When Emelio Sanchez was in the fifth grade, he was playing basketball with his friends when one of them called him Melo.
Melo?
Yes, he was told, he played so smoothly he looked like NBA standout Carmelo Anthony.
“I’m cool with Emelio, but everyone who know me calls me Melo,” said Sanchez, a senior who has led Mater Dei Catholic into the section playoffs starting Tuesday. “Either one is fine with me.”
That easy-going attitude certainly has not manifested itself in the past year as the 6-4 ½, 185-pound Sanchez used the down time caused by the coronavirus to drop almost 20 pounds and sharpen his game. The second team All-Section player in 2020 has certainly not rested on his laurels, averaging a team-high 18.8 points and 4.0 rebounds.
“I’m faster, and I’m stronger,” said Sanchez, who has a gym in his garage, so he was able to work out when others could not. “I’ve also been working on my mind, motivating myself. Every year I try to better myself, and I’ve noticed this year I’m way more comfortable on the court.
“Being a captain since my sophomore year, I feel I’m more of a team leader now.”
An example of that leadership is that he’s taken freshman Josiah Jefferson under his wing, trying to smooth the transition to high school and high school basketball.
“He’s like a little brother,” said Sanchez, showing his sense of humor by adding, “and if he ends up being as good as I think he will, I’ll take some credit.”
Coach Jason Bryant has noticed the difference.
“He doesn’t post up as much as he used to,” said Bryant, noting that instead Sanchez has developed a quick first step to either drive to the basket or take his much-improved jump shot.
“I think he has the potential to make a career out of playing basketball because he’s so smooth and knowledgeable. He has court savvy. When he’s locked in and healthy, he’s hard to beat at either the 2 (shooting guard) or 3 (small forward) spot.
“He plays like Luca Doncic.”
That is if he gets a chance.
Both Sanchez and Bryant have noticed that many local high school seniors who would normally be going to DI schools simply have not received the attention they usually get because the NCAA gave college players the option of playing an extra year and more than 1,700 have jumped into the portal.
Colleges that have the option of recruiting an NCAA-experienced player or a high school standout are hard-pressed to push for the inexperienced player.
“Basketball is changing right in front of us, and this will affect us for at least the next five years,” said Bryant. “(University of Arizona coach) Damon Stoudamire said they should have a Portal Showcase, like they do for high school kids, then they could pick who they want.
“Usually at this time of the year there is a frenzy to sign high school kids, but I don’t see it.”
Sanchez, who has a solid offer from Fresno Pacific and carries a 3.3 GPA, is more focused on winning a section championship.
“We have the pieces to win a championship,” Sanchez said. “Our losses are to teams like Torrey Pines and El Camino. The thing they have is team chemistry — their chemistry is through the roof.”
Interestingly, Sanchez had the option to go to the three schools that battled for the Mesa League title this year — Mater Dei Catholic, Bonita Vista and San Ysidro.
“My dad (Javier) is friends with the coach at Bonita Vista. I live in the San Ysidro district, and a lot of my friends go there, and I’m a Catholic,” Sanchez said. “I looked at the overall picture —academics, faith and basketball — and Mater Dei Catholic was the best choice. I’ve liked every moment.”
He wasn’t the only one checking out the options. When Melo’s mom, Marisol, looked up the three schools on line, she was especially impressed with the Mater Dei Catholic academics.
“Yes, she won that one,” said Melo smoothly — just like he plays.
Steve Brand is a freelance writer.
"smooth" - Google News
May 27, 2021 at 07:08AM
https://ift.tt/3oSLF9H
His game is as smooth as his game - The San Diego Union-Tribune
"smooth" - Google News
https://ift.tt/30JhCVH
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "His game is as smooth as his game - The San Diego Union-Tribune"
Post a Comment