Players I’m Loving This Summer: ’24 Class (Part One)

Players I&#8217;m Loving This Summer: &#8217;24 Class (Part One)

Ryan Morgan July 7, 2023 @ 12:05 AM

These players have that "it" factor that separates them from their peers. Whether it's high IQ, the way they carry themselves through the ups and downs, or the massive progress they continue to show, these guys all have something that keeps drawing me in and which will make them successful players at the next level. Here are a few of my favorites from the summer thus far.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450485' first='Evan' last='Stinson'] G/F Cheney   A lot of people finally came around on this guy after the June Live Period and for good reason. He's a high IQ kid with great feel for facilitating and scoring, with the size to be a D1 player. He received multiple offers in June, including WSU, Montana, Utah State, UCSB, and Montana State. He's a guy that easily finds his rhythm and elevates the guys around him.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450604' first='Eli' last='Williams'] PG North Central   This season will be a big test for Williams. He's leading a team with lots of weapons around him with size and athleticism, and how his team does will say a lot about his ability to elevate those around him. He's got the size and skill to be a multi-level scorer who can punish smaller guards and shows the vision to squeeze passes through traffic on drives to the hoop. He's really improved his shooting off the dribble and has added to his bag over the last few months. He's been a big riser and there is a lot to like about his game all around.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450562' first='Jacori' last='Ervin'] PF North Central   He's made an incredible transformation from when I first saw him in his sophomore year. There aren't many kids in the state who can challenge his size and ferocity at the rim. Add to that his growing ability to take a dribble or two and get to the hoop from outside, and you have a very intriguing frontcourt prospect. Based on his continued improvement, I can only assume he's going to keep getting better and raising the bar. He's a double-double guy that can defend the rim at a high level and bring constant fight in the paint on both ends.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450488' first='Cade' last='Orness'] PG North Kitsap   I don't know if there are many kids that mean more to their team than Orness does. He not only continues to improve his game, but he keeps growing too. He's now a legit 6-foot-5 with strength and quickness, and can easily fit into either guard role, though his elite awareness makes him a more natural fit at point. He's an ultimate competitor who makes his teammates better, and as long as he's on your team, you're never quite out of it. He can shoot with range, finish high above the rim, and has the craftiness passing and finishing that you expect from a top-level point guard.   [player_tooltip player_id='1450620' first='Nate' last='Krohn'] G/F Eastside Catholic   Krohn is going to be a senior this winter and he's a guy that affects the game across the board. He has the skill set to be a sort of "ultra glue guy" who can step into roles as needed on a game-by-game basis. He has defensive versatility, with quick hands, good reads, and toughness to fight against longer or taller scorers. He's also a guy who can play off the ball and attack with smart cuts, spacing from 3-point, or take a big playmaking role while handling the ball and initiating the offense. He could be a nice get for a lot of programs that are looking for a team-first guy that can plug and play with lots of different looks.   [player_tooltip player_id='2156173' first='Nick' last='Mautone'] CF Mercer Island   Mautone is a lower-level prospect that can prosper as a playmaking forward. He's only 6-foot-5 so he doesn't bring a ton of size to the front court, and he's not a really physically imposing guy, but his ability to face up from different areas of the court and find cutters is really impressive. He's one of the better passing big men I've seen this summer and he does it with a high assist/turnover ratio. He has good hands too, which help him contribute on the boards and make up for some lack of athleticism. He also has the potential to space the floor from 3-point and chip in some buckets.

These players have that "it" factor that separates them from their peers. Whether it's high IQ, the way they carry themselves through the ups and downs, or the massive progress they continue to show, these guys all have something that keeps drawing me in and which will make them successful players at the next level. Here are a few of my favorites from the summer thus far.