Way Too Early HS Preview: 2024 Breakout Wings/Bigs
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With the AAU season coming to a close, it means we set eyes on the high school season that is still over three months away. Still, it’s never too early to pump out some early preview content based off the…
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Continue ReadingWith the AAU season coming to a close, it means we set eyes on the high school season that is still over three months away. Still, it’s never too early to pump out some early preview content based off the players that we have evaluated over the last five or so months. For this piece, I’ll take a look at some rising junior guards who are set up to have a breakout 2022-23 season.
Malcolm Thomas Malcolm Thomas 6'8" | PF DeMatha | 2024 State #122 Nation MD | DeMatha/ Team Durant
I believe Thomas has the chance to really become a household name in the DMV this season. The progress that he showed over the course of the spring and summer support that assumption and as new head coach Mike Jones begins his journey at DeMatha, he’ll lean on Thomas as being a staple in the frontcourt and a key to their overall success. The 6-foot-8 lefty has great touch from mid-range in face-up scenarios even when utilizing the glass for bank shots. He showcases sound footwork operating with his back to the basket and can even step out beyond the arc for the occasional three. Where he catches your eye is his explosion off of two feet around the basket. He’s a quick riser and tries to tear the rim off any chance he gets. His athleticism and agility for his size come into play defensively where he can effectively guard ball screens. He brings effort to the glass and can use his length to disturb shots in the paint.
Caden Diggs Caden Diggs 6'7" | SF Bullis | 2024 State #125 Nation MD | Bullis/New World
Diggs is a prospect I got to see for the first time this spring with New World where his potential and upside were evident. He has size at 6-foot-6, springy athleticism and a budding skill set offensively. Diggs is an electric finisher in the open floor and can make shots from 15-to-17 feet. Over the course of the high school season, it’ll be interesting to see if he has become more of a threat from the perimeter. He brings defensive versatility, is a presence in the passing lanes playing off ball and will play a major role for a good Bullis team this winter.
Malchiah Marable Malchiah Marable 6'9" | C Maret | 2024 State MD | Maret/ DC Premier
Marable is a long-term prospect who I think has potential to be a very productive college big. He has a solid frame with broad shoulders and stands 6-foot-8 with plus length. He uses that frame to establish inside position on the block and can operate fluidly with fundamental footwork before finishing over either shoulder. He isn’t the most explosive player at this point, but could develop in that aspect with natural maturity. If Maret wants to be relevant in very competitive DMV scene, playing through Marable will be the best option.
Jayden Brown Jayden Brown 6'6" | SF St. Andrews Episcopal | 2024 State MD | St. Andrew’s Episcopal/ Team Melo
Brown brings intriguing length and size as a wing who can impact both ends of the floor. Offensively he at his best getting downhill and making his way to the basket where he uses his length to finish over contesting defenders. He has a quick burst out of his crossover and can cover space quickly with minimum dribbles. Brown impressed last time I saw him live as he stopped on a dime and knocked down mid-range looks, which kept his defender guessing for the remainder of the game. He defends multiple positions, alters shots inside and has active hands that cause deflections.