Iowa’s June Stock Risers (Part II)
2017 Dawson Jones, 6’6 SF (Johnston) Current Rank: 38 The class of 2017 didn’t receive a lot of love last spring in terms of scholarship offers, but after a strong showing in several team camps last month Jones received two…
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Continue Reading2017 Dawson Jones, 6’6 SF (Johnston)
Current Rank: 38
The class of 2017 didn’t receive a lot of love last spring in terms of scholarship offers, but after a strong showing in several team camps last month Jones received two Division II offers, from Nebraksa-Kearney and Central Missouri. If the last two years are any indicator, the top (about) eight guys in 2017 could be Division I-bound, and then you have the D2 guys just after that. Jones will bolt up from 38th in August’s new rankings.
2017 Charley Crowley, 6’7 PF (Valley)
Current Rank: 21
Each time we see him Crowley gets better, and he’s officially established himself as one of the best big-men in the state. At times he’s been dominant with both his grassroots and high school teams this offseason; poised in the paint and with an increased ability to play above the rim, Crowley could be a fringe D1 guy.
2017 Drew Johnson, 5’11 PG (Waukee)
Current Rank: 54
He showcased a fluid and precise stroke all weekend early in June at the Urbandale Team Camp, that paired with a nice handle make him one of the CIML’s best backcourt threats. We already though highly of the smooth lead guard from Waukee, but he should see himself rise in next month’s new rankings.
2017 Fred Bickham, 6’2 G (Des Moines East)
Current Rank: 81
Des Moines’ own little Kevin Durant, Bickham is about eight inches shorter than the real KD, but has that long and narrow frame and even looks like the Thunder star a bit. Bickham was outstanding during the Urbandale Team Camp; one of the highest scorers at the event. And could be a guy to average 20 per game this winter with the Scarlets, thanks in large part tom a smooth outside stroke.
2018 Joseph Evans, 6’8 C (Dowling)
Current Rank: 31
Considering this kid has not played a lick of actual varsity ball yet, it could be argued that his current ranking is too high. But that No.31 is a ranking based upon potential — which is an actual variable in determining rankings — and he’s oozing with it. He’s tall, very long, and bouncy. Still very raw and underwhelming offensively, Evans has a ways to go before he reaches his full potential. But he showed glimpses of brilliance — particularly defenselessly — last month.
2017 Ray Miller, 6′ G (Davenport Central)
Current Rank: 40
He was very good in May too. And his supreme athleticism is starting to be complimented very well with an ever-developing skill-set. He’s a kid who can jump out of his shoes, and is certainly one of the top athletes in Iowa. As he continues to develop, he could evolve into a Division II player. It’ll be interesting to see what materializes for him this summer.
2017 Bailey Basala, 6’5 G/F (North Scott)
Current Rank: 8
Basala was in our top-5 last year, but after not playing the first part of his junior season, he dropped out. Now, after picking up three Division I offers (Army, North Dakota, UC Davis) — more than any other player in 2017 — it’s looking like he’ll find himself back in that top-5. He’s a big wing, who has developed into much more than just a shooter, but also a guy who can bang down low, and take his man off-the-dribble.
2017 Ben Juhl, 6′ G (Des Moines Christian)
Current Rank: 27
Division II coaches are very interested in the uncanny abilities of this supremely skilled combo-guard. It was evident at the Grand View Team Camp that his set of skills was a cut-above-the rest of his peers, and he has an ability to take over a game if need be. Juhl could put up insane numbers at 2A Des Moines Christian next season.