2024 player rankings: A strong top 10

<p>The 2024 class in the state of Tennessee is shaping up to be a special one.</p> <p>For starters, the top 10 is heavy.</p> <p>Here are my thoughts on the top 10.</p> <p>Coming in at No. 1 is 6-foot-8 power forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1211912" first="Alijah" last="Curry"]</strong>. Curry has the most upside of anyone inside the top 10. Curry is very athletic, rebounds the ball well, can play with his back to the basket. Curry can stretch the floor and knows how to finish with force at the rim. Curry was an easy choice for the top spot. He just needs to continue to improve, so he can reach his full potential.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1140764" first="Jaye" last="Nash"]</strong> landed at No. 2. As a 6-1 point guard, Nash has a quick first-step, breaks a press with ease and knows how to make the right pass. Nash knows when to make the right read. He’s gradually getting there as a jump shooter. I almost left one thing out. Nash is a solid on-ball defender. If he becomes polished in the mid-range area, Nash is going to be sought after by a lot of high-major programs by the end of his sophomore season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1135104" first="Brandon" last="Winton"]</strong> came in at No. 3. Winton is another solid point guard with upper body strength and athleticism. Winton, at 6-2, plays on both ends of the floor. He can be disruptive defensively and is at his best when he’s driving to the basket.</p> <p>The best shooter in the class came in at No. 4. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1140778" first="Cooper" last="Haynes"]</strong> is his name. The left-handed shooting guard’s outside shooting ability has college programs at his doorstep. Cooper had a great freshman season, averaging a little over 20 points per game and has been performing well over the summer. If I were to bet that Cooper would make 7 out of 10 from 3, I’m cashing in each day of the week.</p> <p><strong>Somto Cyril</strong> came in at No. 5. The 6-11 big man is already a solid rim protector. Cyril contests, basically, any shot attempt in the paint. He finishes with force at the rim. Cyril has shown flashes of how dominant he can be on the offensive end. Cyril is getting there as a solid post player.</p> <p>Outside of Haynes, 6-6 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1211913" first="R’Chaun" last="King"]</strong>, at No. 6, had a productive freshman season, averaging 12 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steal per game on 62 percent shooting from the field. King is a handful in the paint. His upper body strength can easily move his defender out of the way. King is solid in transition and runs the floor well.</p> <p>King’s teammate, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1213156" first="Curtis" last="Givens III"]</strong> comes in at No. 7. Since the end of his freshman season, Givens has taken steps in the right direction. He has a great stature at 6-2. Givens brings versatility because of his ability to play both guard positions. In a summer league contest against Bartlett, Givens had 18 points, three rebounds and one assist and made it look easy. Being poised and patient on offense are two strong attributes that Givens has going for him.</p> <p>I really like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1140813" first="Ahmad" last="Nowell"]</strong> inside the top 10 at No. 8. Like Givens, Nowell can bring versatility. During the Houston Mustangs’ run to the TSSAA Class AAA state title last season, Nowell brought a lot of value to Houston’s backcourt, thanks to his ability to knock down shots and run an offense. He’s effective on and off the ball.</p> <p>After <strong>Jahvin</strong> <strong>Carter’s</strong> showing at the Rocky Top Invitational in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, he made a statement to be inside the top 10 at No. 9. At 6-2, Carter is a quick point guard with an eye for winning. He’s great in transition, can either finish in the lane or knock down a 3-point shot attempt. Carter is active on the defensive end and will not short change his team in that area.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1145719" first="Tyler" last="Tanner"]</strong> of Brentwood Academy comes in at No. 10. Tanner made a name for himself during last season’s TSSAA Division 1 Boys’ State Tournament. Tanner is one of the best scorers in the class. The 6-0 guard can make shots from different areas on the floor. Tanner is effective in transition and half-court settings. He’s a good ball handler and can play at both guard spots. Tanner has the heart of a champion. He always come to play in big moments.</p>