rim. Donald has solid height/size in his 6’3″ frame and the best comparison right now is Elijah Stewart from Westchester last year. Both players have a consistent 3 point shot, make a living off offensive rebounds/putbacks, and are defensive stoppers. Elijah might have a bit more bounce to his step but both players can come up big in pressure moments. However, like Elijah, Donald’s handles need work as he has difficulty getting wherever he wants on the court. Donald also needs much work on his mid range game and ability to pull up his shot as he is primarily a spot up shooter. But the athleticism is there, and I only expect his hops to increase.

I think ultimately Donald is a mid major player that has the ability to creep higher and hang with the Pac 12 schools. While he may be a bit undersized at the 2, it is his playing mentality that will allow him to succeed. The thing that I focus most on a player is their playing mindset. The best players don’t mentally get in the way of themselves and are able to remain 100% present during the game. They are focused on the game and aren’t disturbed by any fear or doubt: I hope I don’t get the ball, I don’t want to take the last shot. OR Fuck, how did I miss that open lay up. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. These thoughts are all self-created, and removes the player from the present and shackles them to their mind. This is the difference between the best and the rest. The best players have complete mental presence in the game whereas others can be dwelling on a past error and replaying that over and over in their mind. Donald is not that type of player, and that is something no coach can teach.

 

 

2014 NBA Draft

This is the first time in my life that I am more excited for the NBA draft than the NBA finals. I can’t wait for the finals to be over. There are a lot of players that I like in this draft, but none more so than UCLA’s Kyle Anderson. I would build my franchise around Kyle Anderson. He’s not going to make an immediate impact in the NBA, but give him time, and he will blossom into his own type of point guard that will be the closest thing to Magic the league has ever seen.

Anyone who has done their due diligence on previous drafts knows that the teams with the higher picks don’t always draft the best players. I think it’s because teams get too caught up on the individual player and forget what their end goal is and that is to win a championship. It takes more than talent to win a championship. You need chemistry, balance, and most importantly, the organization needs to have a culture that is dedicated to winning, and in order to win, you need team players who love basketball and are fearlessly, committed to that end goal. Teams need to be not only good at evaluating talent but be excellent judge of characters. Is a multi-million dollar contract going to change who this person is? Does he actually love basketball or is he just really good and that’s why he’s here? Is he mentally tough, or will he lose his peace of mind in a Game 7? Will this be a job for him or is this his passion? These are all questions that can’t be answered by the draft combine or any number of workouts you hold prior to the draft. The real homework for the NBA draft isn’t done in the weeks leading up to it but instead years and years before. For the most part, if you want to see how a kids going to hold up in the NBA, you need to see him play. Watching him playing in high school or in the NCAA March Madness will tell you far more about a kid than how high he can jump or how well he does a drill. If you’re interviewing someone for a job, do you think you can learn more about the candidate in the interview or if you had the chance to secretly observe him at his last job.

With that said, here’s my analysis for the NBA Draft this year:
Kyle Anderson, UCLA

What position will he play? He’s a pure point guard. Not a small forward, not a point-forward, he’s a point guard.

How will he guard quicker, point guards? I don’t need him to. How about I switch him to the 2 or 3 on defense, and have my more athletic 2 or 3 guard your 1. Isn’t that what the Heat did last year when they tried to slow down Tony Parker in the finals, put LBJ on him? With Kyle in the lineup, opposing point guards would face a taller defender every night.

How are point guards going to guard Kyle Anderson? He’s not only going to be looking over every point guard in the league but able to shoot over them and out-rebound them. If he can’t drive past them, he will back them down. Isn’t that what Magic, Gary Payton, and Jason Kidd did? Everyone’s talking about the problems Kyle’s going to have, but how about the defensive problems he creates.

The straight dope is that Kyle has the rare ability to create from anywhere on the court. In the 1/2 court, he’s as good as it gets, and how many times did he start the offense off a defensive rebound to a hail mary pass. I have always said that at the highest level of basketball: skills, height, athleticism, all that equals out; what it comes down to is who deeply loves the game and is all in. Kyle’s not the type of player that’s going to be ok with losing a game and retiring to his penthouse for the night. He gets on his teammates for the smallest things, and yeah he may have a bit of an attitude right now but all that comes from a good place in his heart. Over time, he will learn how to get the best out of his teammates and become a better leader. Kyle’s an alpha dog, unafraid of the pressure, who loves the game. He will be the best player in this draft when it’s all said and done.

Zach Lavine, UCLA

I’m a big fan of Lavine. He can hit the long ball, a freak of nature athletically, and knows how to play. But what I don’t know is his true playing style. He was coming off the bench for UCLA and mostly scored off spot up 3’s and breakaway jams. I have an outline of the player he is but can’t tell you how he performs in the clutch and if is he a type of player that hunts for his shots, or looks to create. Regardless, he’s a top 5 draft pick in my book.

Jordan Adams, UCLA

I love baby harden. All you need to know about him is that he’s clutch and has ice water in his veins. He’s not the most athletic but has a long wingspan which explains all the steals he had this year. He’s a championship player who’s going to have a long career. Will be a steal at whatever spot he gets drafted.

Andrew Wiggins, Kansas

Physically, Wiggins is one of the most impressive players the NBA has ever seen. He has long legs, short torso, with huge hands and long wingspan. He reminded me of a young Jordan but MJ couldn’t even run and jump the way he can. My problem with Wiggins is that I don’t know if he really loves the game. He is the son of a former NBA player and an Olympic track and field sprinter, so genetically, he was born to play basketball. But did he get to where is he today just off of talent and dominating lesser players, or is he also obsessed with the game as say, Kobe Bryant? I’m leaning towards the former, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t take Andrew Wiggins with the #1 pick. The key to winning with a player like Wiggins is surrounding him with players that are passionate and self-motivated. He also doesn’t seem like a natural leader so players with that ability will also be necessary if you’re going to win a championship with him. Kyrie Irving would be perfect to complement Andrew Wiggins, so it’s looking all good for Cleveland. Unless they’re thinking of drafting Joel Embiid and signing LBJ; that would be crazy and could work but a lot of if’s.

