Summer Observations: 2021 Prospects

<p>With summer wrapping up, I list my observations for Wisconsin’s 2021 prospects</p> <p><strong>New Names:</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1036033" first="Vinko" last="Polovic"] - F - Franklin<br /> I’m surprised Polovic hasn’t gotten more press. At 6’8” he’s a fluid piece in any frontcourt. His film shows great defensive timing and instinct as well as a high-release and capable jumper. He entered the rankings this summer and I could see him catching the attention of scouts in his senior season.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="879984" first="Drew" last="Biber"] - SF - Cedarburg<br /> After de-committing from the Northern Illinois football program, Biber decided to re-open his recruitment. He’s a guy that could squeak into a low major division one school. This summer, as a role player on Wisconsin Playground Club, he controlled games with defensive ferocity, grit on the glass, and a nose for fastbreak offense. He’s a very talented player on his own, too. When he’s the number one guy he can give you 25 points a night and a few highlight dunks.</p> <p><strong>Underdogs:</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1036044" first="Ethan" last="Parker"] - SF - West Allis Hale<br /> This summer, Parker looked like a different player. His jumper is more fluid, he’s a more balanced scorer and seriously upped his statistical production.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="804903" first="Grant" last="Flory"] - SF/PF - Wisconsin Rapids<br /> Flory plays in a lesser conference, and without much grassroots action, he’s been trending under the radar. Still, the physical power forward is an asset statistically, and he has room to improve as he polishes his mobility and skillset on the perimeter.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="879983" first="Antuan" last="Nesbitt"] - F - The Prairie School: <br /> Nesbitt is a balanced guy that brings everything to the table. He’s potentially undersized, but with broad shoulders and bounce he gets his fair share of dunks and strong inside takes. He’s poised, reads the defense naturally, and always knows what gap to hit. Not sure why he isn’t raking in more offers.</p> <p><strong>Players To Look Forward To:</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="879980" first="Ben" last="Nau"] - PG - Brookfield Central<br /> Nau isn’t the biggest name in a loaded 2021 class, but he’s picked up division one offers this summer and early in the fall. The floor general continues improving his three-point shot and poise.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="804902" first="Jayden" last="Jackson"] - G - Whitefish Bay<br /> Jackson chose a basketball career over football, then immediately added two division one offers. With his athleticism and natural talent, he’s a guy that could blossom in any college program. It’ll be interesting to see if he becomes a more assertive offensive player, or whether he finds his niche playing within an offense.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="764118" first="John" last="Lovelace"] - G/SF - Brown Deer<br /> Lovelace steadily improved his game and built a strong following of schools. I’m waiting to see what’s next for the forward. The budding athlete is nearly unrecognizable from his breakout sophomore year. He added dimensions to his driving game and can work between defenders using tight, smooth combo moves. He still has a smooth jumper and a lengthy frame to add as well. He’s capable of another low-major division one offer, possibly mid-major if he shines this season.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="880029" first="Tre" last="Valeriano"] - G - Milwaukee Washington<br /> Valeriano is improving quickly. Film and highlights shows a crafty scorer that’s skilled around the rim and limitless with his shot selection. At 6’0” he does anything he wants on the offensive end, and he can do it against big-time players.</p>