Rankings: Top 40 – 20-16
The Top 40 list continues with rankings 20-16. One surprise on this list is a freshman that every basketball fan should know and watch this upcoming season. Stay tuned as we continue to reveal the Top 40 list. Top 40:…
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Continue ReadingThe Top 40 list continues with rankings 20-16. One surprise on this list is a freshman that every basketball fan should know and watch this upcoming season. Stay tuned as we continue to reveal the Top 40 list.
Top 40: 20-16
20. Jared Rodriguez (2017 Mountain Ridge) – One of the top small forward/power forwards in the state as he provides good length, solid on ball defense, and above average help side defense. He is also a solid shooter who has improved his ability to put the basketball on the floor and attack the rim. In addition, he has good post footwork and patience on the block. I really like Rodriguez’s game due to how balanced it is, his length, and his ability to get up and down the court.
19. Elijah Burden (2018 Sabino) – Versatile wing with a soft touch around the rim. He is not concerned about where he plays on the court as long as he is productive. He has good hands, footwork, and understanding of spacing when on the block. Moreover, he has a solid handle and good vision when playing on the wing. He is a capable shooter from deep and moves well without the basketball. Although he is only 6’3, Burden does a good job of getting on the glass and competing with bigger opponents for the 50/50 basketballs.
18. Nico Mannion (2020 Pinnacle) – It might seem crazy to rank a player who has not played an official high school game as the 18th best player in the state. However, watching him this summer has assured me that he has everything, and more, that will be needed to be successful at the varsity level. Mannion is as skilled of a shooter as anyone in this state. He can stop on a dime and pull off of the dribble as well as move without the basketball to create angles for him to catch and shoot. His passing abilities are at an extremely high level and he plays good on ball defense. Moreover, he is a surprising athlete with good lateral quickness and vertical. Look for Mannion to play like a top 20 player and earn this Top 40 ranking.
17. Jaden Lee (2018 Mesquite) – Lee received a lot of praise for his athleticism and some criticism for his shooting in the past. However, if the Top 250 Expo gives any indication of what is to come, Lee will be an absolute handful this next season. He demonstrated good shot selection, an ability to hit shots off of the dribble in on ball situations, and an ability to shoot off of the catch. If he is able to stretch the defense with his shooting, he will open up lanes for him to be able to attack the rim and demonstrate his freakish athleticism. Defensively, he has grown tremendously as well and is using his athleticism to be an elite level on ball defender. His quickness, strength, and length make him an intriguing prospect and a huge issue for opposing ball handlers.
16. Trey Wood (2018 Anthem Prep) – Wood continues to grow in stature and skill. He has smooth footwork, a good understanding of where the help side defense is, and a good touch around the rim. His length and post of abilities make him a huge issue at the high school level and a talented prospect for the next level. He is active without the basketball and does a good job spacing when his teammates drive and setting on ball screens. His mid-range jumper is becoming more and more consistent and fluid. Lastly, he does a good job of using his 6’8 frame on the defensive end and to secure offensive and defensive rebounds.