Joel Embiid, Kansas

Embiid reminds me of Hakeem Olajuwon with his footwork and mobility. He’s a great defensive player who has no trouble offensively. Although he’s only been playing basketball for a few years, you can tell that he has a natural feel for the game and will be adding more moves to his offensive repertoire. The concern with him is his back and while I don’t know what the real issue is, it is a concern nonetheless. I don’t love him like I love Andre Drummond, and if I’m considering him at the top 3, I might have to pass and wait for the next center to come along. Great players never stop coming.

Jabari Parker, Duke

I think Jabari Parker is a cross between Andre Iguodala and Carmelo Anthony, and I’m not particularly fond of either player. He reminds me of AI because of his playing style and Carmelo because he’s ok with not winning. While Jabari can play, my issue with him is his mental toughness. In all the games that I watched him play, I noticed that Jabari never finishes a game as well as he starts. His play fumbles during the clutch, and I believe it was during the Duke/Syracuse game where he fouled out and was jumping up and down out of control although euphorically on the sidelines. I don’t want to see my best player like that. He’s not an alpha dog and you’re definitely not winning a championship if he’s your #1 player. At best and I mean absolutely best case scenario, Jabari can be your third leg of a Big 3.

Julius Randle, Kentucky

Like Jabari Parker, you’re not winning a championship if Julius Randle is your best player. The best case scenario I see for Julius is if he morphs into a Chris Bosh like player. And this is a good thing. I absolutely love Chris Bosh and how he has shed his ego for the Miami Heat. The Heat don’t win any of their last two championships without Chris Bosh accepting his role next to Batman and Robin, and absolutely killing it as the third leg. Chris Bosh is a HOF in my book and has redefined the role for the #3 player on a team. All future Big 3’s will need a player like Chris Bosh.

Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State

I have no idea why anyone is talking about Marcus Smart. How are we saying that Kyle Anderson is not a point guard and he is? Just because he brings the ball up, that makes him a point guard? Just because he penetrates and kicks the ball out, he’s a good passer? The dude shot 42% and 40% from the field his freshmen and sophomore year, respectively. Are we talking about him because he’s 6’4 and there has been a trend of bigger point guards? That’s probably it.

Nik Stauskas, Michigan

It’s interesting to see how fickle NBA mock drafts are. I remember seeing Nik Stauskas barely in the 2nd round at various times during the college season and now he’s a lottery pick. What makes Nik special from other shooters is that he can put the ball on the floor and create. He’s not afraid to attack the rim, and has the athleticism to jam it on players. While Nik is a solid player all around, he can get nervous during the clutch and may become a bit doubtful. He’s good enough to be the 3rd best player on a team, and if he’s the 4th best, they’re winning a ring.

Tyler Ennis, Syracuse

Pure point guard who’s unafraid of the big moment. He’s tough, knows how to play, and is naturally a leader. I have no problem seeing him have a long career and think he will only get better as he ages.

Aaron Gordon, Arizona

I like that Aaron Gordon is a team player who leaves it all on the court. He’s a hard worker and a championship-caliber player. However, he is not Blake Griffin. While he may have the athleticism and even look like Blake Griffin, he is nowhere near the offensive player that Blake Griffin is or was in college. BG32 has real basketball moves and is very fluid with his body. Gordon is much more mechanical and just doesn’t have the offensive skills like BG32. I think he will get better over time, but things come naturally to BG32 and that’s the difference between them. Nevertheless, Aaron Gordon has all the other qualities of a championship player.

Doug McDermott, Creighton

Dougie McDougie is good. He can shoot, put the ball on the floor, and knows how to play the game. He has the height for the 2 and I’m not too worried about him trying to keep up defensively. I don’t think he can be the face of a franchise but definitely a starter. I see him ultimately being him a key bench player on a championship-contender and making his biggest impact there.

Noah Vonleh, Indiana

I have never seen Noah play in a game, but from the clips I have seen, he seems legit. A traditional power forward with big hands that reminds me of the 90’s. But because I have never seen him play, hard for me to say anything about his playing style and attitude towards the game.

Patric Young, Florida

Big boy with muscular physique that can anchor down the paint. I think he’s solid as a rock and not too shabby offensively. In time he will add more to his game but would be a great addition to any roster. While different in style, I can see him having an impact similar to that of Taj Gibson.

 

After soccer, basketball has become the most competitive sport, globally. There are currently 30 NBA teams, and during the season each team is allowed to carry no more than 15 players. So, let’s say 450 players in the NBA. Think of how many college players and other professional players are vying for one of those spots. There is a far greater supply of NBA-capable talent than demand. There shouldn’t be as many as bad picks as there has been, especially at the top.

 

Pangos All-American Camp

The Pangos All-American Camp held at Cabrillo High School in Long Beach, CA was loaded with top D1 talent and future NBA players (over 100 players in attendance). Since my end-goal is to become a GM and manage my own team one day, I will select 15 players from the camp that I think have the right qualities – talent, athleticism, chemistry, etc – to win a ‘ship.  I didn’t get to watch every player, and there are definitely some that I wish I watched more (De’Aaron Fox, Djery Baptiste, Steve Enoch, to name a few). As a caveat, I’m not concerned about individual talent or ability but instead only looking at the finished product, which is of course the team. Which players put together will yield the greatest result? Here’s my team:

 

Isaiah Briscoe, Lonzo Ball, Cody Riley, Marquese Chriss, Chimezie Metu, Sedrick Barefield, Andrew Fleming, Vance Jackson, Rekwon (Ray) Smith, Stephen Zimmerman, Paris Austin, Malik Beasley, Cassius Stanley, Stevie Thompson, Jr, Djery Baptiste

 

Isaiah Briscoe, 6’3″, Roselle Catholic (Roselle, NJ), Class of 2015:

The first time I saw Isaiah Briscoe play it was on YouTube. I was blown away by the fact that he was already playing at an NBA level. I easily thought he was the best point guard in the country if not the best player in the Class of 2015. Needless to say, words can’t express how happy I was when I saw him at the camp.

