Summer Wrap Up: Stock Risers of the Year
A stock riser is someone who has seen an increase in attention from colleges, and couples that with a raised ceiling in terms of perceived potential. This list names the ten best stock risers from the 2016 Spring and Summer…
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Continue ReadingA stock riser is someone who has seen an increase in attention from colleges, and couples that with a raised ceiling in terms of perceived potential. This list names the ten best stock risers from the 2016 Spring and Summer sessions. While it is difficult to make this list as a player that is widely viewed among the best in the country at your age (DeAndre Ayton, Alex Barcello, Timmy Allen), it is also a tough task to make it as one of the known best players in the state. However, this summer saw a few Arizona prospects go from being known locally to being high major prospects, and there is a huge difference. Without further ado, here are the first and second “All Stock Riser” teams.
First Team
Malik Ondigo (Factory 17u, Postgrad) Co-Stock Riser of the Year– This kid epitomizes what Kenny Mullins envisioned with the name “Factory”. Nobody in the state saw as dramatic of an increase in recruitment over the Spring and Summer periods. While the potential was always there, it was stunning to see the rate of improvement in such a short time. After picking up offers from Memphis, TCU, and Purdue, to name a few, Ondigo is now a sure fire high major prospect. Look forward to an announcement soon of Ondigo’s plans moving forward.
Majok Deng (Powerhouse Black 15u, Class of 2019) Co-Stock Riser of the Year– Truly a joy to watch play the game of basketball, Majok led his Powerhouse Black team to an impressive 56-5 summer that is rare for Arizona teams. An extremely efficient player on both ends of the floor, Deng does all of the little things that contribute to team success, whether it be getting his teammates water during a timeout, clapping and cheering from the bench during mop up time, or making the extra pass, giving up a good shot for a great shot. Majok entered the summer as a highly talented kid that showed loads of potential, now, he is one of the best young players, and teammates in the country.
Nico Mannion (Earl Watson Elite, Class of 2020)– When there is a lot of hype surrounding you at a young age, it is often difficult to measure up to expectations. However, the unassuming Mannion has the game, and perhaps more importantly, the belief, that he is the best player on the floor every time he laces his shoes up. Having division 1 offers before you play your first high school game says something about how talented a young player is, but what is most exciting about Nico is that he appears to get better each time you watch him. The son of a former pro, he sees the game at an advanced level and instantly makes those around him better.
Tevian Jones (Cal Supreme, Class of 2018)– “Tevy” is a long, athletic wing that scores the ball in bunches. He was always seen as having potential, but as he comes into his own and fills out his body, his ceiling looks to be much higher than anticipated. After a summer of playing in the EYBL with Cal Supreme, Jones now has interest from a couple of Pac 12 powerhouse programs, and looks sure to add more schools moving forward. Tevy Jones looks like he could become the best prospect in the state this time next year.
Saben Lee (Powerhouse Black 17u, Class of 2017)– Lee has been an explosive athlete for quite some time now, but struggled to create, and knock down his own shot. If you saw Saben play this summer, however, you saw why Vanderbilt should feel good about receiving his commitment. Showcasing a much improved perimeter shot, Saben Lee impressed just about everyone that saw him this summer and picked up high major interest and offers from around the country. As school season nears, look for Lee and fellow backcourt mate Alex Barcello to try to return the state championship to Corona Del Sol for the fifth time in six years.
Second Team
D’Maurian Williams (Factory 16u, Class of 2019)– A big point guard with the ability to get into the teeth of a defense, Williams saw great opportunities this summer to compete against some great competition. To say he stepped up to the challenge is an understatement. While not a natural outside shooter, Williams was able to hit shots when needed and make plays to make his Factory team very formidable and one of the top 16u squads on the west coast. Picking up his first few division 1 offers, this was the summer that put D’Maurian “Shaq” Williams on the map.
Nigel Shadd (Factory 17u, Class of 2017)– This 6’9” forward is a strong, explosive athlete. At the beginning of the summer, that is how Nigel would have been described, but he has developed a jump hook, and drastically improved his footwork. Shadd matched up against some players this summer that were able to match his size and athleticism, but was still able to shine, picking up offers from the likes of Kansas State. With another year of development, Nigel Shadd will have plenty of programs to choose from.
Gabe McGlothan (Power Elite 17u, Class of 2017)– As a 6’7” forward, it is easy to fall into the category of being a “tweener” by not having the true size to play the 4, and lacking the skill and quickness to play the 3. This is a dilemma that McGlothan was faced with, but he proved this summer that, rather than being a tweener, he may actually have the versatility to truly play both positions. While his perimeter jump shot and ball handling continue to improve, his leaping ability makes him one of the most exciting players in the state. Recently picking up an off from Navy, Gabe has seen his recruitment increase and there looks to be no reason why that will not continue.
Xavier Dussell (Team Bayless 16u, Class of 2020)– Xavier possesses all of the natural tools to be a standout, being a true 6’3” shooting guard with long arms and good athleticism at such a young age makes his potential obvious. The improvements that he made mentally this summer, however, are what landed him a spot on this list. In April, “X” would have good games, playing against older competition, but would have stretches of bad turnovers and ill-advised shots. In the Adidas Summer Championships, you would see a more mature, more poised player. The bad turnovers were almost eliminated from his game, and he was taking on a leadership role, even with being the youngest player on his team. While shot selection continues to be an area of concern, it would not be surprising to see Dussell start to garner interest from high majors within the next year.
Steele Bennett (Factory 16u, Class of 2018)– As a 16 year old that is approaching 7 feet tall, Bennett is ahead of any realistic expectations that one could have. He has a solid body, yet runs the floor very well. He isn’t an explosive leaper, yet protects the basket efficiently. Steele does all of the things that you would want in a player with his size at this stage, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed among college coaches. With Bennett adding a jump hook with either hand to go along with improved footwork and his soft touch off the glass, he is effective when he has the ball in good position. Though he still needs to improve on using his size and footwork to get better positioning before he touches the ball, Steele Bennett has seen interest from schools that would not have been expected five months ago. Look for big Steele to make a leap in production this year at Desert Vista, then come back and be a force for Factory next summer.