Class of 2021 Rankings: Updating the Top 10
Breakdown of the updated top 10 player rankings in the class of 2021… 1. Patrick Baldwin Jr (Sussex Hamilton) Baldwin isn’t going anywhere. Not only is the blue chip prospect undoubtedly the top player in Wisconsin, he’s fighting for the…
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Continue ReadingBreakdown of the updated top 10 player rankings in the class of 2021…
1. Patrick Baldwin Jr (Sussex Hamilton)
Baldwin isn’t going anywhere. Not only is the blue chip prospect undoubtedly the top player in Wisconsin, he’s fighting for the top overall spot in the national 2021 recruiting rankings. A potential one-and-done talent, Baldwin has the tools to redefine what a quality shot is in the game of basketball. The 6-foot-8 sniper is virtually unguardable and can get any shot he wants on the floor.
2. Cade Meyer (Monroe)
I’m playing the long game with Meyer. I don’t think he’s the second-best player in the state right now, but when you look at his trajectory, it’s hard to not see him ending up there. Averaging 11 points per game as a sophomore, Meyer developed into a Division 1 prospect seemingly overnight. The 6-foot-8 forward is a track and field high jump champion and also shoots the 3-pointer really well. If he can improve his rebounding fundamentals and motor on the interior, I think high major programs will be after him this summer.
3. David Joplin (Brookfield Central)
A true inside-outside threat, Joplin is a huge mismatch problem for opposing defenders. The 6-foot-6 combo forward has tremendous footwork down on the block and a consistent 3-point shooting stroke. Joplin has an in-between game as well, making him a three-level scorer. He’s transitioning to more of a wing. With that, he’ll need better lateral quickness to stay in front of people defensively. While he is starting to tap into his versatility more, I’d love to see Joplin continue to be a back-to-the-basket threat as I think he’s such a dynamic weapon on the block.
4. Cameron Palesse (Waukesha West)
Probably in the minority here, but someone needs to knock Palesse out of this spot, because he’s not giving it up without a fight. Palesse has always been consistently at or near the top of his game every time I see him. On top of that, he might be the best competitor in this class. Palesse doesn’t have the measurables as some of the guys behind him and he’s a tweener at the next level, but I would go to work with this kid any day.
5. Tyrese Huner (Racine St. Catherine’s)
If his jumper comes along and becomes consistent, Hunter can make a case for moving up another spot or two. The athleticism is legit. You don’t see many 5-foot-10 guards elevate the way he does. At some point, he’s going to need to pair it with an outside shot as I don’t think Hunter can live at the rim at the next level the way he does now.
6. James Graham (Nicolet)
I’m intrigued here a lot. I don’t love to make too much of fall league, but Graham’s performances have me thinking he’s a top 2-3 player in this state. This is a 6-foot-8 combo forward that can create a variety of shots. Graham is an extremely confident offensive player and plays with a mean streak. Graham has definitely worked on his body and looks a lot more fast and explosive than a year ago. A lot of people expect Nicolet to drop off next season. Graham is a big reason why they won’t.
7. Brayden Dailey (Cuba City)
Dailey remains one of the more interesting players in this class. A 6-foot-5 forward who’s arguably the best spot-up shooter in this class, Dailey knocks down every open look. The exciting part? Dailey can still expand his game in many ways. He’s not even close to filling out his body, but has some surprising above the rim athleticism. We’ve seen it in spurts, but Dailey isn’t much of a slasher or post-up threat against high-level competition yet. Defensively, he can get a lot better, but that a lot of that will come with the strength.
8. Kobe Johnson (Nicolet)
Another prospect I think is trending up is Johnson. Now that he’s one of the main focal points for Nicolet, Johnson is starting to shine. You can see the added confidence in his ability to create off the dribble and attack the rim aggressively. The younger brother of Duke commit Jalen Johnson, Kobe also has his brother’s vision and feel for the game. With the innate ability to see things before they happen, Johnson is a terrific dual threat as a scorer and facilitator.
9. Ben Nau (Brookfield Central)
This is one of those prospects that college coaches shouldn’t care too much about where he’s ranked. For the most part, you know what you’re getting here — a tremendous competitor, do-it-all guard, who brings it on every single possession. Nau is a guy you want with the ball in his hands on key possessions and the guy you want defending the other team’s best player. A sniper with the clutch gene, Nau is not only a big shot maker, but the best charge drawer I’ve ever scouted. Wherever he ends up, Nau will find a way to get on the floor in some capacity.
10. Brandin Podziemski (SJNMA)
Podziemski is going to be in the top eight or higher at some point. It really comes down to, I just don’t know who to drop right now. Seven through 10 is extremely close and you can order these guys in just about every way depending on what you value. Judging by the way he ended the summer and began the fall, Podziemski is going to have a monster junior season. He might not be a household name in the state quite yet, but it shouldn’t take much longer before people start to recognize him as one of the elite talents in the 2021 class.