There is absolutely no question that Isaiah is the real deal. He plays the point with great composure that is rarely seen at the high school level. I can’t think of anything that he can’t do, and what makes him even more incredible is his ability to finish so well with his left. It almost seems that he prefers to go to his weak side (left), if you can even call it that.

Isaiah is a floor general, and masterfully controls the tempo of the game. Once he crosses half court, Isaiah is methodical and plays with purpose. He has great court awareness and multiple gears to his game. There is not another player that I would want to have the ball in the final seconds of a game. Isaiah would no doubt be the leader and alpha-dog on this team. I also think he’s a great person full of life and charm. His teammates would look up to him both on the court and off.

The only thing that prevents me from providing a conclusive analysis on Isaiah is that I have never seen him play in a real game, from start to finish. The Pangos camp is a great way to see a bunch of quality players at once, but the games are rarely more than individual showcases. For the most part, players are trying to get noticed so they don’t always play team basketball. I need to see Isaiah in a real game to get a better feel for what type of player he is and how he handles the pressures of a game. But if you asked me point blank who’s my PG1, it’s Isaiah Briscoe.

 

Lonzo Ball, 6’6″, Chino Hills HS (Chino Hills, CA), Class of 2016

Lonzo Ball never ceases to amaze me. The only type of basketball that Lonzo knows how to play is team ball, and everything he does reflects that. I was most impressed by Lonzo when he played alongside Isaiah Briscoe in the Top 30 game. Lonzo normally plays the 1, although I always saw him as more of a 2. I loved how easily he slid into the 2 position to allow Isaiah to play the 1. He didn’t defer to Isaiah out of fear but understood that it gave them the best opportunity to win. There is not another player at the camp that could’ve complemented Isaiah better than Lonzo. The two of them absolutely killed it together and tore up the opposing first-unit that had Arizona-bound Tyler Dorsey. Both Lonzo and Isaiah are natural, playmakers and to have them side-by-side would be an nightmare for any defenses at the D1 level.

However, I also noticed that Lonzo dribbles the ball high and doesn’t fully lower his shoulders when trying to get past his defender. This slows down his penetration into the paint and he is often forced to kick it back out to the wing. Lonzo’s technical skills aren’t as smooth as other great players but it hasn’t hurt his game in any way yet. Since he’s only a sophomore, he should polish out over the next couple of years, but this is something that I will pay close attention to as he matures.

 

Cody Riley, 6’7″, Sierra Canyon HS (Chatsworth, CA), Class of 2017

Cody Riley is the real deal. No doubt about that. He already has a solid, NBA frame and the fact that he can hit the long ball and play inside presents match up problems . He can post up smaller forwards, and spread the floor when being guarded by a taller/bigger player. What’s crazy is that Cody is only a freshmen. I have a feeling that he will have the attention/hype similar to Stanley Johnson by his senior year.

The only downside that I can think of right now is that Cody may lack the dragon mentality that some players have. Certain players are absolutely fearless and have an air of supreme confidence, and I’m not sure if Cody has that. Don’t get me wrong, he’s confident, but is he free of doubt? I’m not sure. However, this doesn’t worry me too much because if you surround Cody with dragons, he will soon believe he is one as well. I’m only looking ahead because at the highest level of basketball, being good is not enough, you need to have absolutely no doubt in yourself. After all, that is where Cody’s future lies ahead.

 

Marquese Chriss, 6’8″, Pleasant Grove HS (Elk Grove, CA), Class of 2015

Marquese Chriss is very good; I like him a lot. He caught my eye with his ability to get high above the rim, but he’s also a solid shooter with good form. He’s a team player that makes the right plays. What I like is that he has all the qualities that you can’t teach a player, such as athleticism and basketball instincts. What he needs to work on can all be taught. Marquese seems like a player who wants to continue improving and isn’t easily complacent. He also carries a positive vibe which I think is a great indication of his personality.

 

 Chimezie Metu, 6′ 9″, Lawndale HS (Lawndale, CA), Class of 2015

The player that made the greatest jump from my previous evaluation is Chimezie Metu. I watched Chimezie play several times last season, and noted that he had great handles for a man of his size and was truly an athletic beast that could alter the game at both ends of the court. But I felt Lawndale was a poorly run team that didn’t use Chimezie effectively.

Chimezie has incredible handles for his size. Incredible. His ability to grab a defensive rebound, dribble through defenders up the court, and finish with a resounding dunk is mouth-dropping. How many players in the NBA with his size can consistently do this? Kevin Durant? Fine. Blake Griffin? Sure, but he’s a littler shorter. Giannis Antetokounmpo? Maybe. But that’s it. Chimezie has handles that guards at the camp didn’t have. I have to admit, however, that Chimezie did get a bit carried away with the ball handling at the camp, but to have a big man who can take the ball coast-to-coast is going to be devastating at the college level. What I also like is that he looks up after defensive rebounds and understands the value of the outlet pass. Now, it’s all about getting better at reading defenses and knowing when to outlet and when to go on a one-man fast break.

I think the key to maximizing Chimezie’s value is by surrounding him with self-motivated players that know how to lead and are committed to the game. I don’t think Chimezie is a natural leader or someone that can handle the pressure of carrying a team. On this team, Chimezie wouldn’t have to worry about any of that, and be able to just play his game.

 

Sedrick Barefield, 6’2″, Centennial HS (Corona, CA), Class of 2015

I’m a big fan of Sedrick Barefield. I love his ability to create in the 1/2 court, and boy can he thread the needle. Sedrick didn’t have the best outing at the camp which explains why he was only selected to the top 60 game. But like I mentioned earlier, these games are more like individual showcases, and that’s not where Sedrick thrives.

