2029 Rankings: The Cream of the Crop

The first batch of 2029 rankings have officially dropped and in the first piece of follow up content we're going to focus on a group of guys in the upper echelon of the rankings to provide to context to their position in the rankings along with a broader long term outlook on where they might end up as we continue to update these over the next three years.    Duggins has made his debut at the top spot in the NC 2029 rankings and he has a real shot to be a true wire to wire #1 guy as the set of tools he possesses are truly unique. To be 6'10" with this feel and touch at this stage along with having true vertical pop gives him the ideal set of tools for the modern game. His role at Greensboro Day this past season was prominent and they got another state championship in the process. With [program_tooltip program_id='2226228' first='Team' last='CP3'] 15u he has been utterly dominant while starting to show more and more confidence in that athleticism, leading to a higher quantity of highlight moments for Duggins. He should be ranked near the top nationally amongst every national recruiting service and should be considered among the best prospects in North Carolina regardless of class.     We were going to have Parker near the top of the 2028 rankings but got word of his intention to reclassify to 2029 and kept him out so it makes perfect sense for the wildly gifted 6'8" wing to land at the number two spot. If there's anyone capable of pushing Duggins for the top spot, it's probably Parker as his touch from the outside is improving quickly and he's operating with real edge on the court. His versatility is his calling card, he can do so many things and fill in a variety of different roles depending on who surrounds him. With [program_tooltip program_id='2220892' first='Team' last='United'] 16u, he's not always the top option and still helps them win with his well rounded production. At NC GBB he's almost always one of the primary options and he's proving to be more than ready for that challenge. There's no doubt that he's a premier prospect both within the state of North Carolina and among the national landscape.     Scott is another guy that has a chance to make a real push for the top spot before it's all said and done as he's younger than those ranked ahead of him while not yet having the exposure to major circuit ball as a form of standardized competition. With that said he's the best defensive prospect in the NC 2029 class as he's got absolutely incredible instincts at that end of the floor. His blend of athleticism and poise guide him on the offensive end as he's an aggressive slasher, a smooth mid-range shooter, and a rapidly improving three point shooter. Scott's natural gifts, demeanor, and approach to his development make him a really safe bet to maximizing his potential as his career progresses. Simply another high level guy in this 2029 class.     Between what he did at Heritage High School as a Freshman and what he's been doing with Top Shot UAA 15u this spring/summer, it feels safe to say that Hargett is tracking as the top Point Guard in this NC 2029 class. His ability to orchestrate offense for himself and others with the physical tools he possesses at this stage are impossible to ignore. Hargett also has the ability to self create and get to his spots essentially whenever he wants as he possesses elite footwork off the bounce. The early pedigree, long term upside, and selfless approach make him the prospect he is.     Roper's blend of size, understanding of the game, and tenacity make him another premier prospect in this class. Add in his vastly improved confidence and ability as a jump shooter and you start to paint the picture as to why he's near the top of the list in 2029. Roper's production as a freshman at Knightdale, on the 3SSB circuit with Team Loaded VA 15u along with the clear improvements he's made in his game over the past year make him a guy that will be recruited at a high level. As he continues to progress in his high school career, I'm really interested to see how he'll be utilized depending on who's around him. He truly checks so many boxes as a prospect and plays with an edge that cannot be taught.     Cadet's ability to make plays with the ball in his hands at his size at this stage of his development immediately make him a guy that we have to pay very close attention to moving forward. He played more of an off ball role at Cary Academy this past season and did a really nice job in that spot as he can really make shots off the catch. This travel ball season, [program_tooltip program_id='2375668' first='SW15H' last='Elite'] got a late call up for their 15u group to make the jump from UA Rise to UAA and Cadet has capitalized on that opportunity. He's looking like one of the top 15u lead guards on UAA and his work on that circuit along with the foundational freshman season at Cary Academy is why he is where he is.     Greenup is another high level prospect in this 2029 class with his calling card being his undeniable production after a special Freshman season at South Granville. Greenup's ability to bully the opposition when getting downhill allows him to overwhelm whoever is guarding him. After announcing a transfer to North Raleigh Christian it'll be really fun to watch Greenup with his new group. He can play almost any position on the floor while helping control the glass, run the team, and finish plays. Don't be surprised if Greenup slowly rises with updates as production gets weighed more and more over long term upside with time.     Awosanya is another guy that announced his reclassification to 2029 earlier this spring along with his transfer to Charlotte Christian. He is also playing 17u non-sneaker circuit basketball with Elite 1 where he has been one of their most consistent producers. Ayo's ability to play in different spots at the floor with his size and athleticism is what gives him the advantage over the opposition. He can attack from all areas, you can run your offense through him in the middle of the floor, and he's always got that motor running. He's just a no frills wing forward that is willing to do all of the dirty work along with providing some high end production on the glass and the scoresheet.

The first batch of 2029 rankings have officially dropped and in the first piece of follow up content we're going to focus on a group of guys in the upper echelon of the rankings to provide to context to their position in the rankings along with a broader long term outlook on where they might end up as we continue to update these over the next three years.