2020 Rankings Update: Stock-Risers
Simply put, junior season went really well for these dudes. They either put up big numbers, flashed newfound strengths, or tidied up some of their weaknesses — usually a combination of two or three of those things actually. Their reward:…
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Continue ReadingSimply put, junior season went really well for these dudes. They either put up big numbers, flashed newfound strengths, or tidied up some of their weaknesses — usually a combination of two or three of those things actually.
Their reward: more intrigue from colleges going into their 17U season and a bump in the 2020 Prospect Rankings.
Devontae Blanton | 6-6 SF | St. Edward | 10 → 4
Blanton vaulted into the top five of our the 2020 class with his improved shooting ability. Not only was he, arguably, St. Edward’s best shooter from distance off the catch, he also made tough pull-ups off one or two dribbles. Blanton shakes the first line of defense with shot fakes and uses the jab step. He remains capable of finishing inside and uses his body well in traffic. Versatile offensive weapon.
Evan Prater | 6-5 PF | Wyoming | 25 → 15
Prater is racking up Power Five football offers as a quarterback. Meanwhile he has, somehow, managed to take real steps forward as a basketball player, too. The combo forward is tremendously skilled when he faces the basket from the elbow or 3-point line. Combines elusive footwork with athletic finishing ability. Capable shooter from distance. Prater, also, defends the dribble-drive extraordinarily well and can block shots when someone tries to take him off the dribble.
Luke Lachey | 6-7 PF | Grandview Heights | 31 → 19
Lachey is a two-sport athlete (football) who has received Division I offers from both sides of the aisle during his junior hoops season — Bowling Green’s basketball program being the most recent. Lachey can do a lot of things off the dribble for a kid of his size, namely finish athletically and drive-and-kick. Rebounds with athleticism and toughness. Theoretically should be able to defend two or three positions at the next level, although his straight-line speed is more impressive than his lateral quickness.
Gbolahan Adio | 6-3 SF | 62 → 44
Adio flew up the rankings by making his outside shooting a true weapon and improving his decision-making ability. Aggressively seeks the outside shot, while still capable of finishing with his length and athleticism on the drive. While he doesn’t have the handle of a primary ball-handler, Adio is a playmaker in the open floor and makes good reads when he catches on the wing.
Jamir Simpson | 6-5 PF | Lima Senior | 122 → 46
Simpson’s talent really shined through as a featured member of Lima Senior’s offensive attack, after transferring from Pickerington Central. Flashed athleticism as a face-up 4 on dives to the rim as an offensive rebounder. Performs skilled one- and two-dribble moves from the high-post. Too often settles for 3-pointers and tries to tip-back offensive rebounds instead of coming down with the ball before going back up. Runs the floor very well. Very intrigued to track how Division II programs recruit Simpson this spring and summer.
Dakota Cochran | 6-2 SG | Shaker Heights | 69 → 49
Cochran went from role player to featured star for the Raiders this season. We knew the responsibility would be there, given the amount of talent that Shaker graduated.
We didn’t, however, realize just how well Cochran would fit into that role as their most important player. He continued shooting the lights out from deep, despite not benefitting from the wide-open looks he saw as a sophomore. Cochran also utilized his strong frame to finish inside and rebound in traffic. Defends with effort and makes opponents uncomfortable with his physicality.
While he’s not a dynamic shot-creator and has a body more suited for football, we believe Cochran does a few important things well enough to gain a scholarship offer this summer.
Jackson Sizemore | 6-8 C | Perrysburg | 73 → 55
Sizemore is an all-around player. Offensively, he shoots it with space, scores with skill in the post, and stays active as a screener. On the other end, Sizemore can defend the rim with length and is an awesome communicator. As he continues to flash athleticism and play with toughness throughout the spring and summer, he will fly up recruiting boards.
Anthony Maxie | 6-4 C | Richmond Heights | 98 → 59
Maxie may not be 6-foot-7 or have the offensive capabilities to stretch out a defense. He is, however, maybe the most athletic post player outside of the top 30. He truly defends the rim because of his energy, length, bounce, and ability to cover space quickly. Probes the short corner to block area for opportunities to dive in and dunk the ball or grab a rebound. Runs the floor with a nice stride. Solid frame that he will likely add weight to in due time.
Brian Collier | 6-0 G | Grandview Heights | 100 → 64
Collier took a step forward by expanding his offensive repertoire. In his 16U season, Collier was a clever finisher who really liked to get to the rim. He still does a nice job of getting past the first line of defense with crossovers and ball fakes. Collier, though, is much more of a consistent 3-point shooter these days. He can hit off the dribble or from a step beyond the arch. He can play both guard spots.