Like Isaiah, Sedrick is a floor general and naturally lets the game come to him. He doesn’t ever force the issue, and it takes the entire course of a game to fully realize and appreciate Sedrick’s style of play. He’s a very smart player who patiently tries to understand the opposing team. He wasn’t able to do this at the camp where substitutions are periodic and the style of play was borderline selfish. But on a real team, Sedrick’s game would have no problem blossoming.

Sedrick also has a certain swagger to his game that I can’t fully describe. He’s tricky with the ball and has some of the best reverse layups I have seen. He’s not afraid to try new moves and will not shy away from embarrassing you. Sedrick is committed to SMU, and I have a strong feeling that we will be seeing him and Larry Brown during March Madness before his time is over.

Side Note: When Sedrick shoots, there’s a lot of movement with his holding hand. I’m not worried about this, because this is something that can be fixed, but worth mentioning nonetheless.

 

Andrew Fleming, 6’4″, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, VA), Class of 2015

The straight dope is that the kid can play. He can shoot, attack, and plays with high confidence. I only saw him play briefly, but he has a solid understanding of how the game should be played. Andrew is a team player who knows how to win but also not afraid to go 1 on 1. He’s a deceptively athletic player, and dares you to sleep on him. He’s committed to Iowa, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him hit a buzzer beater during the NCAA tournament in the future.

 

Vance Jackson, 6’8″, St John Bosco (Bellflower, CA), Class of 2016

Vance makes the team because he has ideal NBA height/size at the 3 and is a lethal spot up shooter. He likes to make it rain from downtown, and off a crisp pass, he is as good as automatic. He may be a little soft, but I just couldn’t pass up on his height/size and outside shooting. He’s an absolute sniper, and brings much needed outside shooting to the team.

 

Rekwon (Ray) Smith, 6’7″, Las Vegas HS (Las Vegas, NV), Class of 2015

Rekwon is a straight baller. He’s athletic as hell and can occasionally hit his shots from the wing and downtown. He has a confident/funny guy personality that brings another element to the team. What I also like about Rekwon is that he has a strong idea of who he is, and doesn’t care what other people think. If Rekwon slips into a moment of doubt or fear in a game, he can pull himself out of it and say “next play”.

Like Marquese Chriss, he’s a monster at finishing above the rim. The two together would be a constant highlight reel of lobs and dunks.

 

Stephen Zimmerman, 7′, Bishop Gorman HS (Las Vegas, NV), Class of 2015

Stephen is very mobile for a 7 footer. He has solid handles for a man of his size, and does not hesitate to shoot from the wing or beyond the arc. In spite of all of that, Zimmerman is solid defensively and can anchor down the paint. He’s a monster blocker, and doesn’t back down from anyone. Stephen would have a big role on this team because of his height/size, and on many nights, his performance may very well determine the outcome of the game.

In order to be truly competitive at the D1 level, teams need a legit 7 footer who can play. Take UCLA this year for example, they had a great core of Kyle Anderson, Jordan Adams, Zach Lavine – all projected to be drafted in the first round this year. However their tallest player was no more than 6’9, 6’10, and this really hurt them both offensively and defensively. The key to building a quality team is balance, inside and out. Zimmerman would provide much needed balance in that regard. How he actually performs may be another question, but there’s no way I pass up on a 7 footer like Zimmerman.

 

Paris Austin, 5’11”, Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland, CA), Class of 2015

I think I watched Paris Austin more than any other player at the camp. It was my first time watching him play, and I liked that he is a pure point guard with enough athleticism to jam it at the rim. He’s a brilliant passer, and maybe the best lob passer at the camp. He can shoot the ball well, and overall just has a great understanding of how to run the point.

The only concern about Paris is his height and defense. His lateral quickness on defense is almost non-existent, and on most nights, Paris will be undersized. But Paris plays with great energy and confidence, and I think would be a great boost off the bench.

There are other point guards that I considered for this position such as Derryck Thornton and De’Aaron Fox. I didn’t get to see De’Aaron Fox until the top 30 game, and while I liked what I saw, I’m just not 100% confident going off on that one game. I liked how he was athletic and can play, but couldn’t get a feel for him as a point guard. I like my point guards to be pure, and that is something about him that I need to further find out.

Derryck Thornton may be the fastest point guard at the camp with some of the illest crossovers I have ever seen at the high school level. His ability to change direction going at full speed is some next level stuff. Defensively, he’s a doberman that leaves skid marks on the court. But my problem with Derryck is that he doesn’t know how to create for others. He’s great at getting to the rim and scoring, but it’s all at the expense of his four other teammates who are standing by watching him play. A successful point guard does much more than just slash and kick; they dictate the entire tempo of the game (at least offensively). If the center is the backbone of a team, than the point guard is the brain. Together they form the central nervous system, and direct the activities of all other parts of the team. Derryck is like a brain with no awareness or control of the body, and for that reason I chose Paris over him.

 

Malik Beasley, 6’4″, St. Francis (Alpharetta, GA), Class of 2015

Malik Beasley is the most athletic wing player on this team. Although he’s a purely athletic player, he will be a crucial element to the team. His finishes on the breakaways or alley-oops not only send the crowd into a frenzy but brings much energy to his teammates and can be an absolute momentum changer. Malik’s athleticism brings confidence to the team in another form, but don’t think for a second that he can’t play. He’s a type of player that will find holes to fill and do whatever is necessary.

 

Cassius Stanley, 6’4″, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, CA), Class of 2018

Cassius Stanley is only an 8th grader and would no doubt be the youngest player on the team. I gave this much thought, and finally decided to go with him. First let me tell you what I like about Cassius: he’s a basketball player in every sense of the word and not limited to any particular moves or position on the court. He just plays, and is extremely effective. I still haven’t figured out what type of player he is or even what position is best suited for him. He’s in the right place at the right time, and the way he runs up the court reminds me of the Velociraptors in Jurassic Park. Thin and wiry, but speedy. They’re also nicknamed “Speedy Thief”, and that’s exactly what Cassius is.

Cassius would be the baby of the team, but would quickly earn the respect of his older brothers.

