Arizona Class of 2018 Rankings: Overview
The class of 2018 is one of the most talented groups to come through the state of Arizona in recent memory. At this point there are more than a handful of potential Division-I prospects at multiple positions. Here is a…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2018 is one of the most talented groups to come through the state of Arizona in recent memory. At this point there are more than a handful of potential Division-I prospects at multiple positions. Here is a look at the strengths and weaknesses of this young class.
-Strengths-
High Major Prospects
Similar to the 2017 class, this group has more than one high major prospect. While Timmy Allen is currently ranked #1 due to his mix of productivity and projection, it would be reasonable to argue that KJ Hymes is just as good based on upside and projection. Both of them are legitimate high major prospects and players who will make noise on the national scale. While there is no one else currently on this stage there are certainly prospects with the potential including Tevy Jones, Jaden Lee, Dischon Thomas, and Trey Wood among others, depending on growth and development.
Division-I Depth
Now this class is young, so things can change. But at this point, this looks to be the deepest class in terms of Division-I prospects. Currently, at least 19 prospects project to have Division-I potential at some level.
Perimeter Size
There is a ton of big guards at the point guard and wing slots, especially considering the age of these players. In the top ten alone, 5 of the 6 perimeter players stand 6-feet, 2-inches or taller. 4 of the next 6 wings in the top 25 also stand 6-feet, 4-inches or taller.
-Weaknesses-
Back to the Basket Scorers
Similarly to the classes of 2016 and 2017 there isn’t a dominant back to the basket scorer in this class. However, because they are young, this group does have time. A player like Dischon Thomas has all the tools to become a player that can score in the post but is raw and will need to continue to develop his skillset.
True Point Guard
While there are some talented players at the point guard position there has yet to be a player that has a proven ability to run a team, control tempo, and get his teammates involved. Jaden Lee and Bryce Meadows are both skilled playmakers but they are more scorers that look to distribute second. While Green fits the ‘natural’ point guard mold better than Lee and Meadows, he is still more of a combo guard at this point.