UA Next Combine Series LA-Early Look

Devin Askew, Malik Thomas, Michael Mitchell, Anthony Swift & Glen Taylor

We’ve only gotten through a few skills and drills, combine testing and player/parent workshops, but it’s already clear that the talent level in the west coast session of the UA Next Combine Series in LA is already an upgrade from last week in Atlanta.  It’s also clear from what we’ve seen so far in a few drills that there are a few players who we can’t wait to see once the games tip off this afternoon.

In terms of early standouts, Devin Askew (6’3/PG/2021/Anaheim, CA) is making things look easy!  In a one-on-one drill, Askew, who is already nationally known, got to the cup with ease, scored almost every possession, and finished with both his left and right hands.  He’s already got great size for an 8^th grade PG, coupled with a great skill set and high basketball IQ, Askew easily projects as a D-I prospect. Malik Thomas (6’3/CG/2021/Alta Loma, CA) showed some early signs that he’s here to grab some attention.  With his size and athletic frame it’ easy to see why he's capable of playing up in the U-15 division on the UAA Association. Thomas is strong, physical and can either get his shot off the bounce or euro-step his way to the cup.

Michael Mitchell (6’1/PG/2021/Los Gatos, CA) is another good-looking prospect early. Blessed with a nice skill set, quick first step, the ability to create space and then hit his jumper, Mitchell should excel this afternoon when the games tip off. Tyler Powell (6’4/WF/2021/Los Angeles, CA) is a grown man out here.  Big, strong and athletic, Powell is also quick on his feet.  Just when you think he simply uses his size and strength to bully his way to the basket, he flashes a 1-dribble pull-up and a nice looking mid-range game.  He should be a monster this afternoon.

Derrick Nettles, Anthony Swift, Ben Krystowiak, Will McClendon & Isael Silva

Glenn Taylor was a late arrival, but he’s already putting in work. Taylor has good length; he’s athletic and he has complete control of his body.  He also showed he can pull up and hit the mid-range jumper. Anthony Swift (6’5/PF/2021/Las Vegas, NV) caught our eye early. He has good size; he’s athletically gifted and he finishes well with contact. He also has good footwork and appears to defend well. Other guys we’ve seen this morning included: Ben Krystkowiak (6’1/WF/2021/Sandy, Utah), Isael Silva (6’0/PG/2021/Sacramento, CA), Reid Little (6’2/CG/2021/San Francisco, CA), Derrick Nettles (6’5/WF/2021/Perris, CA), Christian Moore (6’5/WF/2021/Los Angeles, CA) and Will McClendon (6’3/WF/2021/Las Vegas, NV).

As we stated earlier, we’re less than halfway through the 1-day event, so there are still a lot of players we haven’t seen and evaluated. When the games jump off this afternoon more players will emerge and we will get a closer look at the guys we notice early.