2022’s Elite Length

<p>Today we will be looking at the class of 2022 and the quality of players that also posses elite length for their positions, or in general. These guys use their size, length, and athleticism to make plays and separate themselves from their opponents on the basketball floor. Outside of the big time names like [player_tooltip player_id="787613" first="Gradey" last="Dick"], [player_tooltip player_id="787626" first="Mark" last="Mitchell"], and [player_tooltip player_id="891898" first="Aidan" last="Shaw"], who all posses tremendous length, there are a ton of other names out there who do as well in this class.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Point Guards</strong></span></em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="891899" first="Mozae" last="Downing-Rivers"], 6’4, Free State, Run GMC: Tremendous size at the lead guard spot with his long arms, height, and physical stature. Downing is really physical on the offensive end, playing well through contact and initiating it to create space for scores or jump shots. He sees over and through defenses well and is a terrific passer of the basketball. On defense he can contest a wide variety of offensive players, active hands, and can block shots at the rim. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="891912" first="Nahcs" last="Wahwassuck"], 6’5, Link Year, SSA Elite 2022 Black: The full transition to point guard this year has expanded his game and elevated to another level. At 6’5, Wahwassuck has elite lenght at the lead guard spot; using his length to see over defenses, get around hedges on ball screens, and can finish at the rim over shot blockers at a high clip. With his long arms he can whip passes around defenders, dunk the basketball in traffic, and get his pull up jumper off over solid contests. On the defensive end he is a top tier shot blocker from the guard position and can guard 1 through 4.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Guards/Wing Players</em></span></strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="891917" first="Zaid" last="Dajani"], 6’4, Olathe Northwest, SSA Elite 2022 Black: At 6’4, the OLNW shooting guard also has really long arms which gives him great size on the perimeter. His length is the most evident in his ability to knock down pull up jumpers over a ton of contests and defensive length. Dajani’s length also plays a factor in his ability to get into gaps on the defensive end and jump through passes on the perimeter. His high scoring efficiency, shooting percentages, and finishing in the paint are other indicators of his length being a net positive for his game.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="946269" first="Sam" last="Somerhalder"], 6’7, St James, Team KC: Somerhalder at 6’7 on the wing is one of the longest and more impressive perimeter athletes we have scene on the grassroots scene around KS this year. He has used this to dominate games in transition and live in opponents painted areas. On defense he can guard the 1-4 positions as well, block shots on the weak side, and get into passing lanes. His standout length has helped him burst on as a big stock riser this spring.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Front Court</strong></span></em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="891902" first="Julian" last="Margrave"], 6’9, Louisburg, Run GMC (Pictured): One of the premier stretch players in the group of 2022, Margrave has elite size and length to play the 4 or 5 spots with the athleticism to play a good deal of perimeter minutes. Led his Louisburg squad to a state championship game appearance averaging 17.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. He can knock down the three ball, finish in the paint off two feet, knock down shots in the post, and block shots on the defensive end.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="891928" first="Mason" last="Belcher"], 6’7, Maize, MoKan: Belcher’s length and versatility has played a massive role in his stock rising this spring earning a St Marys offer in the process. He can see over defenses, play on the perimeter in the pick and pop game, contest shots all over the floor, and take up a ton of space on the basketball court. He can erupt from distance and with his size and length can get his shot off in a ton of situations. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Premier Length in the Class</strong></span></em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1139917" first="Jevon" last="Hill"], 6’8 F, Wichita Trinity, MidWest Magic</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1075930" first="Adrian" last="Dimond"], 6’7 F, Mill Valley, Hoggs</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1076398" first="Noah" last="Simmons"], 6’8 F, Valley Center, Buddy Buckets-KS</p>