Maryland/DC Summer Stock Boosters: 2018 Wings/Posts
Maryland and DC were well represented on the grassroots circuit this summer. As the season winds down and many players return from AAU back to their high school squads, we’ll be taking a look back at some of the players who…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingMaryland and DC were well represented on the grassroots circuit this summer. As the season winds down and many players return from AAU back to their high school squads, we’ll be taking a look back at some of the players who have raised their stock the most since last high school season. Below we take a quick look at eight rising junior wings and posts who should see an uptick in their recruitment as a result of strong play this summer.
Terrence Gibbons | Wise
A versatile and productive player on both ends, Terrence Gibbons impressed in a variety of areas this summer. Gibbons is very comfortable operating with the ball in his hands. The 6-foot-6 wing has the ability to create space off the dribble and find open teammates. Defensively, his athleticism and quickness enables him to defend effectively both on the perimeter and in the post. While his recruitment is yet to take shape, it won’t be long before we see schools begin their invovlement with Gibbons.
Bryce Golden | Saint James
A dynamic and explosive force in the open court, Bryce Golden possesses an awesome blend of power, speed, and skill at the power forward position. At 6-foot-8, there aren’t many who can match Golden’s toughness and leaping ability along with his relentless work rate. Golden sets bone-jarring screens, carves out space on the low block, and moves extremely well without the ball. He has great hands, and is a forceful finisher in the paint. Pittsburgh, Seton Hall, Saint Joseph’s, and Penn State are among the schools who’ve recently offered Golden scholarships.
Jermiane Harris | Rock Creek Christian
One of the most complete, yet unknown bigs in the area, Jermaine Harris is quickly making a name for himself with solid play in the paint this summer. The sturdy and tough 6-foot-9 post has great hands and solid footwork. Harris is an active rebounder who works hard both on the offensive and defensive glass. Owning a soft touch with either hand around the basket, Harris also has the ability to step out and hit the 15 footer with consistency. Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Seton Hall, Providence, and Rhode Island have each offered Harris scholarships since July
Ricky Lindo | Wilson
One of the most interesting prospects we’ve seen this summer has to be Ricky Lindo. The lanky and mobile 6-foot-7 forward stood out during Summer Takeover while running with District Basketball Club 16U. Lindo has the ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter and can guard multiple positions on the defensive end. It’s quite clear that the best is still yet to come for Lindo.
Richard Njoku | St. John’s
Richard Njoku dropped several hints as to the type of player he can be down the road. As the 6-foot-8 power forward continues to fill out his broad and long frame, he is becoming a stronger and more dominant force in the paint. Njoku is very active as a rim protector and has very good timing when contesting shots. Njoku is a hard working big man who runs the floor hard, sets big screens, and has soft hands when receiving the ball. Binghamton and Bucknell have jumped on board with scholarship offers to the talented big man since July. Njoku should turn more heads as he looks to fortify the interior for SJC during their WCAC title defense.
Mezie Offurum | Georgetown Prep
At around 6-foot-6, Mezie Offurum has the size, athleticism, and skill set to play and defend multiple positions. Offurum, who will likely project as a shooting guard in college, has the ability to create for himself and others off the dribble. He is a graceful athlete who rebounds, runs the floor, and has the length and mobility to defend effectively both on the perimeter and in the paint. Offurum has seen his recruitment has absolutely take off this summer. Since landing his first offer from Canisus in late June, UAB, Indiana, Towson, Tulsa, Rutgers, Saint Joseph’s and Virginia Tech have each also offered him scholarships. Look for more schools to get involved with the supremely talented and rapidly developing wing.
Nate Roberts | John Carroll
Having grown to nearly 6-foot-10 since last high school season, Nate Roberts brings impressive production and versatility to almost any front court. The gifted lefty moves well without the ball and is always available for dump offs, but is also comfortable handling and beating his man with the ball. Roberts is a good athlete who serves admirably as a rim protector. He rebounds well out of his area, has soft hands, and runs the floor with purpose. Seton Hall, Indiana, Kansas State, and Clemson are among the most recent schools to offer scholarships to Roberts.
Jalen Smith | Mount Saint Joseph
One of the most coveted power forwards nationally in the 2018 class, Jalen Smith demonstrated a significant ceiling at various points throughout the summer. On the first day in which colleges could directly contact 2018 recruits, Smith received calls and offers from Virginia, Syracuse, Stanford, and Arizona. Given his impeccable touch from mid-to-long range, along with his length, athleticism, and massive two-way potential, Smith is a no-brainer lock to make this list.