 

Stephen Thompson Jr., 6’3″, Bishop Montgomery (Torrance, CA), Class of 2015

Stevie might be the purest shooter on this team; he has a smooth stroke and his range extends to the NBA 3. He also has a consistent floater that allows him to counter defenses when they are running at him full speed to contest his shot. Stevie is also a very smart player with natural playmaking abilities. His defense is not too shabby as he knows when and how to use his hands. Stevie’s only downside is that he’s not an explosive player and a bit limited athletically. However, he has since improved much in that area. All in all, Stevie is an outside threat that knows how to play a team game.

 

Djery Baptiste, 6’11”, Prestonwood Christian (Plano, TX), Class of 2015

I didn’t get to see Djery play as much as I would have liked, but he’s a big body, with long arms that would fill the paint. He’s a monster dunker, who has a good feel for the game, offensively and defensively. Like Zimmerman, Djery would be a crucial aspect of this team because his ability to hold down the paint and play in the post.

 

For the coach of this team, I would select Doug Mitchell from Bishop Montgomery HS. I think he has a strong understanding of how the game should be played, and while he can be hard on his players, I think it comes from a good place in his heart. I also would consider Steve Williams of Nikos Basketball, but haven’t seen him coach to be comfortable with that decision.

I believe that putting together a team is much more of an art form than simply an accumulation of talent. As much as it is about basketball, it’s also as much about having the right characters that can beautifully blend together into one. Basketball is a very fluid sport that depends on flow and continuity. The best type of basketball that I have seen is when players are in sync with one another and where there’s almost a loss of ego. In a way you can compare it to typing on a keyboard. It doesn’t matter which finger types the most letters, but that the words are typed.

 

My CIF Southern Section Basketball Team

If I had the opportunity to build and manage a basketball team with the players from the CIF Southern Section, my vision would look like this:

Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Lonzo Ball, Stanley Johnson, Cody Riley, Thomas Welsh

Marcus Lovett Jr., Stevie Thompson Jr., Ron Freeman, Ira Lee, Chimezie Metu

Kendall Small, Chris Sullivan, Chandler Hutchinson

I limited myself to 13 roster spots. The NCAA allows only 13 scholarships per Division 1 team, and I figured it to be a good number.

Also please keep in mind that this isn’t just a listing of who I think are the best players but instead my vision of a basketball team. I believe the underlying success of a team has far more to do with just skills and talent but instead love, understanding, and cooperation. My hope would be to build a band of brothers who will love each other, understand each other, and cooperate with each other. I think these players can do it.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Senior, Loyola HS

On a team with so much talent and scoring ability, I need someone who can purely distribute the ball and get the offense flowing. Every single player on this team can score, so the challenge is how to get the best possible shot. It would be an understatement to call PJC selfless or a team player. When PJC plays, he lets the game come to him. His ability to naturally sync into the ebbs and flow of the game is almost Taoist. He gains control of the game by giving up control.

Lonzo Ball, Sophomore, Chino Hills HS

Lonzo Ball is a tremendous passer who consistently hits 3’s from NBA range. His greatest asset might be his ability to create offense from defense. He’s a smart and aggressive defender that has great basketball instincts. He understands the game very well, and with him no longer as the primary ball handler, I expect him to add even more value. I think he’s a natural 2, but his playmaking vision separates him from the rest.

Stanley Johnson, Senior, Mater Dei HS

If we’re talking about one-on-one, Stanley Johnson is hands down the best. There is no one with his height and muscular build who can handle the rock like him. He’s a scorer and can do so at will. When the team desperately needs a bucket, Stanley will be the go-to guy.

Cody Riley, Freshmen, Sierra Canyon HS

Cody Riley would be impressive if he was a senior. To see that he’s only a freshmen, it blows my mind. He already has the height and muscular build that top NCAA D1 programs drool over. But what makes Cody great is his equal ability to attack the rim and shoot beyond the arc. He has a beautiful lefty jump shot, and because he can shoot the 3ball so well, it keeps the defense honest and allows him to draw his defender out of the paint. He is great at finishing at the rim, can post you up, he can do it all. He could play for a NCAA D1 program today.

Thomas Welsh, Senior, Loyola HS

Thomas is a traditional post player that understands how to play the game. He doesn’t have the best athleticism or mobility, but he makes up for it with his play in the paint. He knows how to anchor the defense and has a nice soft touch that extends to the free throw line. Thomas is a team player that will provide the necessary senior leadership.

Marcus Lovett Jr, Junior, San Gabriel Academy

Watching Marcus Lovett Jr dribble the ball in transition through defenders is like watching a truck go off-roading in the jungle. Just when you think MLJ is going to trip or flip over, he regains his balance. It has been incredible watching him dribble through defenses all year long. What makes him even deadlier is that he has bonafide 3-point range and an amazing pull up. MLJ is as complete of a scorer as it gets. I also think MLJ is a pure point guard. Although he looked less to his teammates as the season went on, I nonetheless believe that on a team with so much talent, he would return to his natural state of creating the best possible basketball.

Stevie Thompson Jr, Junior, Bishop Montgomery HS

My nickname for Stevie is “silent assassin”. He seems quiet and introverted, but brims with inner confidence. Stevie is the best 3 point shooter on this team; he’s a silent assassin because you never sleep on Stevie. The minute you take your eye off him, he will make you pay. While he lacks great athleticism, he makes up for it with his ability to bounce back after poor plays and nut a 3 in your face. Also, he has a tear drop that allows him to counter the defense if they run at him full speed when he’s within shooting range. And shooting range for Stevie is NBA range. Stevie is a very confident player that has no need to express it outwardly. He doesn’t excessively celebrate or even shows emotion. He’s cold-blooded, and you have no idea what he’s thinking.

Ron Freeman, Senior, Serra HS

Ron is tough, confident, and displays great presence of mind in the game. He can shoot the 3 ball, attack the rim, play great defense..Ron fills the holes of a team. If there is a need for rebounds, he will crash the paint. He does whatever is necessary to win the game. That’s the best way to describe him: he’s a winner and plays to win. He’s not looking to be friendly with the other team, he has no need for the pleasantries of the game.

