Major congratulations are in order to all class of 2016 members who signed or will sign letters of intent this week. And as this is just the start for all of them, we collaborated our opinions on what their respective schools can look forward to from them over the next few years.
This group of seniors is very talented as a whole. features so many different dimensions, and each offer their own unique benefits. Coaching staffs and fan bases should be excited for what is to come.
NOTE: This list only includes current high school seniors and players who will graduate at a high school in Virginia.
VJ King – University of Louisville
The uptempo style implemented at Paul VI by Panthers Head Coach Glenn Farello should help 6’7 VJ King transition smoothly to Louisville. The Cardinals run a similar type system, which incorporates pace. King is regarded among the country’s best three-level scorers. His length (7-foot wingspan) and two-way versatility is appealing, and he should see plenty of minutes next year for Rick Pitino.
Sacha Killeya-Jones – University of Kentucky
Originally a UVA commit, the 6’10 Killeya-Jones reopened his recruitment in June and the floodgates opened. The athletic big chose Kentucky over a host of national powers, and his ability to get up and down the floor will fit in great in John Callipari’s system. He continues to improve offensively, but should be a presence in the paint defensively right away.
Javin Montgomery-DeLaurier – Duke University
Nobody did more for their recruitment this summer then DeLaurier, who picked up over 30 offers with Team Loaded. The 6’8 forward landed on Duke not long after they offered, and his team first and blue collar style is common for the Blue Devils. He’ll be competing with the best in the country, but his work ethic and productivity on both ends should suit him well moving forward in the ACC.
Maciej Bender – West Virginia University
6’10 Poland native Maciej Bender is one of the more unheralded recruits nationally. Bob Huggins may have hauled in a steal. It’s been about a decade since Kevin Pittsnogle captured the hearts of Mountaineer faithful, but Bender offers a similar skill-set, and could provide a similar impact.
Jethro Tshisumpa – Arizona State University
He’s still improving offensively, but Congolese Native Jethro Tshisumpa was enlisted by Bobby Hurley for his elite rim protection. At NBPA Top 100 in June, showcasing impeccable timing and elite length, the 6’9 post announced himself as perhaps the most feared rim-protector in the country. Look for him to log early minutes as the defensive anchor for the Sun Devils.
Maliek White – Providence College
The Friars came in late for White, but once they saw him he became a top target. The point guard will fit in well in the Big East, with his tenacity and toughness on both ends of the floor, and his alpha dog mentality when matched up with the best. He’s a proven winner, and should have a chance to play early if Kris Dunn opts to go pro after this season.
De’Monte Buckingham – University of Richmond
He’s been a top target for the Spiders since his freshman season, and his ability to play multiple positions and produce in many ways fits their system perfectly. Buckingham will bring versatility and winning experience with him, and the 6’3 combo wing will continue his legacy in the 804 the next four years.
Justice Kithcart – University of Pittsburgh
When you think of Pittsburgh, as both a city and a basketball program, you think of toughness. That’s one thing that the Virginia Episcopal guard doesn’t lack. Kithcart is a pit bull on the defensive end, and is a tough finisher through contact in the lane. He’ll compete with anyone.
Richard Washington – Wake Forest University
The Deacons jumped on Washington early, and had the inside track on the 6’5 lefty. He’s a long and decent athlete with a smooth stroke from deep and the ability to get his own, especially in ball screen situations. His ability to work on the wing both with or without the ball means he’s always a threat to score.
Nick Sherod – University of Richmond
When you talk about shooters in Virginia, you better begin with Sherod. The St. Chris wing was coveted for the last three years by Richmond, who got the back-court they dreamed of with him and Buckingham. His ability to make contested shots and spread the floor will give him an opportunity to see early playing time for the Spiders.
Xavier Green – Old Dominion University
It’s a little unclear what position Green will play, as he’s a ball handling wing that creates with the ball in his hands. Whatever position it is, Green will be an impact player in Conference USA. His size at 6’6 and ability to handle it without making mistakes is intriguing for ODU.
Jermaine “JJ” Matthews – Towson University
Coming off of knee surgery, Matthews won’t be suiting up his senior season at Millwood. However, finding out he had a nagging knee injury this summer makes his production that much more impressive. The 6’8, 260 lbs. post is surprisingly mobile and athletic, and his skill set in the post is as good as they come. Perhaps the biggest steal on the list.
Jeremy Sheppard – University of Central Florida
Sheppard’s always a threat with the ball because he has incredible range and he can shoot it from anywhere off the bounce. He has a tight handle that spins defenders, sees the floor well and is always looking for the next shot. Another guy that can be effective as the primary ball handler or working off the ball.
Onyx Boyd – Coastal Carolina University
The 6’11 Boyd committed early in the spring to Coast Carolina, and tried to get enough credits to enroll this year. He’s back at Bishop Sullivan, and will be a force in the paint yet again. A spring big that tries to dunk everything, Boyd will really improve when he hits a college weight room.
DaMontez Oliver – Campbell University
For the Big South, Oliver is as versatile a wing as you can find. At 6’5 with long arms and top notch athleticism, he’s capable of playing the 2-4 at Campbell depending on the scheme they want to go with. A late bloomer, he’s a two way impactor that plays hard on every possession.
Ako Adams – Rice University
Adams has proved himself as a big-time shot maker for O’Connell. He’s got ice running through his veins, and we’ll likely see similar heroics in down the road in Conference USA. The 6’3 lefty is a competitor, and skilled playmaker who will see time on and off the ball for Mike Rhoades.
Scott Spencer – Clemson University
Spencer is without question an ACC-type athlete. The 6’6 wing is an outstanding leaper. He owns a terrific work-rate and guards multiple positions. His offensive skill-set and playmaking ability has seen improvement, but still needs polish. Regardless, his relentless work ethic could see him hit the court early on.
Malik Johnson – Canisius College
Many teams were hesitant to offer Johnson because he’s only 5’8, but he’s proven time and time again that he’ll battle with bigger players any day. With tremendous end-to-end speed, great energy defensively and a chip on his shoulder that just seems to get bigger, Canisius landed one of the best competitors in the state.
Corey Manigault – University of Pittsburgh
Manigault is a stocky, long, 6’9 big who owns a non-stop motor. He’s an active and instinctive rebounder. He also showcases good footwork and strong hands. Sounds like a prototypical Pitt big man. He should be able to provide early contributions for Jamie Dixon.
Tyler Scanlon – Boston University
Scanlon brings many things to the table for the Terriers. He’s a strong, 6’6 forward who can defend in the post and on the perimeter. He’ll be an early impact player in the Patriot League as a result of his ability to shoot, rebound, and facilitate.
