Five Intriguing Prospects In The Class Of 2021

Throughout the next week, I’ll be taking a look at five prospects from each class that bring intrigue. There won’t be a set criteria for who I choose, but they will all be prospects who are still available on the college market. The DMV is flooded with talent that could very well play this game for money some day, so there really is no right or wrong answer as to who shows or doesn’t show on this list. Marlon Lewis | 6'4 | Havre De Grace/MD Spartans Lewis is one of the best athletes you'll find in this class. His ability to explode through the lane and finish well above the rim makes him must-see. The reason why low and mid majors haven't yet thrown offers his way is because his lack of exposure, in my opinion. Lewis transferred to Havre De Grace after an impact freshman season at Woodlawn where he helped the Warriors capture the Baltimore County crown. In comparison to the private schools and more well-known public schools of Baltimore, Havre De Grace doesn't get much coverage. The MD Spartans are a non shoe circuit AAU team that participates in smaller events where not many Division I staffs attend. There's no doubt that Lewis has the athleticism to play at the Division I level. He is an underrated shooter from outside and has one of the better motors I've seen. It wouldn't be shocking to me to see a local low major throw an offer his way soon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VJU4WQr7eI Jordan Hawkins | 6'6 | DeMatha/Team Durant Hawkins made it official this summer that he would continue his high school career with the Stags. The 6-foot-6 wing is one of the better shooters you'll find in the region. His length and athleticism make him a tough guard for most, but that will be put to the test as he adjusts to WCAC play. Players of Hawkins make up are usually highly coveted on the college recruiting front and plenty of low to mid majors have already offered Hawkins. If he produces consistently at DeMatha, power 5 schools should start tracking him closely. Jared Billups | 6'6 | McDonogh Billups is a prospect that is going to come into his own this season. At 6-foot-6 and a chiseled body, he's starting to realize how he can dominate a game. Billups' length, discipline and athleticism make him one of the best defenders in the DMV. He can guard multiple positions and plays with immense pride on that end of the floor. Offensively, he continues to develop his all around scoring ability, but he causes nightmares for opposing teams with his willingness to get into the paint and force the defense to collapse. In the open floor, Billups makes sound decisions with the ball and can finish over the rim. His jumper is the one flaw in his game, but even that has been improving over time. When he shoots it consistently, the offers should roll in. Billups has four offers from low major schools, but with his size, versatility and playing style, he could be an impact player at the mid major level. Zion Russell | 6'1 | Georgetown Prep/Team Durant Russell is one of the more electric players you'll find in the DMV area. Although he stands just 6-foot-1, Russell is no stranger to playing above the rim. The Georgetown Prep point guard is extremely shifty and explosive with everything that he does. Playing in transition or in isolation situations is where Russell shines. He effectively creates space and can get a shot off whenever he pleases. As a defender, that quickness comes into play with his active hands both guarding on and off the ball. Russell creates deflections and puts himself in great position on the break where only a few can stop him at the rim. I wouldn't be surprised if with a productive season, mid major programs start to look his way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGZmQ3PwnWU Jedy Cordilia | 6'9 | West Nottingham Academy/Team BBC Cordilia has the make up to be an ideal prospect that college teams love to bring in. The long, 6-foot-9 forward seems to be getting more comfortable with his body and adjusting to the American game since coming over from the Netherlands. His combination of length and athleticism make him an effective shot blocker and rebounding presence defensively. He has steadily improved his ability to catch the ball in traffic and finish with soft touch. His game will go to another level when he plays aggressively and embraces the physical part. I've seen flashes before, but now consistency is the biggest thing separating him and a flood of offers. A couple of low major schools have already begun courting Cordilia, but with an increase in his role for the 2019-20 season, he'll have ample opportunity to show the growth in his game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSdqd53OiNs