MD/DC Roundtable: ’21 sleepers, event standouts, breakouts

<p>In this week’s roundtable, we breakdown three questions surrounding 2021 prospects who still deserve offers, players who have taken advantage of recent local events and potential breakout candidates for the 2020-21 season.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>1. Give a name from the 2021 class with no offers, but you believe worthy of one or more?</strong></span></p> <p><em>Giacubeno:</em> I’m not sure how many times I have to say this, but...JAMES GROSS. JAMES GROSS. JAMES GROSS. The 6-foot-3 guard is a can’t miss low to mid-major prospect an brings valuable intangibles to the table. After doing some digging, Gross’ recruitment is wide open and if I was a local low-major program, I’d be all over him. Equipped with explosive athleticism, Gross brings playmaking ability in the open floor, defensive versatility and a toughness that can spread quickly through a roster. It’s been made apparent that many programs are backing off of their 2021 recruitment as players on their current rosters have been granted an extra year of eligibility, but I’m extremely confident in saying that if a roster spot is open, Gross is well worth it.</p> <p><em>Ayalew:</em> <b>Trenton Picott</b> is one name that comes to mind. South County’s versatile forward displays an underrated skill set on offense and is a smart defender who guards multiple positions. Picott moves well for his size and can also hit perimeter jumpers while open when his are feet set. </p> <p><em>Wilson:</em> <span style="font-weight: 400;">This has been said countless times by us but I am going to go with [player_tooltip player_id="775367" first="Mike" last="Myrie"]. Myrie is a 6’2 combo guard who recently transferred to North Mecklenburg High School (NC), but used to attend Magruder. Myrie has elite athleticism that allows him to play at least at the low major level. Once Myrie gets going, he is very tough to stop as he can score the basketball in bunches and is a big time threat running out in transition. It is simply mind boggling that Myrie does not have more D1 attention.</span></p> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>2. Who is a prospect that has benefitted from any local event recently? </strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div><em>Giacubeno:</em> I’m still stuck on 2022 Gilman/Team Thrill point guard [player_tooltip player_id="777071" first="Christian" last="Winborne"] going for 40 against Mt. Zion in the Black Panther Fall League. Despite coming up short, Winborne was unstoppable in just about every aspect. Every time I walk into a gym and Winborne is playing, you can guarantee a fun game is about to be played.</div> <div> </div> <div><em>Ayalew:</em> Loudoun Valley forward <b>Ben Hall</b> is a player who is participating in the PYBL High School showcase who has certainly benefited from the exposure. It’s good to see him play against some of the top players at his position and he has shown that he belongs in the conversation. </div> <div> </div> <div><em>Wilson:</em> <span style="font-weight: 400;">There has been some good buzz about 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="904642" first="Jared" last="Turner"] during his play in the PYBL High School Showcase. Turner who is known as a sniper from behind the three-point line has demonstrated this fall how valuable his shooting can be. Turner could have a major breakout year this season at Gonzaga.</span></div> <div> </div> <div><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Mike-Williams.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1077306" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Mike-Williams-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>3. Which non-senior is expected to take on a bigger role this season and is still flying under the radar?</strong></span></div> <div> </div> <div><em>Giacubeno:</em> 2023 guard [player_tooltip player_id="957020" first="Mike" last="Williams"] is going to post big numbers as a sophomore at Calvert Hall. He gained valuable experience last season as a freshman and was put in many scenarios to help him grow into the leader that he should become this winter. I saw him in action this past weekend and the 6-foot-2 combo guard looks much improved operating off the bounce and getting into his jump shot in the mid-range with great balance and pace. He’ll be the catalyst as the Cardinals try to take the next step and become relevant in the MIAA A Conference. </div> <div> </div> <div><em>Ayalew:</em> I think <b>Mason So</b> is set for a breakout season at O’Connell. He gained valuable experience while logging heavy minutes as a freshman. So can handle ball-handling duties and can run the offense but can also score in bunches. </div> <div> </div> <div><em>Wilson:</em> <span style="font-weight: 400;">2022 [player_tooltip player_id="1049814" first="Nicholas" last="Evans"] is in line to get a lot of minutes for Gonzaga this year. Evans is part of a talented 2022 group led by Steve Turner and Evans is definitely the least known. Evans is a 6’8 center that does all of the dirty work down low and is constantly having an impact during his time around the rim offensively and defensively.</span></div>