One of the emerging names in the national sophomore (2022) class is 6-5 guard Joseph “JoJo” Hunter (San Joaquin Memorial/Fresno CA). Hunter’s versatility allows him to play all three perimeter positions but his potentially ideal long-term spot may be at the point where his court vision, on-point passing and size that allows him to dominate smaller PGs could very well translate (with continued hard-work and development) into being a legit pro prospect. JoJo is excellent slashing to the cup where he uses his size to score effectively against guards or forwards, can stroke the 3-point shot and is a tenacious defender that makes life difficult for ballhandlers. All of that, as well as his inclination to get on the glass, translates into a “winning basketball” player.
Hunter is currently averaging 16 points, 7 boards and 6 assists per game for a very young San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno CA) squad. Joseph was outstanding recently at the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic. Hunter’s game-winning 3 point shot at the buzzer versus Santa Fe Christian (Solana Beach CA) propelled the Panthers to the semi-finals of the tourney’s Senators Division. Joseph led the Panthers in that contest with a game-high 18 points. Hunter was also named all-tourney at this past December’s Clovis West Nike Invitational.
JoJo played up at the 17u level last summer for Belmont Shore and more than held his own especially at the Fantastic 40 in Las Vegas last August, playing on a Belmont Shore squad that reached the event’s Final 4 and which included 2021 #1 Jonathan Kuminga, San Diego State signee Keith Dinwiddie, LSU signee Bradley Ezewiro, Cincinnati signee Tari Eason, Top 10 2022 Rickie Isaacs, underrated 2020 Tyrelle Hunt and 2021 sharpshooter TJ Wainwright.
Joseph was also a standout at last September’s Pangos All-West Frosh/Soph Camp (260+ campers) in Lynwood CA where he was not only selected to the camp’s Top 30 Game but his 7 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists earned him Top 30 Game co-MVP honors.
Hunter is currently ranked nationally in 2022 by Van Coleman/Nothing But Net Magazine (#47) and 247Sports.com (#54) and has early offers from Fresno State and UTEP with a growing numbers of high-major programs like Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon State and Washington State showing interest.
