Re-Ranking the 2017 Class (Part 2)
We’ve been thrown a curveball this summer. Due to social distancing guidelines, opportunities to comprehensively evaluate prospects in and around the DMV area have been few and far between. As a result, we will not be providing a mid-summer rankings update as we typically do.
But to be creative and keep content flowing consistently, the team is excited to take a look back at the 2017 and 2018 rankings. Our aim is to re-rank notable prospects in those respective classes based on their performances since high school and ultimately come up with a new top-30 for each.
Here we resume this series by taking a closer look at #21-25 from the new 2017 update.
#25 | Omar Habwe, 6’6″ F | Saint James | Original Rank: #37 | College: Stony Brook
Ayalew: An All-MAC performer while at Saint James, Habwe was a reliable player for Coach Dan Prete. He not only provided offensive firepower with his ability to space the floor but also helped out on the boards regularly. Coming out of high school, Habwe accepted an offer to play at the Mount where he was a key member of the program for three years. He recently transferred to Stony Brook where he should continue to excel.
SIGNED – Omar Habwe
🏀 Mount St. Mary's Transfer
🏀 Appeared in 90 games in three years for The Mount.What @SB_CoachFord Says: "He has size, athleticism and skill that will make us better and will bring that mature, veteran presence that championship teams have." pic.twitter.com/6bbtqXX1Xj
— Stony Brook Men’s Basketball (@StonyBrookMBB) April 15, 2020
#24 | Brent Pegram, 5’11” PG | Wise | Original Rank: #58 | College: Cal U-PA
Ayalew: Pegram is the all-time assist king at Wise, but he also has the school’s record for steals. He was solid as a rock for Coach Rob Garner at the lead guard spot, guiding his team to multiple championships throughout his prominent high school career. To no surprise, Pegram continues to stand out at the next level. He is a two-time All-PSAC performer who ranks top-three in the league in scoring and assists respectively while also leading the league in steals and shooting the trey ball efficiently on high volume.
MBB: Cal U posts win over Seton Hill, 82-69 I Junior Brent Pegram becomes program's first 1,000-point scorer in over a decade https://t.co/3hDUmoDl4W
— California (PA) Vulcan Athletics (@calvulcans) February 20, 2020
#23 | Bryan Knapp, 6’1″ CG | JDS | Original Rank: #34 | College: Cornell
Ayalew: Knapp is arguably the best player to come out of the PVAC in recent memory. Jewish Day’s all-time leading scorer is not just a bonafide bucket getter. He is also a reliable playmaker and a fierce competitor defensively. Knapp took an offer to play at Cornell, where he earned a starting spot last season. Expect him to retain that spot and continue to build off the momentum he has created.
Bryan Knapp (pictured) scored a career high 17 points and spearheaded a Big Red defensive effort that limited Brown to 26% shooting in a 63-45 victory on Saturday at Newman Arena. #YellCornell (📸: Dave Burbank/Cornell Athletics) pic.twitter.com/szmowetVNR
— Cornell Big Red (@CornellSports) February 23, 2020
#22 | Kevin Kangu, 6’4″ CG | John Carroll | Original Rank: #43 | College: Oakland
Giacubeno: Kangu spent one season at Midland CC and another at Vincennes CC before this past season at Oakland where he appeared in all 36 games and started in 19 of them. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 8.1 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.6 rebounds as a junior and will likely take on an even bigger role as a senior in 2020-21.
#21 | Nigel Jackson, 6’7″ SF | National Christian | Original Rank: #28 | College: Wagner
Giacubeno: Jackson has continued the long lineage of Mount St. Joe players who immediately prove they’re ready to produce at the college level. His production has increased by the season and although he was limited to just 12 games this past season, he boasted 9.5 points and 3.4 rebounds in 22.8 minutes per game.