2019 Rankings: Biggest Risers
The class of 2019 saw a lot of previously ranked players leave the state for various reasons. Previously ranked members of Wesley Christian Academy left the state after Wesley went through some turmoil in the spring. DeSean Woods moved to Florida when his Dad (UK legend and D1 coach Sean Woods) got a new job as an assistant at Stetson. With the turnover and expanding of our rankings, some Juniors made big moves in the rankings. Here’s a look at some of the biggest risers in the 2019 class.
JJ Weaver, Moore – Somehow Weaver was overlooked in the previous rankings. He finds himself at number 11 in the updated version. Standing 6’7 and strong as an ox, Weaver is known as a high major football recruit but he averaged 10.6 points and 6.9 rebounds for Moore as a sophomore and will see an even bigger role this season.
TaQuan Hollowell, University Heights – Hollowell moves from 22nd to 12th with the latest update and is certainly a Division 1 prospect heading into his junior year at UHA. Hollowell hustles after every rebound and loose ball and has shown signs of improving as a ball handler and shooter. Look for him to have an expanded scoring role with his brother, Tray, off to Wofford.
Rodriguez Thomas, Paducah Tilghman – A 6’2 PG known for his shooting abilities, Thomas moves from 23rd to 14th with the latest update to our rankings. Tilghman figures to be a favorite to make it to Rupp Arena out of the 1st Region. If they make it that far, Rodriguez will be a major reason why.
Darius Osborne, Pleasure Ridge Park – Another Junior who didn’t make the previous iteration of the rankings, Darius Osborne is a 6’7 forward from Louisville’s PRP. The son of former Louisville Cardinal Jason Osborne, Darius has a lot of potential with his size and length. He tends to fall in love with his inconsistent jump shot. Once he adds muscle and becomes a better shooter, he will be a major player in the 6th region.
Darius Osborne, Photo Courtesy of USA TodayJJ Ramey, South Laurel – Making his first appearance in the rankings, Ramey is a 6’3 shooter from the 13th region, JJ averaged almost 14 points and 4 rebounds last season while shooting an impressive 57% from the field. Ramey will be counted on to carry more of the scoring load after Jared Grubb graduated.
Jordan Graham, George Rogers Clark – An athletic PG with good size at 6’3, Graham is the son of a coach and you can tell by the way he maintains his composure on the court. Previously unranked, Jordan has D1 interest from several schools. If he can improve his outside shooting and do more to affect the game, Graham has the potential to wind up in the top 12-15 in the next rankings, as opposed to his spot at 18 right now.