While the state of Arizona's level of basketball talent continues to grow, new prep school prospects have been the main reason, but this summer the state's AIA ranks got much more talented when 6-foot-8 junior forward prospect John Solomon moved to the state from Florida. Immediately, Solomon went from a developing talent in Florida, to a hot commodity in Arizona.
Joining superb senior prospect 6-foot-9 senior forward Osasere Ighodaro at Desert Vista High School, the one-two punch of Solomon and Ighodaro gave immediate credibility to this year's chances of winning a 6A state championship by the Thunder.
Solomon would then see his college recruitment soar as some division-I college programs would take immediate action in his college recruitment, extending offers to the developing young forward prospect.
Solomon would receive offers from Nevada, Grand Canyon, New Mexico and South Dakota. I also look for many more schools to get involved over the next year, as Solomon matures into his senior year, and as college programs begin to see this young man. He should only continue to see this list of college suitors continue to grow.
Solomon's family's move to Arizona came as a result of his desire to play in the West for college. A close family friend, Mike Fetters, who has been instrumental in helping a large number of kids in the state of Arizona, advised Solomon that the state of Arizona would be a great move for him and his development. After his move to Arizona, Solomon immediately began working with NBA/professional trainer Phil Beckner. Beckner, who works with a laundry list of professional and elite players, has worked hard to develop Solomon, who is benefiting nicely.
Solomon has only played the game for 3 - 4 years, according to Fetters, who is a former pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and he feels that Solomon's best years are ahead of him. In Florida, Solomon moved from a smaller school to a bigger school, and saw limited playing time, before moving to the state of Arizona, where he has blossomed in a short period of time.
"He is a great kid and he works hard," said Fetters. "He hasn't played the game a long time, so he has a lot to develop. But you have to work and that's what he is doing with Phil (Beckner). He is a little raw, but with hard work, he has a lot of potential for the future."
Solomon is a bigger and versatile forward prospect that is able to score effectively around the paint and also from the high post. He has good body control and developing footwork around the basket with an ability to score over and around low-post defenders. He also has a soft touch from the perimeter, which is improving. As he adds more range to his shot and becomes more consistent from longer ranges, look for Solomon to develop over the next two years into a 3-4 prospect, which will suit him very nicely in his development as a player and overall college recruitment. A solid ball handler for his size and a solid passer out of the post or from the high post to cutters through the lane. A good finisher in the lane and around the basket that gets to the free-throw line.
Solomon is an active rebounder that rebounds outside of his area, and also keeps plays alive for his team. He competes hard on the glass, and as he continues to mature physically, he will become a much stronger rebounder and finisher. A good low post defender. Capable of guarding smaller wings on the perimeter.
Solomon will team up with Osasere Ighodaro, one of the state's elite level talents, at Desert Vista this high school season, as well as some other very talented young guard prospects and will have the Thunder as one of the overall favorites to win a 6A State Championship this high school season. The continued development of Solomon as a player with be vital in Desert Vista's hopes for bringing home a state title this high school season.
I will continue to pay close attention to the development of Solomon as a player this high school season, as well as his overall college recruitment with college programs, as they continue to catch a glimpse of this young man's potential for the future.
Solomon is also the step-son of former MLB superstar Bobby Bonilla.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Solomon is a bigger and versatile forward prospect that is able to score effectively around the paint and also from the high post. He has good body control and developing footwork around the basket with an ability to score over and around low-post defenders. He also has a soft touch from the perimeter, which is improving. As he adds more range to his shot and becomes more consistent from longer ranges, look for Solomon to develop over the next two years into a 3-4 prospect, which will suit him very nicely in his development as a player and overall college recruitment. A solid ball handler for his size and a solid passer out of the post or from the high post to cutters through the lane. A good finisher in the lane and around the basket that gets to the free-throw line. Solomon is an active rebounder that rebounds outside of his area, and also keeps plays alive for his team. He competes hard on the glass, and as he continues to mature physically, he will become a much stronger rebounder and finisher. A good low post defender. Capable of guarding smaller wings on the perimeter. A good overall prospect for the state's 2021 Class.