Ira Lee, Freshmen, Sierra Canyon HS

I like Ira, he may be young, but I like what he brings to the table. He’s confident, plays well when the pressure is on, and doesn’t get lost in his own head. He won’t dwell on a bad play, and Ira doesn’t take himself out of the game. While Ira still has much to improve, he is physically mature and can fill the paint. I think his youthful energy brings a different element to the team.

Chimezie Metu, Junior, Lawndale HS

Physically, Chimezie is everything you want in a post player. Tall, long, and with tremendous leaping ability. He also has solid handles for a man of his size and position. I have seen him more than once go coast-to-coast and finish with a thunderous dunk. However, offensively Chimezie Metu is not nearly as polished as say, Cody Riley. He lacks offensive moves that he can consistently rely on. But that’s ok, because I see Chimezie as potentially a defensive stalwart. On a team with so much offense, all Chimezie would need to focus on is defense. Defense is half the game, and hopefully he could grow as the best and last line of defense.

Chris Sullivan, Senior, Long Beach Poly HS

I love Chris Sullivan and his game. His intensity is unmatched and there is no doubt that he plays to win. Chris has a HUGE wingspan that allows him to defend players much more taller than him (6’4″). What I like most about Chris is that he’s an absolute team player with nothing selfish about his game. He can shoot the 3 ball at times and has a nice mid range game. He does whatever is necessary, and is not limited to any aspects of his game. He is the x-factor of this team.

Chandler Hutchinson, Senior, Mission Viejo HS

Chandler might be the gem of this team. I’ve only seen Chandler play twice (against Long Beach Poly and Loyola HS), but he really impressed me in the Loyola game. Here are my notes on him from that game:

Chandler’s a team player that is unafraid of the big moment. He has confidence in himself, stays calm during the pressure and I believe to be an alpha male. What I like is how he gets his teammates involved, doesn’t freak out @ them during bad plays or mishaps. Truthfully, Chandler should’ve been more selfish and taken more shots. I wonder if the type of superstar I’m looking for is a player like Chandler. Someone who is 100% team oriented, cannot be rattled mentally, knows when he needs to attack. 

I think Chandler is only beginning to find his basketball groove and really emerging as an elite player. I will definitely watch him next year @ Boise State, but I really think this kid is special who can potentially play in the NBA.

What makes Chandler so special is that he is able to be a superstar within a team. He doesn’t deviate from the team, and takes matter into his own hands. Instead, like PJC, he lets the game come to him and also correct itself. Chandler does so much by doing so little. He has a beautiful stroke and top-notch hops. I think he’s only beginning to crack into who he can potentially be, and I can’t wait to follow him at Boise State next year. I can’t believe he was overlooked by the PAC-12. He’s going to make them regret it.

Kendal Small, Junior, Mayfair

Kendall has mad hops, is blazingly fast, and can score at will: behind the arc, pull up, at the rim, whatever, he’s a scorer. Kendall is the perfect point guard for a motion offense. I’m not sure if he has the vision as a PJC or a MLJ, but where he lacks in that regard, he makes up for by being a better defender. Kendall is strong and smart and is able to guard players taller and bigger. Kendall flies through the court in transition and a spin move here or there and he’s at the rim. Kendall Small is legit.

Thank you for reading, any comments or thoughts is greatly appeciated,

 

Other players considered:

Sedrick Barefield, Junior, Corona Centennial HS

MJ Cage, Sophomore, Mater Dei HS

Elijah Stewart, Senior, Westchester HS

Aaron Holiday, Junior, Campbell Hall HS

Josh Ajayi, Senior, San Gabriel Academy

 

Lonzo Ball – Chino Hills

The first time I saw Lonzo Ball play was back in December when Chino Hills played Pasadena. My immediate thought was that Lonzo’s not a point guard. And after seeing him last night in their victory over Redondo Union in the CIF Southern Section’s Open Division semifinals, my stance remains the same. Lonzo Ball is not a point guard – at least not at the college level.

But that doesn’t change the fact that Lonzo is a great player who is an amazing passer. Let me repeat that again, Lonzo is an amazing passer. Maybe the best passer that I have seen in the greater Los Angeles area at his height (6’5 – 6’6, and supposedly still growing).

Lonzo Ball is a team player, and that is what I value most in basketball. There is nothing selfish about his game, and he’s all about winning. He naturally looks to get his teammates involved, and he doesn’t freak out or lash out his at his teammates over missed layups or poor turnovers. His shot is unorthodox but he consistently knocks down the 3 ball. Best part is he already has NBA range. The only other player that I have seen who can comfortably shoot from that far out is Bishop Montgomery’s Stephen Thompson, Jr. Physically, Lonzo is lanky with huge hands and big feet. The athleticism is there, and I believe he will become more and more explosive as the years come.

Defensively, Lonzo Ball is one of the best I have seen. Chino Hills and Redondo Union were neck and neck last night, until Chino Hills decided to go man-to-man in the fourth quarter with Lonzo guarding Redondo’s star point guard Ian Fox. This hindered Fox’s ability to facilitate the offense and forced his teammates to create. I believe this is why Chino Hills was able to pull away at the end. A defining part of Lonzo’s game is his ability to turn defense into offense. Chino Hills’ offense is powered by their transition game that jumpstarts after a long rebound, steal, block…any defensive stop, and they’re off running. Lonzo is always looking up court, and more often than not, he will find an open teammate, and lob it forward.

