Summer Stock Boosters: 2017 Wings (Part 1)
With the final live periods coming to a close a couple weeks ago, it’s now time to take an in depth look at some of the biggest stock boosters in Virginia throughout the entire AAU season. The lists compiled will…
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Continue ReadingWith the final live periods coming to a close a couple weeks ago, it’s now time to take an in depth look at some of the biggest stock boosters in Virginia throughout the entire AAU season. The lists compiled will be organized based on year and position, and will only include players that have open recruitments and have yet to make a verbal commitment. It’s impossible for us to mention every kid that boosted their stock throughout the summer, but we’ve narrowed down some of the players that took the biggest jumps in improvement and interest from colleges. Here’s part one of the 2017 wings.
Travis Ingram | 6’3” | Norcom/Baltimore Elite
New Offers: UCF, Arkansas State, JMU, Towson, Murray St, Louisiana Tech, Buffalo, UNCW
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #14
It was only a matter of time before Ingram picked up more options, and they came flooding in the April live periods. Sitting at 13 division one offers, mid major schools simply love his size, athleticism and upside in their leagues. Without Travis Fields and Tommie Pope returning to Norcom, Ingram can pick up more offers if he shows he can be a primary ball handler too.
KJ Davis | 6’5” | Norcom/Team Loaded VA
New Offers: Towson, UT Chattanooga, App State, ECU, Youngstown State
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #18
Much like his Norcom teammate above, Davis also saw his recruitment pick up but for other reasons. At 6’5”, he showed that he’s not just a knock down shooter from deep, but he’s long and smart enough to defend multiple positions on the floor. His ability to play the 3 and the 4 makes him an attractive get for certain styles of play.
Matt Lewis | 6’4” | Bishop O’Connell/Baltimore Elite
New Offers: LIU Brooklyn, Rider, Quinnipiac, Canisius, JMU
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #25
Lewis showed in the WCAC that he could be a lock down defender on the perimeter, but he showed in AAU that he can get up and down and score the basketball too. In transition, Lewis’ size and athleticism allow him to run the wing or crash the boards for tip ins. His recruitment picked up in July and it should continue to grow with development.
Charles Falden | 6’3” | Massanutten PG/River City Reign
New Offers: VMI, Campbell
Vantage Hoops Ranking: N/A (Don’t rank Post Grads)
Everyone knows the kid can score the basketball, and with a huge showing in July at Myrtle Beach and Richmond, along with qualifying before his post grad season begins, Falden finally got his first two offers. He continues to score it against the best of them, and he has the ability to create shots from multiple spots in isolation situations. He always comes to play, and loves being the go-to guy in big games and situations.
Kyle Copeland | 6’3” | Phillips Exetor PG/District Basketball Club
New Offers: Stetson, Quinnipiac, Holy Cross, American
Vantage Hoops Ranking: N/A (Don’t rank Post Grads)
Another year was enough for three schools that saw Copeland in April, ones that recruited him earlier but simply didn’t need his position. He’s shown more aggression on the offensive end where his game continues to improve, and as he fills out he’ll be a Patriot/Ivy League lockdown defender as well.
Antwan Walker | 6’5” | Hargrave PG/Team Loaded VA
New Offers: Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, ODU, La Salle, Virginia Tech, St. Louis, NC State
Vantage Hoops Ranking: N/A (Don’t rank Post Grads)
It’s no surprise that he’s prepping, but that doesn’t mean schools didn’t try to convince him to come for 2017. Playing on the Adidas Gauntlet with Loaded VA, the DC native showed highlight reel dunks and blocks as his length, athleticism and motor made him an impact player. He has upside offensively, and the energy that he plays with translates to his teammates and the fans as well.
Taqwain Drummond | 6’5” | Woodside/Team Loaded 757
New Offers: WV Wesleyan
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #32
Drummond shot it well for most of the summer for Loaded 757, showing much more consistency from deep. He played like he was healthy, and while he’s not the same player he was before he was injured he’s found his role as a strong perimeter wing that can heat up quick and get up and down. Picked up his first offer from West Virginia Wesleyan in the first July live period.