This past weekend I had the chance to attend the 2020 Pangos All-East Frosh/Soph Camp which was held at the 76ers fieldhouse which is where the sixers G League team the Delaware Blue Coats play at.
The event is ran by Director Dinos Trigonis who has been one of the top national evaluators for high school hoops since he started in 1994 with his publication fullcourt press. To be simple about it he's the man on the West Coast. 2003 He started the Pangos All American Camp which attracts 100 of the top HS players in the country. John Wall, James Harden, DeMar Derozan are some alums.
This regional camp has consistently attracted a share of the East's top young talent (past players have included Kyle Anderson, Derrick Jones, Trevon Duval, Isaiah Briscoe, Jonathan Kuminga, Cole Anthony, Scottie Lewis and Bryan Antoine) and this year's camp is shaping up as no different. Top prospects expected to be on-hand this year include 2023s Kwame Evans, Shawn Simmons, Mackenzie Mgbako, Akil Watson, Bryson Wilson, Izaah Cannon, Jonathan Gruerrier, Troy McCoy, Khali Horton and 2024s Ian Jackson, Elijah Moore, Elijah Duval, Abdur DeLeon and Dwayne Piece Due to time ill name a few that stood out most and some who people should keep an eye on moving forward.
Rashaun Locke-Hicks/ 5'5/ PG/ 2023/ Sankofa Freedom (PA) - Highly skilled floor general with IQ and feel beyond his age. The way he found guys time after time for scoring opportunities was fun to watch. Defensively, he was looking like a young Muggsy. Opposing guards finally got smart and gave the ball up. To be so small and have that big of an impact on the game speaks volumes for his future potential.
Ian Jackson/ 6'6/ Wing/ 2024/ Cardinal Hayes (NY) - Jackson is a multidimensional wing with pro level athleticism already as a freshman. He was going between his legs for dunks in warm-ups with consistency and when he got out on the break and took off, it was already known to move out the way. Just a freak athlete. Lastly, his motor, his energy is rare. He plays all out like a walk on trying to earn minutes. When you put all of that together, I mean its clear that Jackson has a shot of being a special player in the years to come.
James Moore/ 6'8/ Wing/ 2024/ The Patrick School (NJ) -
Moore potential is off the charts being 6'8, having great length, athleticism and a growing skill set on the perimeter. He's still a bit raw offensively, however, you can forecast that he will be another lethal wing who can defend all five positions that we currently see dominating the NBA on down. He's also a very good shot blocker on the perimeter and at the rim.
Dwayne Pierce / 6'4 / Guard/ 2024/ Christ The King (NY) -
Freshman guard plays with that new york flair and can put the ball in the hole. Shifty ball handler at 6'4, he can get to any place he wants on the floor and knock down shots or find teammates for baskets. Has a chance to be one of the more complete guards in his class when its all said and done.
Chauncey Presley/ 6'0/ PG/ 2023/ Lincoln (PA) -
Iso wizard. He just understands how to score the basketball. Yall know how Lou Williams is a professional scorer? well this kid has that in him as well. First game of the camp, he score the first 10 of his teams 12 points, by breaking down defenders off the bounce one on one and scoring some tough baskets inside. He can get a little tunnel vision putting the ball up, but, as long as he blends getting others involved, he will be fine.
(Pictured Above) Mason So/ 6'1/ PG/ 2023/ Bishop O'Connell (VA) -
So is one of those players that's just good at everything. It's nothing he can't do for a coach on the floor. Then once you mix in his feel, poise and I.Q. for the game, you have a problem on your hands. So was as complete a guard as there was in attendance and he consistently pounded that point home throughout the weekend.
Keep an eye on -
Kwame Evans Jr/ 6'8/ F/ 2023/ Baltimore Poly (MD) - point forward phenom Amani Hansberry / 6'7/ F/ 2023/ St John's (DC) - Big man that can get it done inside and out.
Ralph Martino / 6'4/ G/ 2023 / NFC Academy (FL) - Leaper who loves to turn defense into offense
Shawn Simmons II / 6'6 / G/ 2023 / Friends Central - Arguably the best wing prospect in attendance. Skywalker has pro level talent.
Dellquan Warren / 6'1/ G/ 2024/ Spire Institute (OH) - Explosive guard thats unstoppable attack the basket.
Bryson Wilson / 6'5/ G / 2023/ Maret (DC) - Smooth shooting guard that can score efficietly from all three levels.
Malachi Wright / 6'6/ F/ 2023/ 1st State College Prep (DE) - Athletic, long, versatile forward, who is at his best playing within himself.