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LONG BEACH, Calif. — With the April evaluation period coming to an end, it was time to make a pit stop at the Pangos Sweet 16. Many of the elite prospects from the West Coast were scattered at various tournaments around the country, but the Pangos event gave us a chance to watch some up-and-comers as well as some intriguing Division I sleepers.

Surprise players

Robert Cartwright (Pasadena, Calif./Flintridge Prep)
2014, PG, 6-foot-1, 155 pounds
Cartwright is a heady pass-first point guard who possesses an advanced feel for the game. He has a solid burst off the dribble, a low crossover, and he knows how to snap passes to open teammates in transition and the half-court set. He doesn’t have elite speed or quickness, but he changes speeds very well and he plays with a bevy of moxie. He needs to continue to improve his strength, quickness and pull-up game out to the 3-point stripe, but he is definitely a Division I prospect.

Keanu Peters (Las Vegas/Valley)
2013, PG, 6-0, 150 pounds
Peters has an ideal Division I frame with good length and he has an excellent burst off the dribble. He pushes it hard in transition and can get to the rim with ease. In addition, he can pull up and knock down the jump shot or drop off a nice pass to an open teammate. Despite his physical attributes, his approach needs an overhaul. He has a tendency to pound the ball too much and he needs to learn to change speeds because he plays too fast, which leads to costly turnovers or forced shots. If he cleans up those areas of his game, he has the talent to play at the next level.

Nnadi Udengwu (Diamond Bar, Calif./Diamond Ranch)
2013, SF, 6-4, 215 pounds
When describing Udengwu, the first description that comes immediately to mind is “beast.” He is a power wing with very long arms, strong hands and he plays with a very high motor. He can post up taller defenders and power through them or take them off the bounce thanks to his solid first step. He also has the ability to knock down the 3-point shot. Overall, he is one of those “no position” types, but due to his assertiveness and production he may find a place on the low Division I level.

Bayek Tutlam (Everett, Wash./Mariner)
2013, WF, 6-3, 160 pounds
Tutlam is a wiry wing-type with an outstanding shooting touch that extends out to 20 feet. He gets off his shot fairly quick and his release is smooth. His shot is more consistent off the catch (gets his feet set well), but he needs to get better with the ball, while being pressured. He plays the game with a good pace and rarely forces the action. He’ll need to get stronger for the next level, but he is definitely a Division I prospect.

Breakthrough performers

Josh Hawkinson (Shoreline, Wash./Shorewood)
2013, PF/C, 6-9, 220 pounds
Hawkinson runs with the Hoopaholics out of Washington, and after taking in their act at the Pangos, they’re quite addictive to watch because of the unselfishness they display on the offensive end — and it starts with Hawkinson. He is a long-armed post prospect who possesses an excellent feel for the game. While on the block, he can turn over his left shoulder and convert or drop off a nifty assist if the help comes. He handed out a number of fine cross-court passes and found teammates from the high post. He is a rim-level player, but he seals well in the post, has good feet and excellent hands. Schools in the Big Sky, WCC and Big West should be on his radar.

One to watch

Chimezie Metu (Lawndale, Calif./Lawndale)
2015, 6-7, 200 pounds
Metu is yet another big man that Division I coaches need to place on their prospect check list. He has long arms, great hands and excellent feet. He is originally from Nigeria, where he grew up playing soccer, and that has benefitted him greatly. He shows glimpses of putting together a skill set that is chock full of options. He can step out and hit the jump shot (soft touch) from the elbow or post up and drop in a developing jump hook. He has many areas to improve on (rebounding out of his area), fundamentals (keeping the ball high) and playing with a more consistent effort (running hard in transition), but his upside is immense.

Notes

• Kendall Small, a 6-foot point guard out of Huntington Beach, Calif./Ocean View, continues to exhibit why he is one of the more talented prospects in the ultra-talented 2015 class out west. He pushes it well in transition, has good vision and has improved his 3-point shot considerably in the past six months.

• PHPS (Play Hard Play Smart) is one of the better club teams on the West Coast due to its unselfish play and competitive nature. It’s a balanced squad, but the three most promising prospects are a trio of juniors in 6-5 Dakarai Allen (Sacramento, Calif./Sheldon), 6-3 D’Erryl Williams (Sacramento/Sheldon) and 6-4 Darrin Johnson (Elk Grove, Calif./Franklin).

Allen has terrific length, solid ball skills, and is an excellent passer. However, the best aspect of his game is his ability to guard multiple positions (active hands). Williams is a left-handed power guard who affects the game in multiple ways. However, he was inactive (injured) in the games I watched. Meanwhile, Johnson has that prototypical 2-guard frame and an excellent looking jump shot. However, he needs to be more consistent.

Chance Murray, a 6-foot-3 junior out of Los Angeles/Price, has shown a greater urgency getting to the rim and finishing through contact during the spring. To keep defenses honest, he needs to be able to knock down that pull-up jump shot at a more consistent rate, however.

• Team Compton, which is essentially Compton High School, has two prospects with a ton of upside in 6-4 sophomore Isaiah Bailey and 6-2 sophomore Isiahiah Sweeney. However, both need extensive work on their fundamentals (playing on balance, jump stop, becoming more efficient) and developing midrange skills (pull-up game, runners, floaters, etc.)

Branchwest Elite, a club team that is pretty much senior-laden, has one of the better shooting wings in Southern California in 6-5 Dakari Tucker (Gardena, Calif./Serra). When he has his feet set, his shot is spot-on. However, BWBA’s most promising prospect is 6-5 sophomore Namon Wright (Los Angeles/Price).

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