Potential Spring Stock Risers: 2018 PGs
In our series “Potential Stock Risers” we look at a group of prospects at each position in various classes and give insight to some of the players that could breakout this spring and see their recruitment take a major step forward. Here is our Potential Spring Stock Risers: 2018 Point Guards.
Kendle Moore (Danville)
Overall Rank: #9
Position Rank: #3
Moore is a fast point guard that uses that speed to full advantage in transition. He pushes the tempo weaving in and out of the defense with the ability to win off the bounce in the half court as well. Solid passer and has improved three point shot. Right now projects as a low-major prospect, but has mid-major upside.
DeAndre Heckard (Romeoville)
Overall Rank: #10
Position Rank: #4
Heckard is a player that we were really high on after the summer. He was a dominant force for Hoops4Health 16U. The Romeoville point guard didn’t have quite the breakout season we were expecting, but still flashed potential. He already has multiple D1 offers on the table and with a strong spring he could become a hot commodity on the mid-major market. Big and rangy guard with plus athleticism that can attack downhill.
Kaleb Thornton (Bolingbrook)
Overall Rank: #14
Position Rank: #5
Thornton is a well-known prospect playing for Meanstreets last spring and being on one of the state’s top teams this year. Thin and rangy guard is a speed demon in the open floor pushing the tempo and loves to get in the paint where he converts floaters or layups. Should be a prospect that mid-majors and low-majors monitor.
Bailey Dee (Champaign Central)
Overall Rank: #36
Position Rank: #10
Dee was very productive last summer for the Illinois Irish, but it was hard to see his full skill set as he had to carry so much of a scoring load. This high school season with Champaign Central he has been able to set others up while using his strength to get to the rim. Jumper has improved. Could be the next Irish point guard to attract low-major looks.
Ahmad Muhammad (St. Joseph’s)
Overall Rank: #47
Position Rank: #11
Muhammad impressed last summer with Kessel Heat running the show from the point guard position. For St. Joe’s this season he had to share point guard duties with multiple other guards and wasn’t able to showcase his abilities. Muhammad is a smart point guard that makes good decisions in the half court and can knock down pull up jumpers. Should attract D2 looks with Kessel Heat.
Jalen Hodge (O’Fallon)
Overall Rank: #58
Position Rank: #14
Hodge is a prospect that has the chance to explode this spring. He has the quickness and elusiveness that schools look for. Works well in a ball screen being able to get to the rim accelerating off the bounce. Creative passer in the open floor. Hodge didn’t play on the best high school team this season, but we expect a strong spring and should emerge as a D2 lead guard candidate.