Recruiting Report: Small School Sleepers

<p>Sometimes it’s simply a matter of the right fit for a player. Many talented players slip through the cracks of D1 programs. In this tumultuous recruiting year, that’s likely to happen more than ever. In this article, we take a look at a few class of 2021 prospects that may be excellent fits for small schools. </p> <p><strong>Calvin Schmelling</strong> <em>6’5 SG Clark (NV) 2021</em> - Schmelling didn’t see many minutes for a loaded Coronado squad last season, however, the wing prospect is the type of long, rangy versatile defender that rarely ends up at a D2 school. He’s a high academic student-athlete, that has the chance to become an all-conference type player for the right school.  </p> <p><strong>Luke Hladky</strong> <em>5’8 PG Campbell County (WV)</em> - Hladky is the type of prospect that someone is going to regret overlooking. The 5’8 PG is a premier floor spacer with the ability to also create buckets for himself. He’s a walking 20 ball every night as his 3 point ability combined with his craftiness provide him with a deadly combination. One of those guys that if he was just 2 inches taller would probably be getting D1 interest.  </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="919665" first="Noah" last="Haaland"] <em>6’7 PF Lakeland (ID)</em> - Haaland fits the mold of a skilled 4. He can step out and shoot the ball, and even serves as a playmaker from the 4 position. Size is always at a premium and Haaland adds that along with a 3.2 GPA. The 4 man could really blossom into a high caliber low post scorer and pick and pop stretch 4 at the next level. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="747103" first="Hayden" last="Gray"] <em>6’3 SG Santa Fe Christian (CA)</em> - Gray is an elite defender and above average R&amp;J athlete. He has a chance to be a steal, because of what he does on the defensive side and his overall athleticism. On the offensive end, he can get you buckets in transition, and when in catch and shoot situations. Gray is receiving interest from several D2’s and NAIA’s and in my opinion, should be at the top of their list. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="680245" first="Trevan" last="Martin"] <em>6’4 SF Santa Fe Christian (CA)</em> <em>(featured image)</em> - It’s difficult to mention Gray without mentioning Martin. Like Gray, he is a big-time defender. Martin also has a physical frame that allows him to body up to wings and undersized 4’s. An R&amp;J athlete, Martin will manufacture buckets off putbacks, and in transition. Is an immediate plug and play type at the small school level. </p> <p><strong>John Connolly</strong> <em>6’6 SF San Marcos (CA)</em> - Connolly has the size to be a productive low major guy. If he manages to slip to a D2 or NAIA and they could be getting a program builder. A high IQ player, Connolly is a willing on-ball defender, that understands defensive concepts and rotations at a high level. Offensively he is a knockdown shooter that changes the scoreboard with his ability to make shots off catch and shoot action. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="919663" first="Jaden" last="Hansen"] <em>6’0 PG Rocky Mountain (ID)</em> - Hansen could best be described as a winner. The PG is the ultimate game controller and a player that understands how to run an offense and to get the right shot every time down. He won’t blow anyone away with his athletic ability, however, his mental and physical toughness combined with his high basketball IQ makes him an intriguing D2 PG prospect. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">Follow Prep Hoops</a></p>