Nevada Player Ranking Breakdown: C/O 2020 Sleepers
The Nevada player rankings for the class or 2020 are out and on full display. As I have mentioned several times, this has a chance to be one of the best classes in state history. In this article PH takes…
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Continue ReadingThe Nevada player rankings for the class or 2020 are out and on full display. As I have mentioned several times, this has a chance to be one of the best classes in state history. In this article PH takes a look at some of the more slept on players in the class of 2020.
#1 Isaiah Cottrell 6’9 F Bishop Gorman – It may sound odd to label the #1 player in the class, who also happens to be a 6’9 210lb forward as a sleeper, but I think in this case it’s applicable. During the Grassroots season, Cottrell plays for the California based Dream Vision team, so it’s easy for local fans to forget him. During the High School season he plays for the legendary Bishop Gorman program surrounded by some of the other top players in the state, so it’s easy for his efforts to go overlooked. As good as he is right now, I think he has a realistic chance to be an even better college player. He has a very advanced post game that includes jump hooks over both shoulders, a turn – around jumper, and a Dirk like 1 legged flamingo fall away. He is a high volume rebounder that can protect the rim and effectively switch ball screens. In West Virginia’s pressure defensive system, he’s perfect as the last line of defense.
#8 Dominque Ford 6’2 G Desert Oasis– I love watching Ford play. He’s a bucket, and it doesn’t matter where or who he is playing against. He had 7 games of 30 or more last season for DO. Some guys have a knack for scoring, and that’s just what Ford does. He averaged over 21 a game last year, and put up another 12ppg on the gauntlet. The main reason why I think he is a sleeper is because it is just a matter of time before he goes off in front of the right people. At 6’2 he may be undersized to play the 2, however if you can score the way he can, some coach will find a way to make it work.
#18 Darnell Washington 6’7 F Desert Pines – Honestly the only reason I have Washington this low on the list, is because he probably won’t be playing basketball in college. The #1 Tight End in America has offers from the world. While his story and accolades on the gridiron are already well known, he’s contributions on the hardwood are nothing to sneeze at either. He led the state in rebounding last year and provides a tough inside defensive presence. If you think he is simply a football player playing basketball, then think again. In addition to his rebounding he also put up over 11 per game, and added nearly 2 assist, 1 steal and 1 block.
#35 Mikey Medlock 6’2 G Arbor View – I like Medlock as a sleeper this year simply because he will finally get minutes. Sharing the backcourt with two of the state’s top guards, UNLV bound Donovan Yap and Larry Holmes, made it hard for him to shine. This year Arbor View may use more 3 guard sets. However they go about it, I think it going to be difficult to keep Medlock off of the floor. He’s a terrific all-around player. He measures 6’2 but his long wingspan allows him to play much bigger. I can see him having the type of season where he stuffs the stat sheet and leads the team in categories like assist, and or steals.
#36 Jeremiah Beckwood 6’5 Desert Valley Prep – Beckwood certainly passes the eye test. The 6’4 wing has a powerful frame and captures everyone’s attention the moment he walks into the gym. He’s a good athlete, who can score off post ups, and is comfortable putting the ball on the floor to make a play for himself. On the defensive side he has the ability to switch ball screens and guard 1 through 5. The main reason why he is so low on my list, and considered a sleeper is because of his inconsistency. He missed 9 games last year at Durango, and was on and off at times during the grassroots season. If he can play with energy every night, and put together a complete season, I fully expect him to rise.