Written by Dustin Mactaggart
Photo via @kandidcapturez on Instagram
Several aspects of Javion Tyndale's game from the class of 2027 have impressed me, aside from his remarkable achievement of scoring 44 points in Canada's most competitive Highschool Basketball league.
While the scoring, shooting percentages, and minutes he accomplished this in are undeniably impressive, there are numerous other facets that merit closer examination.
Firstly, before anyone asserts that he is too short or too small, it's crucial to note that he plays as a point guard, a position in basketball where such metrics hold less significance. Additionally, Tyndale compensates for his size with an abundance of heart and other intangibles. Let's leave those criticisms at the door.
Following his scoring outburst, I felt compelled to delve into his game film to gain a deeper understanding of his skills. Fortunately, I've had the privilege of assisting his uncle, David Tyndale, in a couple of Javion's workouts over the summer, so I already knew about his relentless work ethic and exceptional skills. However, what I observed in the film was truly remarkable and, perhaps, unprecedented.
Common descriptors you'll hear about him include his proficiency in three-point shooting, excellent decision-making, relentless playing style, and the ability to break down his opponents. I'm about to delve even further into this player, and one takeaway before we get into the details is that Javion is destined to become a great basketball player at the next level.
Photo via @artheplaymaker on Instagram
Let's begin.
What immediately caught my attention while watching the film was Tyndale sitting right beside the coaches while the rest of the team seemed to be pushed to the opposite end. Is this shocking? No, but what followed was. After a few minutes of being vocal and a leader from the bench, he did something I haven't witnessed in a Canadian player before. He stood up behind the bench and started warming up. This ends the debate about "Coach, it's hard to come off the bench because I'm cold when I get in," doesn't it? It's a conscious decision to be ready to contribute when his number is called, demonstrating a lack of concern for what others might think—no arrogance, just readiness.
After observing Javion play for a few possessions, it became clear to me that this kid is the real deal. In one of the initial possessions, he got beaten badly. So, for the rest of the film, I expected a defensive massacre. However, the opposite happened. He bumped every cutter, executed proper screen defense, boxed out, played a pestering defense on the ball, and was remarkably physical. My initial skepticism turned into admiration, especially considering his matchups were against 17- and 18-year-olds.
Tyndale is a coach's dream. This 10th grader led, pulled his teammates into huddles on the floor, provided guidance during stoppages, communicated effectively, sprinted off the floor during timeouts, and, for lack of a better term, played his heart out every minute on the court.
In the first half, it became evident that Tyndale can really shoot the ball. He knocked down numerous threes from various ranges, whether over defenders off the dribble, making the right reads off screens, moving to space for catch-and-shoot opportunities, or even sinking end-of-shot-clock bombs. However, it wasn't a fluke or a lucky game. Tyndale is always ready to shoot, maintaining a low stance, hands ready, and constantly creating longer closeouts by moving to open spaces. He could have easily made 2-4 more threes if two things hadn't happened: he missed two easy ones that practically went down, and he was blatantly looked off early. Understandable, though, when a player this young is called up to the senior team and immediately stands out as the best player.
When Tyndale couldn't get his shot off, he made the right plays. Not only did he drive when necessary, but he attacked gaps and bodies, creating opportunities for his teammates in a methodical and instinctive manner. It wasn't just about driving and kicking; it was about creating extra space by attacking the right help defenders and making his teammates better. Once again, a coaching dream.
That was the first half.
The second half rolled around, and he maintained the same attributes as before. Just as dominant as in the first half, but when the fourth quarter arrived, it shifted to giving the ball to this kid and letting him do his thing.
A few noteworthy observations during the "Javion Tyndale coming out party": Firstly, the best defender, a 6'3"-6'4" 17-18 year old, did his best to be physical and stay in front of the 10th grader. However, Tyndale dismantled everyone in sight—primary defenders, secondary defenders, those denying screens, isos, hard hedges, and drops. It was amazing to witness. He finishes over length and height at the rim with both hands, and he makes plays for his teammates even when looking to score.
In essence, when Tyndale touches the ball, good things happen. What more can you ask for from a 10th grader?
All in all, it was refreshing to see a player who fulfills all the coach's expectations while being a scoring machine. It defied my expectations; I was prepared to see taunting, bad shots, over-dribbling, and everything else we often witness. This is a true testament to the people in his corner. A huge shout-out to Michael De Giorgio and the rest of the coaching staff at Royal Crown, Uncle and Trainer David Tyndale, Javion's family, and, of course, Javion himself.
Keep going, kid. The future is bright.
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