Five to watch this spring: Class of 2017
While the month of July is the primary time for players to showcase their talents, the spring is a great time for prospects to get on the board of coaching staffs across the country. Here are five players that we…
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Continue ReadingWhile the month of July is the primary time for players to showcase their talents, the spring is a great time for prospects to get on the board of coaching staffs across the country. Here are five players that we feel have the best opportunity to raise their stock in the eyes of college coaches and media.
Alex Barcello 6’2” PG Corona del Sol (Oakland Soldiers)
As far as the state of Arizona is concerned, Barcello is already as good as they come. He’s received offers from schools in each and every power conference and is well respected by players, coaches, and media. However, over the past year he has been forced into a major scoring role, both, on the travel circuit and during the high school season. Playing with a loaded Soldiers group he will have the opportunity to fall back into his distributing role because of the talent around him, similar to what he did during his sophomore year during Corona’s last championship run. Alex is very good at running a team and taking advantage of what the defense gives him, especially when defenses aren’t focused on stopping him as the #1 option which will be the case on the EYBL circuit. While he’s already a high major prospect, expect some of the blue blood programs to begin following him more closely if he can lead the Soldiers to a successful spring run.
Nigel Shadd 6’9” C Tri-City (AZ Power Factory)
At 6’9” 230 lbs, Shadd possesses a rare trait of a player his size…a high level motor! It’s something that all college coaches are looking for and it could help elevate him to a high status on the recruiting front. Nigel has added some weight to his frame while maintaining his explosiveness. He’s a rebounding specialist who now pursues the ball as soon as it comes off the rim and snatches it with authority. His ability to affect the game with his defensive length, ability to control the glass, and ability to finish at the rim could land him a lot of high major interest if the right eyes see him. This kid could blow up!
Caleb Simmons 6’5 SG Desert Vista (Splash City)
Simmons surprised everyone by going out of state and joining Under Armour’s newest program but has the ability to catch some eyes on the Association circuit. The 6’5” wing is smooth and does a bit of everything on the offensive end as he can shoot, handle, and distribute it. Defensively, however, is where his value is and he will face off against some of the best wings in the country on a game to game basis. If he can hold his own then expect him to be courted by a plethora of mid major programs.
DeShawn Wilson 6’6 SF St. Mary’s (Powerhouse Black)
Wilson has all the physical tools of a solid wing at the low to mid major level. He strong with a great physique, has big hands, and is very explosive off the bounce. He carries an even temperament throughout games, never letting his emotions sway him one way or the other. While he doesn’t do anything great he’s adequate at just about every aspect on each end. If he’s able to knockdown shots expect some low major schools to follow University of Idaho’s suit and throw out some early offers.
Holland Woods 6’0” PG Apollo (Phoenix Phamily)
Being on the EYBL circuit it is natural that a player will have the opportunity for more Division-I exposure. However, that is not the only reason that Woods is on this list. While no one has ever questioned Holland’s talent there were inquiries to whether his game could translate to the college level. Thus far with Phoenix Phamily he has played more off the ball which has allowed him to focus on making shots and use quickness to beat opponents off the bounce which is more realistic at the college level than him isolating to break down opponents off the dribble with multiple moves (which we have seen with him in the past). Woods will certainly see guys that match his speed and quickness more regularly but he has a competitive edge about him that could grab the attention of some low to mid major coaches on the Nike travel circuit.