July Preview: Top 2018 Available Wings/Small Forwards, Part I
For members of the 2018 class, a vital time is on the horizon. With July comes the final three live periods of their careers.
It often comes faster than any of them realize. There are sure to be a large number of players in this class deciding on their futures, with colleges aiming to get one last look at some of our guys before they make their calls on who they’ll offer.
Some players in 2018 already hold offers and are on the verge of making their choices. Others are hoping to turn heads with a few big performances. As we approach the start of the first live period on July 12, we are taking a look at the 2018 class, by position, with players who are pursuing college dreams this month.
We continue today with the first part of our look at the top 2018 wings and small forwards available:
Daylen Kountz, 6-4, Colorado Hawks
Where he’ll play: Adidas Gauntlet South Carolina, July 12-16; Mullen High Profile Tournament (Wichita, Kan.), Adidas Summer Championships, July 26-30.
Taking stock: Kountz, the top-rated player in the class in Colorado, is a long and explosive wing who has continued to develop his shot. Has the physical tools to be an impactful defender. He’s received offers from a number of Division I schools, including Wichita State, Colorado and Wyoming. He’s had a stellar grassroots career and is surely looking to close it with three more big weekends in July.
Projected to level: Mid- to high-level Division I.
Highlights: http://www.courtsidefilms.com/news_article/show/783014?referrer_id=1227615
Adam Thistlewood, 6-6, B&B Academy
Where he’ll play: Best of Summer (Anaheim, Calif.), July 19-23; Las Vegas Bigfoot Classic, July 26-30.
Taking stock: Thistlewood is a complete player who has the ability to play multiple positions at the next level. He has a polished low-post game he could use to gain a mismatch on smaller guards. And he’s a good enough ball-handler and talented enough heading to the basket that he could beat bigger players off the dribble. His shooting touch is what sets him apart. He has deep range and is consistent. He’s also an under-the-radar rim protector with good instincts around the ball. Thistlewood, who has already received an offer from Division II power Metro State, is sure to get more looks this month.
Projected level: High D-II to low D-I.
John Harge, 6-8, Billups Elite
Where he’ll play: Adidas Gauntlet Finale (South Carolina), July 12-15; West Coast Elite (Los Angeles), July 19-23; Las Vegas Adidas Championships, July 26-30.
Taking stock: Harge is a big body who can run the floor well. Depending on where he ends up, he could play a number of different positions. During June we watched him expand his game as a post player, outside shooter and attacker off the dribble. He can create a lot of mismatch problems and this will be a big month for him as he aims to produce Division I interest into offers ahead of his senior season.
Projected level: Low to mid-major D-I.
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCvhXHnHyr4
Bodie Hume, 6-6, Colorado Hawks
Where he’ll play: Adidas Gauntlet South Carolina, July 12-16; Mullen High Profile Tournament (Wichita, Kan.), Adidas Summer Championships, July 26-30.
Taking stock: Hume wasn’t playing major club ball this time last year. But he was one of Colorado’s hottest prospects in the spring and has received ample interest from the high-Division II to mid-Division I levels. Hume, who led Sterling to the 3A state championship in March, has a fantastic jump shot from both long and mid-range, but it’s under-the-radar athleticism that allows him to finish lobs in transition, protect the rim and guard smaller ball-handlers that piqued interest.
Projected level: High D-II to mid-major D-I.
Highlights (state title game): http://www.hudl.com/v/1yhtqA