Best Available: Utility Players
With the end of the 2017 high school basketball season right around the corner, there are still plenty of talented collegiate prospects that are available to fit a number of different systems. Over the next week or so, we will be doing a “Best Available” series, giving coaches an idea of what kids are available and what kind of style they play in.
We continue as we look at seven utility position players that are still available. Stay tuned for more best available pieces moving forward. (Note: This list is in no particular order and in no way represents any rankings of any kind.)
Cam Henry | 6’5” | LC Bird
Henry has emerged from a role player on last year’s team to a legitimate stud on this year’s team as they look to get back to the 5A State Championship. At 6’5”, he plays a lot of four for them, but it’s to make mismatches because he’s actually a combo guard. He can bring the ball up for the floor, work well out of isolation situations to create for himself or others and he can stroke it from deep. He’s also an energy guy that rebounds and defends as well, and someone looking for a “do-it-all” kid could get a steal with this late bloomer.
Lucas Myers | 6’4” | Roanoke Catholic
He said he was down to his last three or four schools in December when I talked with him, but Myers is everything you want out of a student athlete. He has good grades, is well spoken and spends most of his free time in the gym getting better. He has tremendous feel with the ball in his hands, and he’s a point forward that can lead the break or run the wing and finish. His feel is in all aspects of the game, including hustle plays where he always seems to put himself in the right place at the right time.
Langston Gaither | 6’4” | Hayfield
In need of a strong scoring guy that can play multiple positions? Gaither’s got you covered in that aspect. At 6’4”, he’s able to guard posts all while playing in a combo scoring role. He uses his strength to finish through contact, and he can hit the offensive glass, especially when smaller guards try to to box him out. He’s especially lethal in transition, where you will struggle to guard him in downhill situations.
Anias Saunders | 6’2” | Eastern View
Saunders has quietly been on a roll for Eastern View, earning Conference 19 Player of the Year while leading his team to both the regular season and tournament championship. While he’s more of a combo guard, the strong 6’2” guard is a true stat sheet stuffer. He rebounds well for his position, can guard multiple positions and play in multiple spots in the press, and is a productive offensive player on and off the ball. He does a lot for his EV team, and can bring a lot to whatever school takes a chance on him.
Marvin Cannon | 6’5” | Steward
Cannon’s more of a hybrid forward, but his mix of athleticism and improved skill set allows him to do a lot of different things for his team. He thrives in uptempo systems where he can run the floor and finish above the rim. He’s able to start the break after a rebound, he can knock down the corner or trail three and he’s a capable defender of multiple positions.
Dwayne “DJ” Hill | 6’4” | CD Hylton
One of the most underrated and forgotten players in this class, Hill is a versatile scorer from all over the floor. He has good upper body strength, above average athleticism and can play inside-out depending on the lineup on the floor. He can knock it down from deep, create his own shot in the half court set and he runs the floor well for his size.
Drew Johnson | 6’3” | Broad Run
Talk about a do-it-all type of player, Johnson’s versatility is very underrated. He’s a wing with vision and feel, he rebounds well on both ends of the floor and he’s terrific at understanding spacing and cutting without the basketball. He’s a three level scorer with a high motor and high IQ as well.