2018 Rankings Breakdown: Stock Raisers
I may be in the minority on this one, but I’d rather watch prospects play with their high school teams rather than their club teams, and the month of June provides that opportunity. Many times on the club circuit, players struggle to find their place on certain teams and as a result fail to live up to certain expectations among scouts and coaches.
However, during the month of June those same prospects may flourish as they are arguably the best player on their respective high school team. They should have the full opportunity to exhibit their skill set, savvy, and overall approach to the game as a result of being in a familiar environment.
Top Five: Stock Raisers
Harris is one of the biggest surprises of the summer5. Gary Harris (Price/Earl Watson Elite)
Harris was a breakout performer at the Pangos All-West Camp last week. This 6-foot-5ish wing-type plays hard and can slash with the best as he showed great body control maneuvering through defenders.
4. Cyrus Johnson (Culver City)
Johnson should be suiting up for a Russell Westbrook Nike team coached by his new high school coach Reggie Morris Jr. The 6-foot-4 Johnson is an explosive athlete in the paint area who has a nose for the ball and a tenacious spirit.
3. Darryl Polk Jr. (Long Beach Poly/Prodigy Elite)
This blinding quick point guard is a bit on the short side (5-8ish), but his overall game has improved immensely. He has become a capable shooter and his passing is impressive. Once he gets stronger to finish through contact, colleges should be seen frequently at his games.
2. Wayne Arnold (Dominguez/Gamepoint Pump N Run)
Arnold has been known as prospect since he entered high school, but now it appears he is becoming more player than prospect. The high-flying 2-guard needs strength, but he can shoot it deep and he’s explosive.
1. Zekiah Lovett (Redondo Union/TBD)
By the time Zekiah’s brother Marcus (St. John’s standout PG) hit the the high school scene, he was a well-known commodity. However, the younger Lovett (Zekiah) has taken a polar opposite journey. This multi-skilled point guard prospect with huge hands is just scratching the surface and should be joining his brother shortly on the Division 1 level.
On the Cusp
* Gary Williams (Gahr/Earl Watson Elite)
Williams is an aberration in today’s “holdback” culture as he will not turn 17 until the fall. Physically he is blessed with that prototypical 2-guard frame and he doesn’t need an elevator to get to the 2nd floor. Once his ball skills come around to go along with an improved jump shot, Division 1 schools should starting handing out those “offers.”
* Josh Phillips (Edison/Belmont Shore)
Offensively, Phillips has a long ways to go in terms of fundamentals and skill. On the other hand, he has a Division 1 frame with broad shoulders, long arms, and some major bounce.
* Dezmond Washington (Blair/Cali Stars)
Washington is a prime example of the aforementioned preface where some players struggle in certain AAU situations. During the regular season he showed the size, skills and athleticism to be a Division 1 wing-type recruit someday. However, while playing with the Cali Stars in Las Vegas, he rarely touched the ball and had a very limited impact.