2018 Final Rankings: Top 5 Stock Risers
As we head into the grassroots season and the high school season comes to an end, a number of skilled 2018 prospects will be taking their skills to the college level. A number of the prospects are still playing in the club ranks in hopes of attaining more or better offers. Below are the top 5 stock risers from the final 2018 rankings.
2018 Final Rankings: Top 5 Stock Risers
Quentin Guliford 6’5 SF Liberty (Montana State)
I saw the potential in Guliford and had a feeling that he would improve greatly with a season of high level club basketball under his belt. However, the amount of improvement was astronomical. The hard working young man figured out how to utilize his length and skill set at a much more efficient level.
In addition to improving greatly, his ceiling is through the roof. He is long, athletic, and skilled. Montana State got a steal in Guliford as the best has yet to come.
Sam Beskind 6’2 PG Catalina Foothills (Stanford)
Yesterday, Beskind announced that he would be walking on to Stanford. While this position is a walk-on spot, make no mistake about it, he is a scholarship NCAA Division-I guard. He is strong, athletic, and skilled. Moreover, he has a high basketball IQ and tremendous grades to boot.
It would not be the least bit surprising to see Beskind work his way into a scholarship position and Stanford.
Ajang Aguek 6’7 SF/PF Ironwood
Throughout the majority of his freshman to junior year, Aguek was a 2018 prospect that most had never heard of. Aguek’s stock started to rise substantially at this point last off-season. After a strong season that culminated in him leading the Eagles to the Sweet 16 and a strong game in the play-in game against Liberty in which he had 23 points and 10 rebounds. In addition, in his past ACBL game, he finished with 27 points and 8 rebounds while demonstrating an improved ability to attack the rim and shoot the mid-range jumper off of the dribble.
Aguek’s college interest is picking up greatly. He currently holds scholarship offers from Central Arizona Community College, Glendale Community College, and Ottawa University while receiving plenty of interest from other potential suitors.
Kyle Fischer 6’5 SF Sunnyslope
Fischer has been one of the most impressive players in the state over the past 3 years. Unfortunately, he doesn’t do anything flashy that catches the eye. Rather, he does all of the solid things that coaches should appreciate. He makes game changing plays and makes an impact in every statistical category as he has led the team in points, assists, rebounds, and steals for the majority of his high school career.
Fischer has wowed multiple college coaches this season. While he still has managed to stay under many people’s radars, he will undoubtedly be a diamond to whoever is willing to give him a shot.
Isaiah Rhymes 6’5 SG Carl Hayden (Nevada)
Rhymes is accepted a preferred walk-on status at Nevada. Rhymes is very similar to Fischer in that he is attractive to college coaches because he is capable of doing so many things to impact the game. He is strong and has good footwork on the block. Moreover, he rebounds well. On the other hand, he has a solid handle and is explosive enough to play in the back court.
Rhymes is extremely skilled. It will be quite intriguing to watch the situation plays out with him at Nevada as he has a motor that doesn’t stop and he is an extremely hard worker.
Feature Image Provided by AZ Family