Arizona 2019s Stock Risers Watch List
The class of 2019 has a number of top tier players who are earning scholarships and the opportunity to play at the next level. The class is headlined by the likes of Josh Green and Majok Deng. With that said, there are a number of talented players in this class that are deserving more attention. The following players are a list of players to watch as their stock will most likely rise during July.
Arizona 2019 Stock Risers Watch List
Vean Simon 6’2 PG Chandler (Team Harden)
Although he has not been prolific scoring the basketball for Team Harden’s 16U group, Simon has earned many compliments due to his on ball defense. Simon has length and quickness that enables him to create havoc for opposing ball handlers. In addition, he does a great job of rotating in back side help and covering for players who are either helping or out of position. Simon’s defensive prowess might not make him look especially pleasing to coaches who are looking for more flash, but if someone needs a team first guy who will get after it defensively, he is the man for the job.
Josh Holloway 5’11 PG Valley Vista (Factory AZ)
Holloway is playing with the 17U team this Summer after playing with the 16U group for most of the spring. Holloway is very quick and can finish well around the rim. Although he might have a heard time showing all that he can do at the 17U level, he is a player to watch for the rest of this July and going into next season. He has a solid handle and plays with a lot of grit.
Josh Baker 6’1 SG McClintock (AZ Power)
Baker is one of the top shooters in the entire state. He shoots it at an extremely high level from anywhere on the court. He still needs to improve his motor and make more plays defensively, but he is a prospect with a lot of upside. It is rare to see a kid who averages to 2-3 three pointers per game and can shoot it near 50%. As his motor improves and he begins to realize the number of plays he is capable of making, his stock will go through the roof.
Shaun Wahlstrom 6’7 PF/C Verrado (Classics)
Wahlstrom’s stock has sky rocketed in my opinion. However, many have not taken note of this big man and all that he has accomplished. His presence has greatly assisted the Classics in becoming one of the best 16U teams in the state. One thing that I really appreciate about him is that he is a great teammate. He is constantly talking to his guys and helping put them in a position to be successful. Add to it that he brings a great motor and skill in an array of areas, and he is a solid prospect. He might not be quick enough at this point to play the wing in college, but he shoots it well, is physical and does all of the little things.
Brandon Savage 6’8 PF/C Deer Valley (Classics)
There might not be a more improved player in the entire state from last year to this year than Savage. His motor has been a constant concern. However, he has seemed to find that motor and he has gained confidence. With a guy who has as much athleticism as Savage, that can prove to be a deadly combination for opponents. Savage’s stock might improve more than any prospect in this class if he continues to do all of the things that he has been doing to help the Classics be successful.