2024 Rankings: The Case for #1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Understanding player rankings are always tricky, because, beyond unstated criteria/values and biases, most rankings sites never state what their output is supposed to represent. At Prep Hoops, rankings aren't based on college or pro projections, as is somewhat implied by our peers. They're based on a player's current capabilities. And with Rob Wright III taking his talents to Montverde Academy (FL), the top spot is open. The following list of players consists of guys who have the potential to be college stars, but are also elite hoopers right now and could all make the case to be #1 in our next 2024 rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["991401"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eDespite being committed to Pitt, Cummings is still relatively unheralded outside of Western PA. The versatile combo guard has shot-making in spades. It doesn't matter if he's on the ball or off. “Beebah” can run off curls then rise-and-fire. He can also create space with his stepback jumper or pull up without being in rhythm. His release is so quick and effortless that he doesn't need much breathing room at all. With that as his foundation, Cummings leverages his perimeter scoring to get to the basket and finish with finesse.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1213553"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSorber has some throwback qualities inside, but he's ultra skilled as well. He's agile enough to maneuver around smaller defenders and still has the power and touch to go to work in the post versus his fellow big men. On special occasions, Thomas can and will step out and sink a couple free three. Defensively, he's becoming a wise rim protector, with his presence alone contesting shots. Thomas is successfully learning how to anchor the defense without being reckless as a shot-blocker and how to play while in foul trouble.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1284603"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThe pure electricity with the ball in his hands makes it easy to see why he's #5 and why Rutgers fought so hard to land Warren's commitment. Dellquan doesn't need to drive to generate paint touches. Certainly, he can and does get there on his own off the dribble for highlight dunks. But, more impressively, he can do it as a facilitator. The future Red Knight uses his court vision to bend defenses with his passing. He sees windows that others don't then fits the ball through them. On the flip side, Warren flies around on defense, taking the turnovers the other way.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1189096"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_player_featured_image":1828003,"_player_evaluations_3_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOne of the biggest risers locally and nationally after his junior season, Bethea has proved he's an elite shooting guard. His movement shooting skills are advanced for this stage, able to run off all manner of screens and hit threes while face guarded. He can use his burst and improving handle to finish above the rim in the half court and/or get to his step-back jumper too. Jalil is blossoming as a pick-and-roll decision-maker as well, showing a flare for no-look, interior passes. u003c/spanu003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eThese complimenting skillsets bode well for his team and his future.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1285466"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eBliss sits at #3 after a recent bump in the rankings. He has the instincts to muck up driving lanes when helping at the nail and the tools to cause havoc while defending guards and wings at the point of attack. The two-way guard and NY-native can scale his game up or down as needed. At 6'4, Bliss can play off others by making hockey assists and draining spot-up threes. But when it's time to close, he can put the ball on the floor and get to his mid-range pull-up or to the charity stripe.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1281786"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_player_featured_image":1819888,"_player_evaluations_5_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eCurrently in the number 2 spot, Nowell is as skilled as they come at the guard position. He makes well-rehearsed footwork and changes in speed look improvisational with the way he gets to his spots and finds angles to finish. Despite his developed physique, which he does use to play through contact, Ahmad creates space with his bag of dribble combos. He only needs a crease to get by his man or to get off his jumper. But the advantages he generates aren't just for him. Ahmad has the feel to make plays for others too.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":6,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64362e87740d6"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The aau tournaments and showcase events will be telling. Who do you think should be the new #1 in PA?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->