Potential July Stock Risers
AAU starts back up in a couple of weeks. Players, parents and coaches are finalizing travel plans and college coaches are figuring out which kids they’re going to watch in July and when. Heading into July, there are a few players who an really raise their individual stock during the three evaluation periods. Here’s a look at which players may boost their stock in July.
2019:
Jamarion Sharp, Hopkinsville (Pocket City) – Sharp has added two offers in the last month or so from Jacksonville State and Tennessee-Martin. Sharp is pushing 7 foot tall already and is mobile. Jamarion isn’t very strong on the block but he is a good two handed rebounder and has a high ceiling. Coaches love length and upside and Jamarion possesses plenty of both. Don’t be surprised if he winds up as a Mid Major or better prospect over the month.
Dieonte Miles, Walton-Verona (NKY Squad) – Miles is a lot like Jamarion Sharp except more skilled. Coming off a shoulder surgery that cost him most of his Junior season and almost all of spring AAU, Miles has a chance to break out in July. Dieonte is the best prospect on the NKY Squad team by far and is going to have a chance to earn multiple offers in July depending on what tournaments the Squad is playing in.
Darius Osborne, Pleasure Ridge Park (The Ville) – Darius is another long player who recently earned his first offer from Nicholls State. With his skill and upside, Osborne is going to have a chance to earn more offers on a Ville team that will be lacking star power after David Johnson defected to The Ville for July.
Jordan Graham, George Rogers Clark (M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs) – Graham is a big, strong point guard who can play bully ball and get to the rim. Several schools are circling Graham and he already holds an offer from Tennessee Tech. If Jordan can show his ability to take and make shots, he could exit July with a half dozen or more offers.
2020:
Amari Taylor, Tates Creek (Louisville Magic) – Taylor is skilled and an efficient scorer. While most of the headlines for the Magic come from out of state big men Zach Loveday and Jackson Ames, Taylor is quietly their most consistent scorer. If Amari can show improved athleticism and make shots, he can earn multiple offers next month.
Eli Roberts, Manual (Louisville Legends) – Eli is finally starting to show signs of reaching his potential on the court and could be ready for a big July with the Legends. Roberts has good size as a traditional post player who can shoot a little bit. On a good Legends 16u team (and likely playing up on 17u some), Eli could draw the eyes of coaches all month.
Jaden Franklin, Glasgow (Team Vision) – Franklin is a 3 sport athlete for the Scotties who missed spring AAU thanks to baseball season. Jaden will look to pick up where he left off with a good high school season where he nearly averaged a double double. Jaden and high school teammate Nik Sorrell should both have a chance to impress after missing the Spring AAU season.
2021:
DaShawn Jackson, Frederick Douglass (Manimal Elite) – Jackson just finished up a really strong summer for Douglass and will look to ride that momentum into July. Jackson was originally known only as a shooter but has shown his increased finishing ability as his game develops. DaShawn should move up the rankings and has an outside chance at an offer as several schools have already expressed interest in him.
Q’Daryius McHenry, Grayson County (Louisville Magic) – McHenry is a football star who has been making noise on the hardwood as part of a very good Magic squad all season. Q’Daryius recently went to Tennessee’s elite camp and is going to have a chance to draw some eyes next month. If McHenry has truly hit a growth spurt as has been reported on twitter, he will have a chance to play point guard in college if he doesn’t wind up as a running back or defensive back.