C/O 2022 National Rankings: Who I’ve Seen
The new c/o 2022 National Rankings have been released. From top to bottom this class has a chance to be one of the most memorable in years. It contains a generational talent, along with several players with the potential to…
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Continue ReadingThe new c/o 2022 National Rankings have been released. From top to bottom this class has a chance to be one of the most memorable in years. It contains a generational talent, along with several players with the potential to be franchise changing prospects down the road. I’ve been fortunate that I’ve had a chance to see a ton of these players play in person over the past year. In this article we breakdown the top players in the c/o 2022 that I’ve been fortunate to see. Note: This article does not include the 5 Nevada players that are in the top 250
Emoni Bates 6’9 SG Ypsilanti – Lincoln (MI) (#1)
Where: The Big Time Tournament
Story: I was at the Bates Fundamentals game vs the team from Florida in Las Vegas. It was memorable for several reason. Bates showed why he is considered the #1 player in the class, helping his team to not only a win, but also the Championship of the Las Vegas Classic.
Projection: Overall #1 Pick – He checks all the boxes and is as close to a can’t miss high school talent that there’s ever been. His skill is elite. Bates is a true 2 guard with a handle and athleticism to rival any wing player in the nation. Wrap this all around a 6’9 frame and you have a unique talent. While I get the KD comparisons the player he most reminds me of is former Cincinnati Bearcat’s star Dermarr Johnson.
Amari Bailey 6’4 SF Sierra Canyon (CA) (#8)
Where: 2019 Tarkanian Classic Showcase Game
Story: SC pulled up to Vegas to take on Oakridge last season. I was blown away by Bailey’s size, speed and athleticism. On a court filled with High Major D1 players, Bailey’s R&J ability stood out. While Bates is clearly the #1 player, having a player of Bailey’s caliber at #8 highlights just how much talent is in this class.
Projection: 1st round pick – He didn’t shoot it well when I saw him, but that’s really his only weakness. He can get to the rim, create for himself, and is a good passer. On top of his offensive skill set, Bailey is a willing defender, that can turn defense into offense and is a monster in transition.
Jalen Washington Jalen Washington 6'10" | PF Gary Westside | 2022 State #32 Nation IN 6’9 PF Westside (IN) (#18) (featured image)
Where: EYBL Dallas
Story: Washington is one of the most intriguing prospects in the nation. He has battled through an injury ridden career, competing in only 7 high school games in two years. I’ve watched him more than any other prospect in this class, and when he is healthy he’s as good as anyone. In Dallas he showed, the ability to play pick and pop basketball, rebound and protect the rim at a high level.
Projection: 1st round pick – The most important thing for Washington is to get healthy. I’m 100% convinced that a player with his size and skill set is en vogue at the professional level. He’s a high level 3 point shooter that would be effective even without his R&J athleticism. He currently holds offers from Michigan St, Indiana and Iowa to name a few, which says a lot considering how little he’s been on the court. I think his floor is former Cal star and Houston Rocket Ryan Anderson, and his ceiling is still untapped.
Arterio Morris 6’4 PG Kimball (TX) (#24)
Where: Las Vegas Live
Story: Dallas Showtyme came out to Las Vegas last summer and showed everyone what Showtyme basketball means. Morris was one of the gem’s of their 15U squad. The 6’3 pogo stick is a long athletic slasher that loves to penetrate and create. He attacks the rim hard and showed off an advanced array of transition finishing moves.
Projection: High Major – It’s been almost exactly a year since I’ve seen Morris play, and the one thing I remember about him is that he didn’t take outside shots. I think that with his athleticism and size, for the position, he is a sure fire High Major guy, his ceiling will depend on how well he has improved his outside shooting over the last 12 months.
Joseph Hunter 6’3 PG San Joaquin Memorial (CA) (#55)
Where: Pangos Central Cali Showcase
Story: Getting to Bakersfield was a story onto itself, however getting a chance to watch Hunter play was worth the trip. The versatile wing does a little bit of everything. He’s a point forward type that can get the ball off the glass and start the break.
Projection: High Major – Similar to Morris, he didn’t really shoot the ball that well, however he is exceptional at almost every other skill. His versatility on the offensive end is great, however I believe that it’s his defensive versatility that makes him different.
Emanuel Sharp 6’5 SG Bishop McLaughlin (FL) (#104)
Where: EYBL Dallas
Story: Emanuel Sharp will always be one of the easiest evaluations I’ve ever had. When I watched him play in Dallas, he killed every second he was on the court. During that weekend, at a certain point in every game, E1T1 would throw the ball to him and ask him to go get a bucket and he responded every time.
Projection: Professional – My belief is that there are two kind of basketball players, those that can hoop and those that can’t. Sharp can flat out hoop. He is a professional bucket getter, and at this age he understands the tiny nuisances of scoring. Like how to create a bump 40 feet from the basket just because you know the opponents are in the penalty. He catches guys cheating screens and demoralizes them with jumpers, and he understands how to move without the ball. Many don’t remember this, but it was Sharp’s E1T1 team that eliminated Bates Fundamentals from the 2019 Peach Jam. While Emoni Bates scored 40 Sharp poured in over 30 and his team won the game by 40.
Robbie Avila 6’7 PF Oak Forest (IL) (#130)
Where: EYBL Dallas
Story: Avila and Washington are teammates for Meanstreets on the EYBL circuit. He’s likes to shoot it, and has good size for his position.
Projection: Low – Mid Major – Avila is a skilled big man that likes to stretch the floor. Plays fundamentally sound baskeball, Avila can finish around the rim, and will make you pay from behind the arc, if you give him space.
Tyler Linhardt 6’7 PF Kings (WA) (#139)
Where: Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo Seattle
Story: Linhardt came to our Expo and put on a serious display. Based on his photos I was expecting to see a heavy set, slow footed, big man still shedding baby fat. That was not the case, Linhardt was a well conditioned, sleek, fluid athlete that ran the floor well, showed good hands, and was unstoppable playing downhill in transition.
Projection: High Major – I could make a case that he should be higher on this list. Lindhardt can score in the paint, and has a nice touch on his jumper. He’s bruising, without being a plodder and can get buckets without having to have plays run for him. I question, his ability to hedge and switch ball screens, but only because I haven’t seen a ton of him.
Martavious Russell 6’4 SF Sipsey Valley (AL) (#141)
Where: Fantastic 40
Story: Russell lead his Nike Elite team to the 15U Championship. His entire team was stacked, but he was tremendous. His athleticism leaped off the page, helping him standout from everyone else.
Projection: Low – Mid Major – A true sleeper, Russell is definitely a player to keep an eye on the next two years. His biggest issue right now is that he’s a tweener, however if he grows or improves his ballhandling and shooting skills, look out! He’s a walking highlight reel that will have eyes on him whenever he takes the court.
Max Allen 6’8 C Sierra Canyon (CA) (#232)
Where: Multiple Las Vegas Tournaments
Story: I saw this and honestly thought it was a misprint. Our staff at Prep Hoops is awesome, and we do a great job, but there are not 231 better players in the c/o 2022 than Max Allen.
Projection: High Major – Allen is a banger post with a throwback game. Recently of Bishop Gorman, Allen transferred to Heritage Christian at the start of the season. He’s a good in area rebounder, that can finish around the rim. He’s transformed his body, and now sports a sleeker frame, allowing him to run and get off the floor a lot faster. He has always been a high IQ guy, but with the addition of his improved athleticism he’s a sure fire high major guy.