Best Available: Mid Major Fits
Here is a group of players who looked to be best fits for the mid major level. While some of these players may have the potential to play at a higher level and may even have scholarship offers from bigger…
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Continue ReadingHere is a group of players who looked to be best fits for the mid major level. While some of these players may have the potential to play at a higher level and may even have scholarship offers from bigger programs, they are players that we feel would be most productive throughout a 4-year career at the mid major level.
Michael Bibby 6’1″ PG Shadow Mountain
Michael is a player who has improved with every outing. After tearing his ACL last season he dedicated himself to improving his body in the weight room and improving his IQ and feel for the game by watching countless hours of film…it certainly paid off. Since returning from injury Bibby has improved, arguably, as much as any prospect. While always a shooter that could get hot and put up numbers from beyond the arch, Michael has gained consistency on his perimeter shot. His ability to use change of pace in conjunction with his handle allows him to get to the paint where he is able to either finish or, most likely, find the open teammate. He is a player with many transferrable skills to the college level and could certainly impact a mid major program that is looking for a point guard that can complement scoring wings and posts while keeping defenders honest.
Tim Fuller 6’9″ PF Highland
Fuller is one of the more underrated and unheralded recruits in the state of Arizona. He is a highly skilled interior presence with good footwork, the ability to finish with both hands, and a great feel around the basket. Add in his 6’9” frame and his length and he is a legitimate immediate impact guy at the mid major level. His recruiting may not reflect it at this point but that is in big part due to the fact that he will be taking a 2 year mission trip prior to beginning his collegiate career.
Jay Green 6’5″ G Mountain Ridge
Physically, Green is one of the most attractive players in the senior class. He is legitimate 6’5” with a lengthy frame. Offensively he has the ability to play three different positions effectively as he can handle it, pass it, and (while not as consistent as he needs to be) knock down the open jumper. Jay has a great feel for the game and plays with pace. Defensively he size allows him to defend multiple positions. While he may never be a breakout performer, he has a chance to be a steady 4 year contributor at the mid major level.
Wyatt Lowell 6’9″ F Williams Field
Lowell is a very interesting prospect. At 6’9” he has a lot of size and length which allows him to defend multiple positions, particularly the 4 and 5 and, due to his undervalued agility—at times—the 3. What makes him an interesting prospect is his skill level. Wyatt is a solid ball handler and passer that is a consistent shooting threat from the perimeter. He plays within himself, makes good decisions, and his shear presence on the floor opens scoring opportunities for his teammates. Lowell will undoubtedly have options to play at the high major level but has a chance to be a household name at the mid major level.
JJ Rhymes 6’3″ SG Shadow Mountain
Rhymes is as productive as any player in the state of Arizona. The senior wing gets it done on both ends of the floor. He’s an athletic guard with a high motor and a will to win. Defensively JJ prides himself in defending his opponent’s best player, whether it’s a point guard, wing, or a post. He possesses the strength and knowledge of positioning to be able to guard each position effectively at the high school level and should be able to defend three positions at the next level, regardless of size. Rhymes’ activity on the ball leads to a lot of deflections and he is an above average perimeter rebounder. Offensively JJ is best when in attack mode. He drives it to the basket strong, protects the ball with his body, and is great at drawing fouls and getting to the charity stripe. Without the ball in his hands he is very good finding and cutting in the crevasses of the defense for short range shots and finishes. While he needs to continue working on the consistency of his outside shot he has developed into an adequate shooter from 3 and, when he’s on, it’s nearly impossible to guard him. With his frame, athleticism, and motor he will have a role immediately at the mid major level. He’s the type of player that high majors could wonder how they missed out on him after a couple years under his belt.