When I carefully think about Lonzo, it’s not so much that he’s not a point guard but rather he’s not a pure point guard. A pure point guard has complete awareness of the game/court and instinctively creates opportunities for his teammates. The most important part is that a pure point guard has the natural mind for the position. I believe Lonzo has the court awareness and the instinctive ability to create for his teammates, but my concern with him is in the half court set. Lonzo’s biggest weakness is his ability to create in the half court. Chino Hills thrives in the transition game, but once the defense has settled and is set, Lonzo has difficulty creating opportunities for both his teammates and himself. It’s beyond driving and kicking to the open man. It’s about reading the defense, adapting to what they give you, and creating from there. All the while being aware of exactly where your teammates are and will be. This is what makes a point guard pure. This comes naturally, from intuition, and I don’t know if this is something that can be developed. What I look for after a pass from a point guard is how long does the ball remain in his teammates hand? How much more work does the player have to do before he can get a shot off? The great point guards do all the work, all the heavy lifting so his teammate can simply lay the ball in or go straight up in the air to shoot without taking another dribble. The less time the ball is in the teammates’ hand the better. This isn’t always the case, but it’ s a good rule of thumb.

The bottom line is that I think Lonzo is a great player who will add value at the college level and go on to play professionally if not in the NBA. I just don’t see him playing the 1 beyond high school, but it’s ok because I see him as a 2/3, and a damn good one at that.

Additional Notes:

Lonzo Ball is in the Class of 2016 and has verbally committed to UCLA. Areas of improvement for him include polishing his handles, developing a consistent mid range game, and becoming more dominant with his left. I think he showed great composure and characteristics of a leader in the win over Redondo Union.

Aaron Holiday – Campbell Hall

Campbell Hall’s junior Aaron Holiday is another major point guard prospect in the Los Angeles area. For those that don’t recognize the last name, Aaron is the younger brother of former UCLA and current New Orleans Pelicans point guard, Jrue Holiday.

Here’s what I like about Aaron…

Aaron Holiday is an incredible scorer. He has next-level athleticism and a long wingspan that allows him to impact the game at both ends of the floor. I have watched Aaron play a few times, and I haven’t seen many players take over a game the way Aaron can.  His long wingspan allows him to effortlessly get his shot off: Aaron can hit the ball from deep, and when he’s in transition, he’s unstoppable. Aaron is also very good defensively. He is able to hound his man and even guard players several inches taller than him. His hops also allow him to come from the weak side and block/contest shots taken in the paint.

Here is my reservation…

I don’t know if Aaron is a point guard. He plays the position, but I question his PG vision and awareness. I think the PG position is the hardest position to play in basketball. The position requires more than just impeccable handles, and fancy moves. You need to be a leader and have the mind for the position.

I think Aaron is much more of a scoring guard, than a point guard. He doesn’t instinctively create for his teammates and lacks the team-oriented mindset. Individually, Aaron is a very lethal player, but what makes a point guard great is his ability to make his teammates just as lethal, and Aaron simply doesn’t do that.

The bottom line…

..is that I have seen very few players who can take over a game and score the way Aaron can. Aaron is a true impact player who shows up in big games as evident in the Campbell Hall-Sierra Canyon game. I can’t emphasize Aaron’s wingspan and big hands enough and how good he is at attacking and finishing in the paint. But basketball is a team sport, and no one player in the history of the game has ever been able to win on his own. The late UCLA coach, John Wooden “valued a player who cared for others and could lose himself in the group for the good of the group*.” This was his definition of an outstanding player. He believed that players who didn’t put the team first, even gifted players, would ultimately hurt the team.

Miscellaneous Notes:

* This was taken from A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court 

Campbell Hall will host St. Anthony tonight in the CIF-SS Division 4A quarterfinals. St. Anthony is another team that I have watched several times this year. I am fond of their freshmen point guard Miles Oliver and have previously blogged about him. This will be a great game.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright – Loyola

There’s very little that I can say about Parker Jackson-Cartwright that hasn’t already been said. However, I also can’t dedicate the next few posts about LA’s finest point guards without mentioning PJC. The first time I saw PJC play was back in early December when Loyola played Locke in The Tournament @ Santa Monica HS. This was before I knew anything about PJC or even who he was; I wanted to see Loyola play because they were ranked as one of the best teams in the LA area. Below are in-game notes that I took on PJC:

Loyola – Locke game on December 2:

L#3 Parker Jackson-Cartwright is a good pg. Long wing span. In control of ball & game speed. Max Hazzard along w/ Parker form a very tough backcourt. Have sixth sense of where each other are, can both play the point. Parker has next level moves and lets the game come to him. Good feet on defense. Very underrated. Parker is aware of the game at all times. Great on defense, good w/ hands. Has a strong left. 

Loyola – Cantwell game on December 13:

Pregame analysis: This is going to be a very close, intense game. I think Cantwell #23 (Gligorije Rakocevic) will outplay Thomas Welsh [I was so wrong about that], but I don’t know how they will contain Parker Jackson Cartwright. 

Loyola is possibly the best team I have seen. PJC is going to thrive @ U of A. He’s a natural PG that can play w/ college height. Has a great feel for the game and will make U of A an exciting transition team. He makes very good, smart passes and has great dribble control. Seems like a good kid too. I can see him getting to the line, hitting big open shots, and getting teammates good shots. 

PJC – attempted dunk and all but went in. The kid has hops, he’s the real deal. He’s so good at creating opportunities for team. long wing span allows him to D up Joey Covarrubias. 

Loyola – Compton game on January 4: 

PJC is a clutch player who will get playing time @ next level. He’s good @ stealing and is very in sync w/ game

Loyola – El Camino Real game on January 25:

I think Parker Jackson Cartwright will be just fine in college. When he’s dribbling @ full speed he has complete awareness of where everyone is. He’s the best pure pg that I have seen. He delivers the ball perfectly. [At Arizona], I think he’ll also be able to score when the opportunities present themselves: when he gets open or away from his defender. He’s a great shooter and is also able to finish in the paint. He has a great feel for the game and is able to absorb body contact.

Stealing the words from Loyola coach Jamal Adams, it his feel for space and time that makes him incredible. PJC is in sync with the natural, ebb and flow of the game, and knows exactly where everyone is or where they’re going to be when the ball is in his hands.

