2020 Early Season Sleepers
Every coach loves sure things aka “the can’t miss guy.” Someone who comes in and instantly turns your team/program around. However, year in and year out its a group of guys that get overlooked for many different reasons. Maybe they…
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Continue ReadingEvery coach loves sure things aka “the can’t miss guy.” Someone who comes in and instantly turns your team/program around. However, year in and year out its a group of guys that get overlooked for many different reasons. Maybe they were late bloomers or they played on a stacked high school team or maybe they never played on the circuit. Whatever the case maybe it’s always a group of guys that get slept on every year. Here is a list of guys from the class of 2020 who you may want to stop hitting the snooze button on.
Jalen Taylor, 6’2 SG, Park Crossing: This guy when engaged is a walking bucket. He can do it all shoot it from range, put the ball on the floor and get to the rim, or simply raise up a shoot right over you. However, he decides to serve you please believe you will get eaten. All this was never more evident when he broke the city of Montgomery single-game scoring record by dropping 59 (yes 59 points) in a Thunderbird win over Bullock County. If you think that was a fluke think again he followed it up with a 36 point performance vs Stanhope Elmore. His ability to score the ball from all 3 levels at a very high clip makes him a legit prospect to be considered a college basketball player.
Malik Stinson, 6’2 SG, Sidney Lanier: This kid can shoot the ball! When he shoots the ball with the energy needed he hardly ever misses. He is a terrific on-ball defender with long arms and a will to compete. He is not just a shooter he does have the skill-set to put the ball on the floor and finish in the painted area or at the rim with a variety of layups and floaters. He is also an extremely heady player who has a very high basketball IQ. He is severely under-recruited at this point but I’m sure by seasons end a lot of alarms will be buzzing trying to get him on campus.
Ashton Elliot 6’3 CG, Hazel Green: A relentless driver of the basketball when he puts his head down to get to the rim. He has played a significant amount of PG this season which has drastically upped his value as a college prospect. He has a very strong body and has the ability to finish over and through defenders. He is improving as a shooter but is exceptional at beating his man off the dribble and getting to the cup. He has a very nice handle with several one-on-one moves that allows him to be able to get by primary defenders. He is also a clutch player that wants the ball in his hands when the game is on the line. Look for his phone to start ringing more as the season continues to move along.
De’Marquiese Miles 6’1 PG, Lee-Montgomery: Now some may not consider him a sleeper, but he makes this list because he doesn’t get as much attention as he should. This guy can do it all! He can shoot it with range off the catch or off the dribble. He consistently makes the right play and thrives in getting his teammates involved. He is an exceptional athlete with the ability to play high above the rim he’s also a very good passer and plays with an edge on the defensive end. His game screams Division 1 and whoever takes that leap and signs him will be getting a player who will be ready to step in and play as a freshman.
Nate Jones, 6’4 SF, Mae Jemison: Now one reason some may be sleeping on Nate is simply that he is playing on a stacked team which is causing him to play somewhat out of position. A big body guy who loves to get dirty and bang on the inside. Some would say he is a junkyard dog which is a compliment but every coach would love a guy like this on his roster and I’m sure Coach Pride would 2nd that sentiment. He just comes to play lunch pale and hard hat in hand. A lot of times when you describe a player in this way people may think he is not very skilled, but in this case, they would be dead wrong. He has very good ball skills and possesses the ability to shot the ball from the outside. Coaches looking for the ultimate glue guy for the next 2 to 4 years should take a real look at the senior from Huntsville.
Tavion Williams, 6’7 PF, Parker: A pick-and-pop 4-man who with continued work could be a WF on the college level. He is a high-level rebounder who college coaches should keep their eye on as the season goes along. It’s debatable on whats the best fit for him level-wise, but one thing is for sure he is a next-level player. He can shoot it from outside and has a decent handle and above-average ball skills. One of his best attributes is his ability to communicate and be the anchor on the defensive end. One plus for coaches that want to bring him in is that they will not have to do much to motivate him as he walks around with a passion for the game. He is definitely one of the more interesting prospects in the class.
Deimarkus Sewel, 6’6 PF, Baldwin County: A 2-sport star may end up getting his chops on the football field, but don’t sleep on his basketball ability he is a walking double-double. He is a big body post guy that could also play on the perimeter with some work in the gym. He is very coordinated as you could imagine being he is a WR/TE on the football field. He is strong but is off to a very fast start so far this season. Really anxious to see him play more as the season goes along to watch his progression and improvement.