8 Stock Risers in the 2025 Rankings Top 30
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There was a lot of action in this update of the 2025 class rankings. It’s a big time for these players as they transition from sophomores to juniors and many of them start to come into their own both mentally…
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Continue ReadingThere was a lot of action in this update of the 2025 class rankings. It’s a big time for these players as they transition from sophomores to juniors and many of them start to come into their own both mentally and physically. I’ll be breaking down even more stock risers and new names later, but first, let’s start with some of the most impressive climbers of the spring with these eight players rising in the top 30.
King made one of the biggest moves in this update and it’s not hard to see why. He’s a 6’7 shooting guard with enormous potential. He already has a great stroke from outside, mid-range, and can use his length to finish at the rim. But he’s also starting to show impact in other areas, utilizing his length on the defensive end, blocking shots at the rim and swarming defenders on the perimeter.
He has continued to improve and now is one of the top scorers in his class. The lefty has a quick shot that he can hit off the dribble or on the catch and isn’t easily bothered by contests. He’s shown an improving ability to finish through contact at the rim and use his body to create better shooting windows, contorting to finish from tough angles. He’s also an impact defender with his long arms and good timing to poke balls free and disrupt ballhandlers.
There are a number of things that have really impressed me with Simmons’ game. First is his athleticism. He has consistently been one of the top rebounders in every game of his I’ve watched this spring, and more importantly is he makes plays with those rebounds. Whether he’s putting in second chance buckets or taking the defensive board and pushing the ball up the floor, he makes things happen whenever he touches the ball. He’s also shown incredible vision off of penetration and is one of the deadliest offensive players in his class when he’s in that eight-to-ten-foot range.
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Powers emerged as a talented guard last season for Rainier Beach, scoring the ball and using his size and aggression to make an impact at the rim. He’s continued to evolve as a scorer this spring and has the ability to hit shots from various angles, distances, and owes a lot of it to great footwork and concentration. At 6-foot-5, with handles, strength, and shooting, he’s a quick-rising player in the 2025 class.
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Birley has made incredible progress since I first saw him play two years ago. Not only has he emerged as a 20-plus point per game scorer, but he’s also a guy you can count on to make smart decisions with the ball that lead to great looks for teammates. He’s really a solid player across the board who handles the ball well, can contribute on the boards, plays stingy defense, and is a controlled scorer who rarely takes bad shots.
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The potential Webb has is evident. His size and length are not common with wing players his age and the fact that he’s been able to retain those perimeter skills while growing into his length is a great sign for his future. He looks a lot like former Tar Heel John Henson at times, using assertiveness and timing at the rim, while pairing a long first step and a reliable three-point shot to keep defenders working on the perimeter. He’s a really intriguing prospect who could rise much higher in the coming years.
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A lot of what this guy does is done with superior instincts and intelligence. He’s not the biggest, and he’s not an elite shooter, but his ability to read the floor, make plays for others, and use his athleticism to finish in the paint is incredible. His presence on the floor in undeniable and he’s a guy that just makes plays, providing energy, direction, and poise. All things you want in your floor general.
Palacol is another point guard making a big leap in this update of the rankings. He’s been a fast riser since the beginning of last year, and it’s largely because of the presence he brings to his teams. He rarely seems rushed, panicked, or out of control, and he makes key plays in crucial moments to steady his team. He’s become an outstanding shooter from behind the arc, a great change of pace guy with the dribble, and a smart player that can sprinkle in plays in all areas of the game.