By Juan Cobos

 

This past week the Canarias Basketball Academy was on tour visiting Madrid with both its u20 and u18 teams. We had the chance to see their u18 guys on action during their last game of the Tour. These were their first games of the season as a team, as they still haven’t received all the transfers for their international players. After beating Estudiantes u18 team by one the first day, CBA suffered a severe loss against Real Madrid u18s the following day.

This last one at Real Madrid’s again came close. CBA started really aggressive looking for redemption, led by Kok, Herrman and Hammink, but during the 2nd quarter started to lose control of the ball and to struggle from downtown and Real Madrid managed to take the lead with 5’11’ PG Alberto Martin (’94) running the game.

The second half kept the game close with Real always up by a close gap, and Oskar Reinfelds trying to lead a comeback. In the final minutes, Real made a few key free throws and kept their distance around 10 points.

Big man Willy Hernangómez (’94, standing somewhere between 6’9’’ and 6’10’’), showed during the game why he was a starter last summer for the Spanish u18 gold team. Size, range, passing skills, low post, rebounding…

Let’s see how the top CBA prospects performed.

Oskar Reinfelds (’94). This strong point guard showed himself as the floor general of the Academy. He took control of the ball, making decisions. Despite not being the most explosive guy on court, showed what he’s capable of doing when two-handed dunked the ball off a backdoor. Most of his points came from penetrations, using his big body and ball control, but also displayed he knows when to shoot, not abusing on his long shot ability, but making a few threes and another midrange basket. He even had a nice low post move which ended in two more points.

Shane Hammink (’94). A 6’5’’ lefty shooting guard, mainly impress us with his explosiveness. With a very quick first step, and a good ball handler, he kept all the game driving to the hoop with a ridiculous ability to dribble defenders using a very interesting footwork. With the capacity to break the defense and dunk over the big guys, must keep working on his jump shot.

Petr Herrman (‘94). The Czech player is a modern power forward, who could even end up in a  combo forward. He can put the floor on the ball. A very mobile player standing around 6’8’’, he confirmed what we already knew. Great shooter. Not just considering he’s a big man. He is accurate off screens and also off dribbling.

Jito Kok (’94). Dutch big man, an athletic 6’9’’ power forward set to be on of the attractions for next year u18 Netherlands NT. He’s working on his mid range shot, but still with a short range. Very athletic and mobile, most of his points came after offensive board or a dish, and individually facing up the basket, even if starting the move back to it at the low post. Can run the floor, he must put on a few pounds to compete in the paint. A prospect with upside.

We still can assure what class these guys are listed at, but guess they’d still have another season to keep growing at the Academy. Top25 HS sophomore Khadeem Lattin ('93) showed some flashes. Lengthy and mobile, did not doubt about shooting from midrange.

 

Twitter of the author: @juan_cobos