2019 Rankings Breakdown: Most Versatile
Versatility on the hardwood is something all players should strive for and is something that all coaches hope to have a bevy of on their rosters.
Can you guard multiple positions? Can you play different spots on the offensive end? Are you an inside-out scorer? Do you have the size of a wing or forward but can create and initiate offense like a guard? Can you rebound both in and out of space or, as a guard, out work a big man by boxing out and pursuing the basketball?
The prospects below check at least one, if not many, of the boxes next to the questions posed above about what describes a versatile player.
5. Max Agbonkpolo (Santa Margarita/Dream Vision)
At 6-7 and growing fast, Agbonkpolo has an unlimited list of responsibilities for both his high school and club programs. He plays on the perimeter where he does damage with an improving jump shot, but also possesses the ball skills necessary to set up and trigger offensive action.
4. Kyle Owens (Crespi/Earl Watson Elite)
Owens is a multi-dimensional scorer at 6-5. He has a smooth looking jump shot that is deadly from mid-range and extends out beyond the 3-point line, but he can also but the ball on the deck and get to the basket or score on the block with a handful of skilled post moves. Owens is another guy who handles the ball and passes it well enough to spell the point guard position as needed.
3. Darren Jones (Cajon/California United)
Jones is a 6-8 forward with a ton of skill at his disposal. He has a soft touch around the basket with either hand, changes ends of the floor well in transition and caps off fast break opportunities with rim-run buckets and can step out and knock down 3-pointers. Jones is also a standout on the gridiron as a wide receiver which lends to his elite level of athleticism and hand-eye coordination. He combines both of those attributes with his nasty put-back dunks.
2. Jaime Jaquez (Camarillo/The Truth)
Jaquez could have been placed under numerous categories in the 2019 rankings breakdown, but beca
Isaiah Mobley has a rare combination of ball skills, vision and perimeter feel at 6-9.use he does a little bit of everything well, his best spot is under versatility. The 6-5 wing is an elite athlete with ball skills who loves to attack the basket and dunk with authority. He spends a lot of time at the point guard spot for Camarillo out of necessity and excels at it, though he is most effective as a slasher and finisher in transition. Jaquez also has the lateral speed and physicality to guard multiple positions.
1. Isaiah Mobley (Rancho Christian/Compton Magic)
It seems like the word “versatile” has become synonymous with Mobley. At 6-9, he has the mind and vision of a point guard in the body of a power forward. Mobley hypnotizes defenders with his ball skills and feel on the perimeter, but can also go to work on the block with a deep bag of moves with his back to the basket. He can clean the defensive glass, lead the break and either dish to a teammate for a bucket or get his own. Simply put, Mobley is a match-up nightmare.