Arizona Class of 2016 Rankings: Top Available Point Guards
Of the 44 point guards ranked in the Top 160, two have committed to play basketball collegiately and one has committed to play college football. Here’s a look at the top ten available point guards that are still on the…
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Continue ReadingOf the 44 point guards ranked in the Top 160, two have committed to play basketball collegiately and one has committed to play college football. Here’s a look at the top ten available point guards that are still on the board.
#6 Michael Bibby 6’1” Shadow Mountain
The lone Division-I caliber point guard remaining in Arizona’s 2016 class, Bibby is a legitimate mid major prospect. The son of former University of Arizona and NBA all-star Mike Bibby has a great understanding and a tremendous feel for the game. He plays at his own pace, is good at creating scoring opportunities for his teammates off the bounce, shoots it with range, and, though not overly athletic, can create space to get his dribble pull up jumper off. Michael’s body has changed tremendously over the last season. He is a high schooler with skills that will immediately translate to the division level which is why Gonzaga and Nevada are among the programs that have already offered scholarships.
#16 Tommy Kuhse 6’1” Mountain View
Kuhse is the top small college prospect on this list. He is an exciting playmaker that controls the tempo of the game. Tommy is very shifty and changes pace and direction very well. Though his style is a bit unorthodox, he produces results. He’s got a nice set shot from 3 but his ability to get in the paint and create is what makes him really good. He sees the floor well and plays aggressively, looking to make plays when the ball is in his hands. A high level Division-II/NAIA D1 prospect.
#30 Jake Rueter 6’1” Seton Catholic Prep
Rueter will be a solid pick up for any Division-II/NAIA D1 program looking for an immediate impact player that can control the game and make open shots. Jake is skilled and changes direction very well. He does not force action and looks to find his scorers in their best positions. A heady player, he has a high IQ and understands when and when not to look for his shot.
#37 Bryce Fisher 6’1” Shadow Mountain
Fisher is a player with a lot of upside. He is a player that is best suited for a face-paced tempo as he is very good at making things happen in transition. Bryce has long been known as a defensive stopper. He has long arms and disrupts opposing ball handlers. Where he has really improved is his ability to see the floor and make passes to open teammates after drawing other defenders. Currently a Division-II/NAIA D1 prospect, if Fisher can improve his outside shooting he may have a chance to play at the Division-I level after a prep or juco stint.
#38 Tarik Cool 6’1” Desert Vista
Cool is a player who’s recruitment has cooled off since picking up offers from Fresno State and Portland State last spring. While we do not see him as a Division-I player he is certainly a good prospect at the Division-II/NAIA D1 levels. He’s lengthy with the ability to make plays plus he’s a knock down shooter from the perimeter.
#44 Matt Downey 6’1” Boulder Creek
Downey is a crafty player that has the ability to make plays for himself and others. He uses change of speed and change of direction to get past his defender where he then is able to make the decision to shoot or pass. He has grown in stature and is becoming a more consistent shooter from beyond the arch. A nice Division-II/NAIA D1 prospect. Also carries a 4.6 GPA.
#45 Kyle VanHaren 5’11” Perry
Van Haren is a consummate point guard that understands how to run a team. He controls the tempo of the game and gets the ball to his teammates in scoring position. He is good at advancing the ball with the pass and, though he’s not the most vocal, he’s poised and everyone who’s watching him knows that he’s controlling the game. A nice Division-II/NAIA D1 prospect.
#48 Julian Payton 5’9” Hillcrest Prep
Payton is a high energy point guard that brings it to the floor on both ends. The son of former NBA standout Gary Payton, though small, Julian is quick and lengthy. He is a pressure defender that bothers his opposition and is very good at pushing the ball in transition and making plays. A Division-II/NAIA prospect.
#50 Amaury Matthews 6’1” Dobson
Matthews is a smooth point guard with the ability to score and distribute. The 6’1″ senior is very poised. He’s a skilled ball handler that changes pace well and has the ability to get into the key. He could play at any small college level, depending on fit.
#52 Malique Washington 6’0” McClintock
Washington is an athletic lefty that has a great competitive spirit. He pushes the ball in transition and is good at getting the defense on their heels. He has improved decision making and is good at drawing fouls at the rim. He brings a great deal of energy to both ends and plays with great confidence. Could fit at a variety of small college levels.