It is definitely a name that is original and I have not heard anything like it in my 20 years of covering of Arizona basketball, but soon it will be a name that basketball enthusiasts in the state and people outside of the state will soon begin to know. Millennium High School's 6-foot-7, 220-pound rising junior post Morningstar Takapu is one of the state's most promising young prospects and a member of a talented 2017 class in the state.
Takapu is a superior young talent in the state and a rare find at his true size and skill level. This young man is a physical load and moves like a wing. He also has a variety of offensive moves that suggests that he could see some time on the perimeter as he continues to develop and mature physically. Already he is very mature and advanced at a young age, so it will be very interesting to see how much he does develop over the next two years.
This past high school season, Takapu averaged very modest numbers for a team that finished 11-10 on the high school season, but his overall statistical production next season should be very much improved and I look for him to become one of the elite performers in the state next high school season.
After watching Takapu peform this spring on the club circuit, I was very impressed with his size and mobility. His size suggests that he should grow much more over the next two years and, if he continues to work hard on his craft, then we should see a serious college prospect for the mid-major plus or even high-major division-I level.
Very rarely do we see a prospect at such a young age with such size and mobility, but Takapu will need to work very hard to raise his productivity and consistency - a fact that will aid him against much stronger West Coast competition.
I have seen Takapu perform several times now, but am looking forward to watching him perform and develop over the next two years, as I believe this young man could become a special player with the right development and influence. This is definitely one of the top prospects in Arizona's very talented 2017 class.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Takapu is a superior young talent in the state and a rare find at his true size and skill level. This young man is a physical load and moves like a wing. He also has a variety of offensive moves that suggests that he could see some time on the perimeter as he continues to develop and mature physically. He has a good feel for the game and is able to make plays for himself off the dribble, where he finishes strong at the basket. A good low-post player with good footwork and quickness for his size in the paint. A good mid-range shooter, but still needs to improve his consistency from longer ranges. An active rebounder that gets good low-post position. A good finisher inside that should become much more effective over time. A good ball handler for his size. OK passer. Good low-post defender. Struggles guarding quicker players on the wing, so needs to defend post players until he becomes quicker on the perimeter with his feet. Has the potential to become a very serious prospect for the future in a very talented 2017 class.
