Internal Debates while Ranking 2020
Ranking statewide is a challenge. Much goes into the effort by @CourtneyHoops90 and @AndrewForce8. Numerous considerations precede the unveiling. Here are a few of the internal debates.
Ty Hurst Ty Hurst 6'3" | PG Carter | 2020 State TN or Rodney Mason III Rodney Mason III 6'5" | SG Bartlett | 2020 State TN ?
Ty is an explosive scorer with plus athleticism. Rodney is a wonderful athlete with a ragged outside shot. His physique and power is unmatched at the high school level. Mason III projects as an elite defender and wonderful college teammate while Ty is certainly a volume scorer both now and in the future. Tough call. Hurst for his offensive versatility.
Sort Three
Sorting Dalton Marsh Dalton Marsh 6'6" | PF Red Boiling Springs | 2020 State TN , Trashun Marion Trashun Marion 6'6" | PF State TN , Jon Turner Jon Turner 6'9" | C South Gibson | 2020 State TN . Three very different players. Marsh boasts the best low post footwork. Marion is the fastest end-to-end. Jon Turner Jon Turner 6'9" | C South Gibson | 2020 State TN has the best height/size on the blocks. Marsh and Marion dominated Class A, while Turner had a great year though not as completely dominating at his level (AA). In three years Turner is probably the best college player. Marion (#85) is gutsy and his hustle never subsides. Quicker to the glass than Turner (#86). More naturally quick than Marsh, but not by much. Marsh (PrepHoopsTN #89) is closer to his ceiling now, with fantastic technique and a soft touch. Since this is based on potential and not today the order goes Marion, Turner, Marsh. All are relatively nearby.
Two short guards, dynamic in different ways
Matthew Berry Matthew Berry 6'3" | SG Jackson South Side | 2020 State TN or Kevin Halfacre Kevin Halfacre 5'9" | PG Brainerd | 2020 State TN .
Kevin is a wizard with the ball and certainly controls tempo. He just isn’t the same physical specimen that Matthew is. Berry’s lower body strength is distinctly powerful. Think high school wrestler legs with a low base and whimsical lateral mobility.
What effect, if any, do serious injuries have upon a player’s potential?
Keon Johnson Keon Johnson 6'5" | SG The Webb School | 2020 State #21 Nation TN missed his senior season. DJ Stacy just had surgery. Marcus Fitzgerald Jr. Marcus Fitzgerald Jr. 6'1" | PG Pearl-Cohn | 2020 State #359 Nation TN missed a little time with a minor injury. Statewide, it was a nightmarish year for hooper physical health. Does a serious injury impact the player’s ceiling?
How do I rank tweeners?
These 6-foot-4 forwards that thrived as high school players are challenging to project. Occasionally, though not often, these guys can adapt as small college wings. More commonly the shorter forwards are just not college prospects. It is harsh world and basketball is played by giants after high school.
How do I rank football stars who happen to excel at basketball too?
Markeston Douglas
Markeston
Douglas
6'5" | PF
Haywood (FB) | 2020
State
TN
Of the four, Markeston is the most nimble laterally. He also showcased surprising outside shooting touch when afforded the opportunity. All four of these players added on “football weight” limiting their basketball agility.
Nolan Wishon
Nolan
Wishon
6'6" | PF
Tennessee | 2020
State
TN
Light on his feet. Active mind. Engaged in each play. Enthusiastic.
John Hardy
John
Hardy
6'4" | PF
McCallie | 2020
State
TN
Added more football weight than anybody. His basketball game completely transformed as a result of his football ambitions.
Tomario Vereen
Tomario
Vereen
6'5" | PF
Northeast | 2020
State
TN
—
Tomario Vereen
Tomario
Vereen
6'5" | PF
Northeast | 2020
State
TN
reminds of a Ja’Sean Tate-type. Tate played high school football and basketball. He elected to play college basketball for Ohio State and served wonderfully as a 12 ppg, 8 rpg. Had Vereen selected this path he too would have been a decent college basketball player, perhaps not at the D1 level, but he possesses the mixture of athleticism and size to be a dominating rebounder. Strength is a strength for him and all football players when they compete alongside basketball-only men.
What exactly can Brandon Jones Brandon Jones 6'5" | PF Red Bank | 2020 State TN be?
Shorter than many college forwards, Jones is definitely intriguing as a prospect. During his senior season Jones averaged 11 ppg and 6 rebounds per game for Red Bank High. Physical in deep.