Class of 2025 Rankings: Taking the Point
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Continuing the coverage of the new rankings for Oklahoma’s current junior class, here’s a look at a wide variety of prospects who fall into the bucket of what modern basketball considers as lead guards. Clyde Davis OK #29 PG #6…
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Continue ReadingContinuing the coverage of the new rankings for Oklahoma’s current junior class, here’s a look at a wide variety of prospects who fall into the bucket of what modern basketball considers as lead guards.
The Deer Creek Antler would fit in well in the next level with a program that loves to press and cause havoc. He’s quick, aggressive and has good strength for his frame, which is most evident in how he plays defense. At times he can gamble a bit too much, but overall his instincts are strong and match well with his physical profile. On the offensive end he has some of the better end to end speed in the junior class. An area of improvement to keep an eye on; Davis is continuing to refine his jumper. Especially off the dribble, as he needs to be able to consistently hit from distance to provide gravity and open up space for his speedy playing style.
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Loper is a cerebral lead guard that excels when put into the role of running a team and creating for his teammates. With Rogue ‘ last=”] 16U, he consistently impressed with his vision, reading ball screens and seemingly always making the right read. Along with the mental strides he made as a floor general, Loper has seen his athleticism take a good leap. As he’s stronger off the dribble and as a finisher. The Westmoore Jaguar is shaping up to be one of the more complete guards in the class.
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After proving his bonafides as a scorer for Bethany as a sophomore, Todd’s time on the 16U circuit did a better job of showcasing his long term potential as a creator for his teammates. He still has a great variety of finishes, with a good understanding of angles along with the ability to buy that extra second with a hesitation move. Which allows him to be a great finisher for a smaller guard. But he merged those traits with improved shooting and setting up teammates for good looks. When Todd plays focused and in attack mode, he’s an efficient scoring and creator.
Schaffer has impressive burst and agility with the ball in his hands. He’s very effective when he gets the opposition on their heels with his combination of handles and quickness to create separation for pull up jumpers. When he gets into the paint, he can keep his dribble alive and find the openings to deliver passes to open teammates. The Irish are shaping up to have a strong junior class and with Schaffer at the helm will be looking to make noise in 4A this winter.
Highlights
A tough bulldog like guard, Harris plays with the requisite toughness and chip on the shoulder that allows shorter guards to thrive in a game of giants. He’s strong off the dribble, taking contact well at the rim and drawing fouls. Where he’s already shown a bit of a “clutch” gene, as he buried a pair of free throws last March to send his Hornets to the Class 6A State Tournament. To go along with his intensity and desire to attack the basket and create, there also signs this summer Harris is putting in the work to become a more efficient shooter.
Among this list, Leonard is likely closer to being a combo or even off the ball guard. But he excels at an important aspect to being a modern lead guard, defense. Blessed with quickness and a good wingspan, Leonard is a terror as an on the ball defender. Those traits of course create transition opportunities, where he thrives as an exciting finisher. But he’s also willing to move his feet and work at making ball handler’s life difficult even without going for steals. While he also often working hard to deny the ball when defending off the ball.
Offensively, Leonard has started to become more reliable as a shooter from beyond the arc, putting together some impressive three point barrages this spring and summer. He’s the type of athletic, dynamic, prospect who could be molded into an ideal modern lead guard.