2024 Summer Rankings Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The next rankings update is on the horizon. With players emerging and moving around, there will be a shake up from top to bottom.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Due for a Bump</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As hinted at <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/03/march-rankings-update-2024-underrated-players-part-1/">here</a> and <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/03/march-rankings-update-2024-underrated-players-part-2/">here</a>, expect a number of prospects to make big leaps in the updated rankings. Chief among them is #215 [player_tooltip player_id='1589152' first='Macon' last='Emory'] of Perkiomen School who plays with Team Melo EYBL. Emory is a 6'8 wing who can play the 3 or the 4 depending on the matchup and defend big guards all the way down to forwards. Offensively, he's optimized off-ball where he can relocate to open space for three and play off of drivers as a cutter. His offer sheet continues to grow since the EYBL sessions began, adding a few high academic schools. He would fit great in the Patriot League, CAA, or similar conferences, but don't be surprised if bigger brands come sniffing around when he's back with Perkiomen for the June Live Period.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently at #190, the buzz is just beginning for Plymouth Whitemarsh and BW Elite's [player_tooltip player_id='1589161' first='Jahseir' last='Sayles']. He did the dirty work - defending the opposing team's best player, spacing the floor and rebounding - for a PW team that won the Suburban One and 6A District 1 titles. Sayles does more of the same on the Hoop Group circuit. At 6'6 , he uses his physical tools to crowd ball-handlers at the point of attack, recover and contest if he gets beat, and blanket his man when chasing off-ball. It has certainly helped his BW Elite squad that is second place in the HGSL 17U East division standings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All the way from PA's District 6 is [player_tooltip player_id='1281760' first='Isaac' last='Dye'] at #273. The 6'3 two-guard was tremendous for State College during the 6A playoffs and is following that up with PA Coalition HGSL. His flamethrower from deep is his calling card. Dye can unleash it spotting up or when coming off of screens. He earned his stripes when PAC won the Spring Jam Fest 17U Platinum chip and again at P&amp;P Spring Fling. Offenses tried to target Dye by putting him in ball screens, but he fought around them to win those possessions more times than not.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The only team in that 17U division ahead of BW Elite is Philly Revolution, which features [player_tooltip player_id='1477717' first='Rocco' last='Morabito'], #301 in the PA rankings. A starter at Archbishop Ryan as well, Morabito makes his teams better with his connective passing and on-ball defense. When attacking off the catch, he usually looks to make a play for someone else rather than to score. But he isn't afraid to get a bucket in the clutch when his team needs it. On the other end, Morabito has the quickness to stay in front of off-ball guards and the strength to handle smaller wings.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Case for #1</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over a month ago now, news broke that the top player in our PA rankings - [player_tooltip player_id='1116063' first='Robert' last='Wright III'] - was headed to Montverde Academy (FL) to compete in the NIBC for his senior season. The Baylor-commit leaves behind a void which will be filled by one of a few players from around the state, three of which are his Team Final EYBL teammates. [player_tooltip player_id='1213553' first='Thomas' last='Sorber'] just gave his pledge to Georgetown and his play on the EYBL circuit demonstrated how good of a prospect the Hoyas are getting. He averaged 11.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.8 blocks in Dallas at Session III. Wright III's other teammates, [player_tooltip player_id='1189096' first='Jalil' last='Bethea'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1281786' first='Ahmad' last='Nowell'], have been two of the top 17U performers in the entire EYBL. In Dallas, Bethea earned first team for the second straight session with his 20 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. Notching second team and continuing his complete floor game, Nowell put up 17.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.0 steals. The other two contenders also play in the EYBL. [player_tooltip player_id='991401' first='Brandin' last='Cummings'] has been one of the bright spots for All Ohio. He continued to carry the scoring load during the third session with 19.7 points. After a rough start in Atlanta, [player_tooltip player_id='1285466' first='Christian' last='Bliss'] helped his PSA Cardinals squad string together 4 wins in Dallas. The two-way guard contributed 9 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals, while matching up with the best offensive player on opposing teams. Who deserves to be #1: Sorber, Bethea, Nowell, Cummings, or Bliss? How would you rank them?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For additional hoops coverage, follow me on social media @ CGraham_Sports</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->