2024 class: 5 prospects to keep an eye on
The first official practice of the 2021 season is on Nov. 1, which means the season is officially underway. As I mentioned in my last story, prospects in the 2024 class will have a lot of eyes on them during…
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Continue ReadingThe first official practice of the 2021 season is on Nov. 1, which means the season is officially underway.
As I mentioned in my last story, prospects in the 2024 class will have a lot of eyes on them during the season. The sophomore class, as of right now, is shaping up to be a great class, filled with a lot of future Division 1 basketball players.
In my last story, I listed six prospects who should have a big year. Now, I will take a look at five prospects to keep an eye on during the season.
Billy Richmond, Memphis East: Richmond is a legit 6-foot-6 guard, with the capabilities of playing both guard positions. He will be able to relieve junior point guard E.J. Smith E.J. Smith 6'3" | PG Memphis East | 2024 TN or junior combo guard Jamarion Harvey Jamarion Harvey 6'0" | SG Memphis East | 2023 State TN whenever either player has to go to the bench. Richmond is a solid ball handler, can take his defender off the dribble, and runs his lane well in transition. Richmond just needs a consistent jump shot, but his skill set should allow him to average 12-15 points per game for Memphis East.
Airious Bailey, Boyd-Buchanan: The 6-7 forward was impressive over the summer. What’s next for Bailey? Just wreck havoc on opponents in Division II-A. He improved as a ball handler over the summer, so taking his defender off the dribble shouldn’t be an issue in 2021. Bailey can make shots from the perimeter and loves to rebound. He’s shot blocking ability isn’t talked about much, but not many players this season should score on him. I expect Bailey to average 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks this season.
Jahvin Carter, Alcoa: Carter can be one of the top point guards in the state. The 6-2 floor general is very shifty, can make shots consistently from 17-feet out, and thrives in transition and half court. Not only is Carter is a reliable scorer, but he can make great passes. If Carter can average close to 25 points per game in TSSAA Division 1-2A, he should be a Mr. Basketball finalist by the end of the season.
Brandon Winton Jr., Knoxville Webb: Winton is a great on-ball defender, doesn’t give the offensive player much room to breathe. There’s no wiggle room whenever Winton is on the defensive side, but the wrong turn or slippery dribble will lead to a steal. He brings a winning attitude to the Spartans. Offensively, he’s a solid mid-range sniper. Winton hustles for loose balls and communicates like a floor general should. I’m guessing Winton’s stat line will be 17 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.0 steals, and 5.0 assists per game.
Tyler Tanner, Brentwood Academy: After Tanner helped the Eagles last season’s TSSAA Division II-AA state championship game, there’s no doubt in my mind that he will help the program, in any way, to get back there. He can affect the game in multiple ways. Tanner sets his teammates up well on the offensive end. He can shoot a high clip from the field, and he loves to get into the lane and drop in a tear drop floater. Tanner is also dependable from the free throw line. He could be a dark horse Mr. Basketball candidate if he averages 19 points and 9.0 assists per game.