Top Inside-Out Threats: 2017
With the changing of the game to a more positionless, up-and-down type of game, it’s becoming more and more important for big men to be able to step out and play on the perimeter. While it’s not very common now…
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Continue ReadingWith the changing of the game to a more positionless, up-and-down type of game, it’s becoming more and more important for big men to be able to step out and play on the perimeter. While it’s not very common now to find high school aged kids with that kind of skill set, the trend of basketball is already showing that with the up-and-coming players in the 2019 and 2020 class. But don’t be fooled, there are plenty of seniors that can do that as well. Here’s a list of eight of the top Inside-Out threats in the Virginia 2017 class, in no particular order.
Aamir Simms; 6’8” PF; Blue Ridge
Simms, who’s coming off of a great showing at the NBPA Top 100 Camp, is the perfect four-five man to run a four out set with. He’s already a terrific rebounder, and he’s a versatile defender that would allow you to switch and not have to give up height on the defensive end, but offensively he’s very skilled and is comfortable having the ball in his hands on the perimeter. He has a feathery touch from 18-20 feet, he sees the floor well and can hit cutters for easy baskets, and he doesn’t mind putting the ball on the floor a few times and attacking the rim. His length, skill and feel make him a valuable asset both in the paint and on the perimeter.
Zach Jacobs; 6’7” PF; Trinity Episcopal
Since reclassifying to the 2017 class, Jacobs has made it a priority to work on his perimeter game offensively and he’s beginning to show signs that he’ll likely be able to play in systems that call for a stretch four. The biggest improvement is in his jump shot, as Jacobs has not only sured up his mid-range game but has shown more consistency and better form off the catch from deep. He’s already strong and athletic enough to attack wings that are closing out and get to the basket where he can finish through contact or above the rim, but it will be even more effective when teams start labeling him as a player to “run off the line.” If Jacobs can show more consistency on the perimeter his senior year, he could see another jump in his already steady recruitment.
Greg Jones; 6’6” PF; John Marshall
If Jacobs has been working on his perimeter game the last few years, Jones has quietly become an assassin at John Marshall. People have questioned his size at the four, but Jones has always made up for it with his strength, length and tenacity, but now he’s causing problems because he’s become a knock-down trail four that is good for at least a couple three’s a game in transition. Add on the fact that he’s long enough to switch and bother shooters defensively, he’s a versatile four with a lot of energy.
Darius Bell; 6’8” PF; Southampton
Bell has possibly the best chance to fully transition out to the wing and be a mismatch problem with his natural ability to shoot and handle the basketball. He’s also a legit 6’8”, which makes him more versatile on both ends of the floor with his size and skill set on the perimeter. He’s going to needs to fill out so that he can bang and rebound inside at the next level, but you don’t find many players his size that can create their own shots on the perimeter.
Miles Gibson; 6’5” PF/WF; Millwood
Gibson’s the classic tweener, with his strength being as a step out four more than a three, most likely because he’s always been told to play like a big man growing up. Offensively, he has the total package of a three man. He attacks the offensive glass, can shoot the three ball, handles well in transition and can even see the floor. Defensively, he sometimes struggles to stay in front of more athletic wings, but his ability to score it in a number of ways makes him a tough player to match up with.
Ameer Bennett; 6’8” PF; St. Christopher’s
Bennett continues to be one of the most improved players in the state as we head into the July live periods. The St. Chris/River City Reign forward has really improved his touch on the perimeter, as he’s become a reliable shooter from 15-18 feet, and has even shown the ability to hit the occasional three ball as well. While he isn’t the quickest laterally, Bennett’s length allows him to bother shooters and contest layups from behind at the rim. Expect more offers to role in as Bennett continues to play well.
Jake Hahn; 6’5” PF; Albemarle
Hahn is more of a perimeter threat than he is in the post, but his size allows him to bang on the glass and guard in the post. The big lefty is a knock down shooter from deep, especially on the trail or the corner three. He stretches the floor well on the pick-and-pop, can pass from the perimeter and is decent in switch scenarios defensively. Expect a big July from Hahn playing for Spectrum.
Mike Barfield-Owens; 6’5” F; Princess Anne
He isn’t really a four or a three, but Barfield-Owens is a productive stat-sheet-stuffer. The 6’5″ wing led PA in scoring and rebounding on the way to being named Tidewater Offensive Player of the Year, and he does it in so many different ways. He runs the floor and finishes in transition, can hit the trail three, work out of the triple threat on the perimeter or hit the offensive glass for easy points. A scholarship level talent, expect Barfield-Owens to see his recruitment pick up as coaches find out how versatile he is on the offensive end.