Prospect Watch: Anthony Hughes (2017)
Class of 2017 guard Anthony Hughes was one of the most improved players in the St. Louis area this past season.
The 6’4″ Hughes was a solid contributor off the bench last season for the Jr. Billikens, who finished third in the Class 5 state tournaments. This season, Hughes became a starter and one of the focal points of a team that finished 21-7 and won the Metro League championship.
Hughes emerged as an excellent two-way player as he got plenty of buckets on the offensive end while being assigned the opposing team’s top player on the defensive end. His size, length and athletic ability enabled him to perform those tasks at a high level throughout the season.
“His responsibilities have changed and he became one of our leaders this season,” said SLUH coach Erwin Claggett. “We depended on him to guard the best player on the other team and still find a way to get 15-20 points.”
As a senior, Hughes averaged 12.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.7 steals a game. He shot 49 percent from the field and 43 percent from 3-point range. On the defensive end, he matched up against some of the state’s top talents such as Courtney Ramey of Webster Groves and Karrington Davis of Chaminade.
“He’s one of the best defensive players that I’ve coached,” Claggett said. “I love the kid because he has a great attitude and disposition. He’s awesome to coach and he is so low maintenance with plenty of game. His confidence and belief comes with his preparation.”
Hughes has drawn recruiting interest from Division II schools such as UMSL, Drury and Missouri S&T. Claggett feels that Hughes can play at the Division I level because he is just starting to scratch the surface of his potential.
“His upside is huge,” Claggett said. “I think he is no doubt a Division I talent when the light comes on.”