Updated 2024 Rankings: Forwards (5-1)
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We recently updated our class of 2024 rankings in the state of Virginia, with a lot of new faces and movement throughout the rankings. The rankings consist of 155 prospects, making it the most in depth rankings in the state.…
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Continue ReadingWe recently updated our class of 2024 rankings in the state of Virginia, with a lot of new faces and movement throughout the rankings. The rankings consist of 155 prospects, making it the most in depth rankings in the state.
We will take a look at the rankings by position over the next few days. Here’s a look at the top 5 power forwards and centers in the junior class.
5) Bronson Schmidt-Uili Bronson Schmidt-Uili 6'10" | C Olympus Prep (NJ) | 2024 State #233 Nation NJ | 6’10” C | Oak Hill Academy (#13 Overall)
Schmidt-Uili is one of a few New Zealand natives on this Oak Hill team, and he quickly proved he’s one of the top big men prospects in the talented NIBC this year. The 6’10” big man has a lot to like if you’re a high level division one school, as he’s a little raw but chock full of potential and his best basketball is still ahead of him. He has a good frame that should continue to fill out as he gets into a college weight program, he is a natural athlete with long arms that’s able to play above the rim and protect the paint, he plays with a good motor and he has good touch in the paint as well.
4) Eli Delaurier | 6’8” PF | Miller School (#11 Overall)
Delaurier is coming off a big junior season where everything has started to click with him, and he’s continuing that strong play so far on the 3SSB Circuit with Team Loaded VA. He’s a versatile big man who was the focal point of Miller’s Princeton style offense with his ability to make shots and tough passes while on the perimeter. He has become a very consistent shooter from deep, he can seal in the paint and has soft touch around the rim with both hands, he’s a good athlete with a high motor who runs in transition and defends the paint and he plays with toughness and a competitive chip as well. He holds a number of high major offers and is currently the #147 ranked prospect in the country according to 247.
3) Jadyn Harris Jadyn Harris 6'6" | PF Bishop O'Connell | 2024 State #239 Nation VA | 6’6” PF | Bishop O’Connell (#10 Overall)
Harris is a new style four man that is a versatile walking mismatch that can do a lot of things on the floor, and was one of the top players in the WCAC this past year. While he is a little undersized at his position, he’s the perfect small ball four man as he can stretch the floor and put it on the deck and attack slower big men. He rebounds against players bigger than him and knows how to draw and finish through contact when he’s in the paint, he can guard and play multiple positions ranging from the perimeter to the post, he works well in the high post and is a good passer from there. He holds a number of offers ranging from high to mid major, and he’s currently the #157 ranked player in the country according to 247.
2) Garrett Sundra Garrett Sundra 6'11" | C Paul VI | 2024 State #148 Nation VA | 6’11’ C | Paul VI (#8 Overall)
Sundra has been a lot of fun to watch over the years, as we’ve seen his steady progression right before our eyes and has turned into one of the most intriguing prospects in the DMV area. The 6’11” big man is able to impact the game in a number of different ways, as he’s a big time athlete and he is highly skilled with a lot of versatility on the offensive end of the floor. At 6’11” he moves his feet well and can switch on guards and challenge shots on the perimeter, he plays with a high motor and runs the floor hard where he’s an athletic finisher above the rim, he can step out and is a good shooter from deep and he does all the dirty work as well. He has seen his recruitment steadily rise with recent offers from Villanova, Providence and Notre Dame in April, and is currently the #86 ranked prospect in the country by 247.
1) Patrick Ngongba Jr. Patrick Ngongba Jr. 6'10" | C Paul VI | 2024 State #25 Nation VA | 6’10” C | Paul VI (#1 Overall)
Ngongba takes over the #1 spot in our rankings for the first time, replacing his PVI and Team Takeover teammate Darren Harris Darren Harris 6'6" | SF Paul VI | 2024 State #59 Nation VA with his big time play so far this spring. He’s another player we’ve watched steadily improve over the past few years, and he’s becoming one of the fastest stock risers in the country on the EYBL this spring. Ngongba is a technician in the post who seals well and has great hands to catch tough entry passes, he has excellent footwork and good touch with both hands around the rim and he owns the glass and gets his team extra opportunities. He has improved in his ability to step out and knock down shots on the perimeter which has really opened up his game, and he’s a strong defender in the post who protects the rim too. He has picked up recent offers from Notre Dame, Syracuse and Indiana, and he’s currently the #67 composite ranked player in the country.