Virginia Rankings Breakdown: 2017 Posts
The Vantage Hoops Virginia 2017 Top 150 Rankings were introduced this week, and now it’s time to take a closer look. Below is a breakdown of the top 10 power forwards and centers in the class. Stay tuned for more content, including…
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Continue ReadingThe Vantage Hoops Virginia 2017 Top 150 Rankings were introduced this week, and now it’s time to take a closer look. Below is a breakdown of the top 10 power forwards and centers in the class. Stay tuned for more content, including additional position-by-position break-downs, biggest stock boosters, and more.
Billy Preston | 6’10” | Oak Hill Academy | #1 Overall
Considered one of the top national prospects, Billy Preston comes in at the #1 overall spot as he transfers to Oak Hill. Owning an intriguing blend of size, skill, and playmaking ability, Preston is a versatile power forward who can get up and down, handle the ball, and create for himself and others on occasion. Due to his brute strength, along with his soft touch, Preston is able to easily finish consistently around the rim through contact. He demonstrates significant upside on the defensive end, given his lateral quickness and ability to elevate and rebound at a high level. The 6-foot-10, 230 pound rising senior is being touted by the likes of Kentucky and Kansas, along with Arizona and Arizona State among others. Let’s just say that Preston’s addition to Oak Hill won’t hurt their chances of repeating as Dick’s National Champions.
Nate Watson | 6’9” | Bishop O’Connell | #4 Overall
One of the biggest stock risers in the country over the last six months, Nate Watson has gained a lot of well-deserved national attention during his time with Bishop O’Connell and DC Premier. The strong, athletic, and powerful big man exhibits a great motor along with solid leadership intangibles. His confidence continues to grow with each game, as he is often seen commanding the paint area on both ends of the court. He absolutely must be accounted for on the offensive glass, where he is able to track the ball at the highest point and quickly finish with precision and touch around the rim. Fundamentals are one of the most underrated part about Watson’s game, as he demonstrates great hands and feet along with a confident and smooth looking mid range jumper. Nate is a top target for the Maryland Terps, and has also been in close contact with the Carolina Tar Heels, who could perhaps offer him soon. Regardless of which school he chooses, he’s almost certain to make an immediate impact on both ends of the court.
Aamir Simms | 6’8” | Blue Ridge School | #6 Overall
One of the most improved players in the state over the past two plus years, Aamir Simms is really starting to put it all together this spring and summer. The versatile four man is first and foremost a stingy presence defensively, given his length and impeccable timing as a rim protector, along with his rebounding prowess. A good athlete, who thrives in the open court, Simms at times has the ability to handle the ball and make plays around the basket for himself as well as others. His long range jumper is coming along very nicely, as he has demonstrated the ability to hit multiple threes in a game if left open. The broad-shouldered forward is deceptively strong around the rim, and showcases solid fundamentals on the low block. The three schools who are currently prioritizing Simms are Notre Dame, Clemson, and Virginia Tech.
Ejike Obinna | 6’9” | Virginia Academy | #9 Overall
Relentless. Tough. Smart. Unselfish. Those are some of the words that best describe Ejike Obinna. One of the best bigs in the state, Ejike is a high level shot blocker and rebounder who matches the intensity of every opponent he matches up with. Work ethic is one thing that you will never have to question with Ejike, as he is a gym rat who has been dedicated to developing on and off the court. Claiming double-digit scholarship offers from an assortment of high major, mid major, and high-academic programs, Obinna has been one of the more recruitable bigs in the nation over the past 6 plus months.
Dajour Dickens | 6’11” | Bethel | #13 Overall
Providence is getting a bouncy, long, athletic big man who loves to protect and tear down the rim in Dajour Dickens. A mobile five man who can get up and down, rebound, block shots and finish above the rim, Dajour also has the confidence to handle and make plays for others in the open court at times. He demonstrates a soft touch out to the three point line. While he needs to continue to get more consistent with his production, Dickens has shown the ability to dominate at times.
Zach Jacobs | 6’7” | Trinity Episcopal | #17 Overall
One of the more productive bigs in the class, Zach Jacobs has the ability to impact the game in a variety of areas. Owning a promising blend of size, athleticism, and improving skill, Jacobs has the ability to face up and create for himself and others in high and low post. A solid trail man, Zach’s continuously improving ability to stretch the floor from long range is well noted. Given his high motor, soft hands, and quick reactions, he’s a natural rebounder who can do it out of his area and in traffic. An athletic forward who can get up and down, the rising senior can also finish with power above the rim. Another highly recruitable prospect as a result of his impressive GPA and test scores, look for Jacobs to seriously consider high academic programs.
Brendan Newton | 7’2” | Faith Christian | #23 Overall
A fierce, natural rim protector, Brendan Newton will bring an immediate boost to Liberty’s interior defense. His mobility continues to improve, and he exhibits a tireless work rate along with good fundamentals in the low post. Brendan is relentless on the glass, and is also a very underrated and unselfish passer who likes getting his teammates involved. As he continues to grow into his body, look for him to become a more and more dominant presence on both ends of the court.
Greg Jones | 6’6” | John Marshall | #24 Overall
Despite his relatively small stature for his position, Greg Jones usually often makes one of the biggest impacts on the court. A bruising type four man who is a high level rebounder, Jones brings inside-out versatility as he has showcased the ability to connect from long range especially at the top of the key. James Madison and Towson have recently offered him scholarships.
Darius Bell | 6’9” | Southampton | #29 Overall
A very talented and skilled four man who has the ability to shoot and handle, Darius Bell is a serious matchup nightmare. While his strength and consistency isn’t quite there yet, his ceiling is significant.
Ameer Bennett | 6’8” | St. Christopher’s | #36 Overall
One of the most improved bigs in the class, Ameer Bennett has solidified his division 1 credentials within the past 6 months. His toughness, and especially his strength have come along in the recent months, along with his continuously improving skill set. The long four man is a threat on the offensive glass, but also excels in the mid range areas offensively. He’s a graceful athlete who is able to get up and down the floor and finish above the rim.