2024 Rankings: The Toughest Players to Rank
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For the full updated Class of 2024 rankings, go here. The educated guessing that comes with attempting to paint a full picture of basketball prospects in a state can have some blind spots. Rather it be less viewings or differences…
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Continue ReadingThe educated guessing that comes with attempting to paint a full picture of basketball prospects in a state can have some blind spots. Rather it be less viewings or differences in what translates to the next level. With that as a framing point, here’s a look at some players that have uncertainty in their rankings. Meaning if you told me “That’s ridiculous, you’re way too low (or high) on them”, I’d be very likely to shrug and say “very possible”.
A newcomer to Oklahoma, Adamson has been watched a few times at a showcase camp and in a couple early October jamboree games. The initial signs for the skilled guard are good. He plays at his own pace, is a quality shooter from beyond the arc and can get to the mid-range. Adamson is also capable of playing on or off the ball. The intensity level of local fall basketball often lags behind high school and other more competitive events, so the 21st spot is viewed as a place holder spot before getting to watch Adamson in events such as the Joe Lawson Invitational in December and more of the strong regional and national schedule that Grind Prep will be playing.
Highlights
A huge jump in the rankings, Gach is a pure bet on upside prospect. He’s blessed with a huge wingspan and is light on his feet. Those two assets to his game could turn him into one of the best rim protectors in Oklahoma. Last month, all it took was one showcase viewing of him running the floor, blocking shots and playing with energy to become one of the most popular recruits for regional small colleges. College coaches love to bet on upside, and Gach is a great representation of that.
After being an unknown at Lawton Eisenhower as a junior, the new Lawton Wolverine is poised for a huge senior campaign.
One of the most physically gifted prospects in this class, and frankly the last five years in Oklahoma, Fuller has always had an immense ceiling. But inconsistent play and decision making on the court have left question marks about how good he is and can be. The quickness and leaping ability he plays with is unmatched in Oklahoma, but he can become too reliant on those natural gifts. Which has often led to out of control decision making through questionable shot selection or wild passes. But when the lefty’s streaky jumper is on, and he plays with focus, Fuller can look nearly unstoppable.
The raw physical traits will give Fuller opportunities at the next level, Redlands Community College recently offered. Nut it’s up to the Redhawk to capitalize on that and other to finish his high school career strong and set himself up for success at the next level.
An injury derailed Holiman’s junior season leaves him a bit of an unknown as he starts his senior campaign at a new school in Atoka. Especially as from I can tell, he did not play a heavy (or any) AAU schedule this past spring and summer. Which shouldn’t be viewed as a knock, as he likely focused on training and skill developmental. Two things that can be neglected when prospects spend extended weekends playing games over and over. But it still has lead to Holiman being under scouted by myself personally.
The last time Holiman was throughly scouted came during his sophomore season and into 16U AAU season. The biggest takeaway at the time was; a shooter with deep range, good vision and a developing off the dribble the game. His height at the time was a question mark and the athleticism that helped his older brother thrive, had yet to fully develop in the younger Holiman brother. Assuming he’s still a good shooter, his handle and athleticism have developed, he’s likely under-ranked. Especially as next month, he is expected to sign with Texas A&M Commerce. Hopefully a healthy senior season is on tap for Holiman, and he out plays this low ranking.
McLemore has a lot of good traits when it comes to the next level. His height and wingspan give him some potential versatility when it comes to being competitive around the basket as a rebounder and the defensive end. And he has a good spin move on drives and is becoming a more explosive finisher when given the runway, he’s still his best as a smooth catch and shoot floor spacing. Along with the spin move at the rim, he’s looked better in the mid-range after being ran off the line.
When watching the wing prospect at Owasso, it seemed like something was missing as the production wasn’t quite there when comparing to the best in the state. This spring and summer had good signs as he fitting into a winning team this past grassroots season. Now he’s in a new set up as the primary option for his new high school team. The competition level will be a step down from 6A, but this does represent an opportunity for the overall growth of his game, especially offensively. If McLemore, who has a recent offer from Southwestern College (KS) thrives in his new role, this is another example of a ranking being too low.