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…
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.
Harry Giles – Duke University
The consensus number one player in the nation may have ended his season prematurely with a knee injury, but he still stands to be the crown jewel in a stacked Duke 2016 class. The 6’10 Giles is a man amongst boys in the post, where he dominates on both ends and on the glass. He’s an athletic big who can run the floor and finish above the rim in traffic, and he’ll most likely be a one-and-done at Duke much like Jahlil Okafor.
Mario Kegler – Mississippi State
The Mississippi native made it official on Wednesday, choosing the Bulldogs over Maryland and Indiana. The 6’6 wing brings a pro body and deep shooting range, giving them a go-to scoring option on the perimeter. He’s able to create his own shot at all three levels and will be an early contributor, most likely starter, for them next season.
Braxton Key – University of Alabama
Kegler’s running mate for Oak Hill also chose to go to the SEC, which has a surprisingly deep and balanced recruiting class that is usually dominated by Kentucky. Key is a three level scorer on the wing that can do it off the bounce or the catch. He’s an excellent shooter in transition that doesn’t need much space to get it off, and his impact on both ends will be a building block for the Tide next season.
Rodney Miller – University of Miami
“The U” picked up a big piece in the middle, literally. Miller is a 6’11 girthy big who occupies space and keeps plays alive on the glass. He’ll have to shed some weight and continue to improve his post skills, but he’s an anchor in the paint that causes problems for slashing guards. It’s tough to say how much time he’ll get early, but Miami is thrilled about landing him.
Khadim Sy – Virginia Tech
His improvement over the past few years has been phenomenal, and he’s the type of hard working and skilled big that Buzz Williams loves. The 6’9 Nigerian native will add a post scorer that the Hokies desperately need. He can score it over both shoulders, has good footwork on both ends and a great motor, making him a candidate to play early and often at Tech.
Josh Hall – University of Nevada
The long, athletic, 6'6 Hall brings immediate impact as a two-way utility player for Eric Musselman. He guards multiple positions, and rebounds well in his area. Offensively, he's a crafty play-maker who is able to operate as a point-forward.
Greg Williams – Missouri State University
A skilled play-maker, who stands 6'6, Greg Williams will likely be asked do a little bit of everything for Missouri State HC Paul Lusk. In his junior year at Genesis, he averaged 8 points, 5 rebounds, and nearly 5 assists per contest. Look for him to provide similar balance for the Bears.
Devonnte Holland – Radford University
Mike Jones will find it difficult to keep Holland off the floor early on. Despite his relatively small stature, the 6’7 post is absolutely relentless around the basket. He exhibits good footwork, and is adept at drawing contact. Look for him to continue his high-level production in the Big South.
Justin Kier – George Mason University
Dave Paulsen will immediately see Kier thrive in his system, as he’s an athletic, multi-dimensional scorer who loves to get up and down. He’s a competent and instinctive defender as well. Mason Nation is on the uptick, and Kier will likely be a central figure in their makeover.
Charles “CJ” Williams – Howard University
A natural scorer, Williams will be a change of pace in the MEAC. In a league full of raw athletes, it’s not everyday you see a 6’3 wing that’s athletic and can score it with ease. His ability to create scoring opportunities for himself means he has a chance to be an iso player for four years.
Azariah Sykes – Morgan State University
Sykes flew under the radar for much of the summer, then when teams realized they needed a rebounder they looked his direction. The MEAC should be a good fit for Sykes, who can get up and down the floor, finish through contact and hounds the offensive glass with tenacity.
Damian Knowlin – Hampton University
A local kid that chose to stay home, the Kecoughtan wing will bring pride to his hometown college. He’s the perfect MEAC player, with his ability to run the floor and finish at the rim in downhill scenarios. He’s young too, so he has a lot of room to grow if they work with him.
Adam Sledd – Western Carolina University
He’s sometimes overshadowed by his VES counterparts, but Sledd’s mix of toughness and skill in the post makes him a very productive player. At 6’8, he’s able to step out and work from 18 and in, and he’s a rebounding machine that doesn’t mind matching up with bigger posts.
Tyler Creammer – VMI
Despite a new coaching staff, everyone knows VMI likes big men that can shoot it, and Creammer is that. He’s a legit 6’10, and while he’s not an elite athlete, he’s skilled, smart and has a soft touch. His size will also be a big advantage in the Big South.
Mike Janowski – Army
The stocky, 6’3 guard Mike Janowski plays a physical brand that will translate well to West Point. He’s a strong guard, who likes to play a fast-pace style. Defensively, he’s able to be effective because he uses his size, quickness, and strength to his advantage. He’ll likely be asked to do more of the same at Army.
James Butler – US Naval Academy
This one is most certainly considered a steal. James’ dad Howard was a standout at Navy in the 80’s. The Butler legacy resumes in Annapolis with James, and there’s little doubt he will succeed. He’s a bright, high-character individual, with an outstanding work ethic.
Ronald Alston – NJIT
Alston’s biggest asset is his versatility, particularly on defense. He guards multiple positions, using his long, athletic, 6’7 frame to his advantage. He works very well in ball-screens in the half court, but he’ll look to push the tempo and get up and down in transition.
Randall Gaskins – St. Francis University
Rob Krimmel will re-unite Gaskins with former O’Connell guard Jamaal King at St. Francis next year. The 6’3 Gaskins is a skilled, athletic guard with a good feel. He’s a sleeper who’s poised to break out this year at O’Connell. Look for him to continue his ascension next year in the NEC.
Donald Hicks – Radford University
A solid three level scorer, Hicks gets to his spots and knows how to effectively score from them. He has a solid pull up off of one dribble, and he can attack closeouts well and get to the rim. He’ll have to work on his tenacity defensively for a coach in Mike Jones that preaches that side of the ball, but Radford has a solid skilled wing to work with.
Jerry Carter – University of Mount Olive
6-foot-5 wing Jerry Carter is considered among the top natural scorers in VA’s 2016 class. Had it not been for a knee injury this summer, he would likely have garnered more interest from division 1 schools. His size, continuously improving fitness, and dynamic scoring ability should allow him to quickly fit in at Division 2 powerhouse Mount Olive.