Although PJC is only about 5’9 or 5’10 and a wiry one, I don’t think he will be limited by his height at the next level. He has great body control, and his vertical is not too shabby. Defensively, PJC has great feet and knows how to use his hands. Offensively, he will come off the bench and get the ball moving for what I believe will be a very talented Arizona team.

I will continue to watch Parker Jackson-Cartwright’s progress next year at the University of Arizona and report my findings here.

Additional Notes:

For those that are unaware, PJC withdrew from Loyola HS earlier last week due to academic misconduct. PJC will finish the rest of his senior year at Sierra Canyon but will not play another high school game.

Loyola lost to Bishop Alemany in OT last night – I don’t think Loyola would have lost if they still had PJC.

Jason Richardson – Serra

I have seen many solid point guards in the greater Los Angeles area. My plan is to dedicate an individual post for each of the point guards that have caught my eye. One of the first players to come to mind is Jason Richardson (Junior) from Serra in Gardena, CA. Jason may not have the buzz that many of his peers have, but I think he’s an impact player that will be making some noise very soon.

Jason’s greatest strength is his ability to create – both for his teammates and himself. He is a point guard in every sense of the position, and his ability to create in the half court is uncanny. Jason has very efficient handles and is so good at drawing the double team, keeping his dribble, and finding the best opportunity.

What draws me to Jason is that he has the size and style of play to thrive at the next level. He’s about 6’1″ or 6’2″ and has a husky build that allows him to outmuscle his defender. Jason’s not blazingly fast but is able to dictate the game at his own speed. The athleticism is there, and his ability to finish at the rim is quite incredible. When I saw Jason play Bishop Montgomery in late January, I thought that these were the moves that work at the college level. He has the ability to switch gears at any moment and it is the deceptive nature of his game that allows him to get to the rim. Because Jason can handle the ball at a subconscious level he is able to focus his entire mind on the game and be keenly aware of what’s happening on the court. This is what separates the great point guards from the good ones. Jason is also a great defender and exceptional at stealing the ball. It’s hard to explain but he has a natural knack on the defensive end.

In spite of all of Jason’s strengths, Jason needs to work on his shooting, and he knows it. I have yet to see him make it rain from downtown and his mid range game is almost non existent. With Ron Freeman and Tavrion Dawson gone next year, Jason will need to develop this aspect of his game to keep Serra competitive. There will still be a lot of talent on Serra, but Jason will be the leader and the cornerstone of this team. There’s no doubt in my mind that him and Lafayette Dorsey (Sophomore) will be one of the most exciting backcourts in the CIF Southern Section.

I will continue to monitor the progression of Jason Richardson and report my findings here.

Additional Notes:

Sophomore Lafayette Dorsey is a very exciting player with tremendous athleticism. He caught my eye after Serra played Beverly Hills back in December, but since then he has been playing so-so. He lost his cool and shoved an opposing player after running into a hard screen against Bishop Montgomery in late-January and hasn’t been playing as well as I think he can. He’s not a point guard but a natural 2 guard. I look forward to watching him next year as well.

Chris Sullivan – Long Beach Poly

I first saw Chris Sullivan play back in November during the Pacific Shores tournament at Redondo Union High. What I immediately noticed about Chris was that he is an very intense player. Long Beach Poly was playing Westchester, and Westchester was killing on the offensive boards. Westchester had so many 2nd chance points from offensive rebounds that I began to wonder if they could actually score in a half court offense (I now know they can, Westchester is one of the best teams in the LA area). I was standing behind Long Beach Poly’s bench and saw that Chris was extremely vocal and communicated with his teammates in a very positive way.

After consecutive, offensive rebounds by Westchester, I overheard Chris telling his teammates to just box out, and he will take care of the rest. All Chris needed was some help boxing out Westchester, and he would grab the rebound. Chris was asking his teammates to meet him halfway, and he will take care of the rest.

Chris is a special player because he’s not only good but he’s also a leader. He plays hard on both ends of the court and is able to galvanize his team with his play. He rarely gets frustrated, and if he does, he doesn’t take it out on his teammates. Instead, he plays only with greater concentration and as the pressure of the game builds, his game only sharpens.

What makes Chris a great basketball player is that he’s not limited to any particular moves, and nothing about his game is predetermined. He’s able to adapt to what the defense gives him and is able to create opportunities for both himself and his teammates. Chris is able to shoot the 3 ball, has a nice pull up, and is able to play both in the post and on the wing. Additionally, Chris is an extremely athletic player that can finish with either hands and has a great basketball foundation.

I think Chris was overlooked by many schools because of his height (6’4″), but I believe that his long wingspan (roughly 6’10”) will allow him to impact the game at the next level. Chris will be playing on the wing, and his huge wingspan will allow him to shoot over taller defenders and be a defensive nuisance. I can’t emphasize enough the advantage of a long wingspan, and in many ways I think it’s more important than height – obviously the taller you are, the longer your wingspan tends to be, but the reality is that we use our hands to shoot, to steal, to block, and to rebound and not our head.

All in all, I have very few concerns about Chris’ game. He will need to polish his handles and shot, but what I continue to stress about is the mental aspect of game. Chris is very strong mentally, and doesn’t wither as the game comes down to the wire. He’s full of confidence in himself and is quite fearless as well. Chris will be attending Cal Poly Pomona next year, and I believe he will be an impact player for the Broncos.

I will continue to monitor Chris Sullivan’s progress and report my findings here.

Additional Notes:

I saw Long Beach Poly play Compton last week, and Long Beach nearly won. Chris had a key and 1 + several defensive stops to bring the game down to the wire. Compton also missed several open layups to allow Long Beach back in the game. I think Long Beach should’ve looked more to Chris offensively near the end of the game, but instead they took a few shots that were a bit early and out of sync. Chris is clutch and plays better when the pressure is on, and is no doubt a go to player. He’s a competitor, an animal, and not afraid of the moment.

Compton is one of the best teams in LA: they have the unique combination of height, athleticism, basketball skills, and great teamwork. Compton and Westchester are similar teams.