Player Rankings: 5 Set To Rise
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2020 wasn’t perfect, but there was basketball. Thanks to the efforts of both AAU and High School coaches players had the opportunity to hone their craft, compete with their teammates, and gain exposure. While so much of the focus has…
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Continue Reading2020 wasn’t perfect, but there was basketball. Thanks to the efforts of both AAU and High School coaches players had the opportunity to hone their craft, compete with their teammates, and gain exposure. While so much of the focus has been on subtraction, I wanted to take a look at some of the additions. In this article we breakdown some players ready to rise in the next rankings.
Maximus Romero Maximus Romero 5'11" | PG Arbor View | 2024 State NV 5’9 PG Spring Valley 2024 (#33PHN 2022) – Saw Romero recently at the Great Western Winter Classic, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. He has a tremendous feel for the game, and quite a bit of skill to go with it. He is a natural shooter who is accurate in catch and shoot situations, and he handles well enough to organize and run the offense.
Isaiah Dahl Isaiah Dahl 6'4" | SG Elko | 2022 State NV 6’3 SG Elko 2022 (#47PHN 2022) – I knew Dahl had a strap, but what has me thinking that he may be underatted is his floor game. He has shown the ability to get all the way to the rim off the dribble and finishes efficiently with both hands. You can make a case that all of the Elko players are a bit underrated, but perhaps none more than the 6’3 wing sniper.
Elijah Johnson Elijah Johnson 5'10" | PG Durango | 2022 NV 5’10 PG Durango 2022 (#15PHN 2022) – I’m supposed to see Johnson play in an event this weekend. If he plays well this weekend then it will confirm what I’ve been thinking. He’s a top 10 guy, and probably a scholarship PG. He does everything needed for his team to win, including defending, penetrating, and setting up teammates. Johnson has been a productive player on good teams for two years and it’s clear his talent warrants a boost in the rankings.
TJ McTyer TJ McTyer 5'9" | PG Mojave | 2023 State NV 5’9 PG Mojave 2023 (#18PHN 2023) – McTyer is a candidate for my all showtime team. Every time I’ve seen him in person he has impressed. Although a diminutive PG, he plays with a huge heart. McTyer is a tempo changing PG that can get to the rim or splash from distance.
Jalen Cunningham Jalen Cunningham 6'3" | SG Coronado | 2021 State NV 6’1 SG Coronado 2021 (#36PHN 2021) – A former NBA player once told me that being a pro means that you may not get into a game for weeks, but when your number is called, you’re expected to be ready. In the championship game of the Top Flight Invitational, Cunningham did just that. After sitting for most of the tournament he came in cold off the bench and drilled multiple 3’s in a close game against top competition. What it showed me is that no matter what, Cunningham is bringing a signature skill of shooting with him. The 6’1 sniper comes off screens well and is a better than average run and jump athlete.