2016 Rankings: Wing Breakdown
In total there are 51 shooting guards and 39 small forwards in this group. Here’s a look at the strengths and weaknesses of this position. -Strengths- Size In the top 20 alone there are five wings that stands 6’5” or…
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Continue ReadingIn total there are 51 shooting guards and 39 small forwards in this group. Here’s a look at the strengths and weaknesses of this position.
-Strengths-
Size
In the top 20 alone there are five wings that stands 6’5” or taller. In fact there are only 35 of 90 combined shooting guards and small forwards that stand under 6’3”.
Defensive Versatility
Many of the wings in this class have the ability to defend up to three positions be it the 1 through 3 or 2 through 4. Because of their size, length, and athleticism expect many of these players to find their way onto the floor with their defensive abilities early in their college careers.
Division-I Depth
There are eight wings in this class with the opportunity to play Division-I basketball directly out of high school. Already committed are Brock Gardner (Liberty), Elijah Thomas (St. Mary’s), Chris Bowling (Northern Arizona, walk-on), and Tyrell Henderson (Portland State).
Athleticism
There are some big time athletes in this field of players. Gardner, Thomas, JJ Rhymes, Bryce Cheney, N’Keal Harry, Elijah Sikora, Antwan Ross, Jalen Holman, and Harrison Hilliard are among the many prospects who use their athleticism to fuel their games.
-Weaknesses-
Ball Handling
While there are some very talented wings in this class, few are great ball handlers. Channel Banks and Nik Nehls, who could be both considered combo guards, are the two best in the top 30 player/prospects. While the majority of these players are not poor ball handlers, if some of them can improve in this skill area, they could really elevate their level of play.
Scoring Versatility
Defensively this is as strong of a group as we’ve seen in recent years in regards to the state of Arizona. However, there aren’t many players on this list that can score it in multiple ways. There’s a pretty clear line between the shooters, the slashers, and the ‘garbage men’ within this group.