Ten 2018 Summer Breakout Candidates
With the grassroots season set to begin next week, we take a look at ten players in Iowa’s 2018 class (ranked 50th or lower) who could break out this spring and summer.
F Grant Dirks, Center Point-Urbana/Martin Brothers
Currently an undersized power forward at 6-5/6-6, Dirks has been working to expand his offensive skill set, and he is succeeding. He’s become a capable shooter from both the mid-range and the arc, and is adding the ability to take his defender off the bounce when he catches on the perimeter. He’s got very good footwork and touch around the rim, so he can score on the low block, but his future at the next level will push him out to the perimeter unless he grows a bit more. A strong, physical player with a developing skill set, who rebounds at a high level, he should be an interesting player to follow this spring and summer with Martin Brothers.
G Ben Lyon, Ankeny/Kingdom Hoops
A skilled 6-4 playmaker, Lyon has the ability to make a major impact on both ends of the floor with his length and playmaking abilities. He’s skilled playing in the pick-and-roll, a very good passer who turns the corner and is able to get to the rim, stop and elevate into a mid-range jumper, or find the roll man. With his length, he can defend multiple positions on the defensive end.
PG Evan Flitz, Iowa City West/Iowa Dynasty
A highly intelligent combo guard, Flitz was a key player for the state champion Trojans off the bench, and should step into a starting role next year. Before that, he’ll play with a good Iowa Dynasty team, where he’ll be one of the leaders. A very good 3-point shooter (shot 50% from the arc for West), he moves well both with and without the ball, has a quick, repeatable release, and extended range. Addtionally, he’s a solid on-ball defender who makes the opposing ball handler work all 94 feet on nearly every possession. Also a standout quarterback, he could turn some heads this spring and summer with his all-around ability and shooting on the hardwood.
PF Joseph Evans, West Des Moines Dowling/Martin Brothers
Evans is a player who really intrigues me, despite not playing much for Dowling this year. At 6-8, he’s very mobile, and gives you some versatility on the defensive end. He has top-notch length, moves well laterally and I think you can switch him onto guards on the perimeter without him being lost. That type of defensive ability is something that is going to be coveted. On the offensive end, he can disappear at times, but he is an above-average low post player with the ability to knock down 15 footers as well. This will be a big summer for the Dowling big man, and we’ll banking on him producing.
C Grant Johnson, Van Meter/Kingdom Hoops
A mobile, 6-8 big man, Johnson is a rim protector who is just starting to scratch the surface on the offensive end. He’s got good footwork on that end of the floor, and while his touch and strength might need to improve a bit, there are tools there to work with. He’s a good passer who teams can run their offense through, either off the block or the high post. As he continues to add strength and confidence, he’ll only get better. There are plenty of tools here to be intrigued by, and we’re hoping that he can put it all together this summer.
GF Peter Timmerman, Dubuque Wahlert/Iowa Mavericks
Timmerman is a tough point-forward who has the ability to stretch the floor or score at the rim. He’s long and physical, capable of defending the two through five, crashes the glass on both ends of the floor and has a high basketball IQ. He excels when the ball is in his hands, a crafty playmaking point-forward who handles the ball and passes it well for a 6-7 youngster. He’ll be one of the leaders for the Mavericks this year, and if he has a big summer, the tools are there to intrigue some Division II or NAIA level schools.
PG Tyus Arends, Sioux Center/South Dakota Attack
This 6-0 guard is coming off a fantastic season with Sioux Center. A highly gifted shooter, he knocked down 81 3s during the high school season at a 45.3% clip. His shooting makes him deadly, but he’s also a capable facilitator and defender who thrives playing passing lanes. Playing with South Dakota Attack, we won’t get many chances to see him over the summer, but he’s a guy who could have a huge summer by putting his shooting on display and lead to some NAIA college interest.
G Drew Olson, Osage/Iowa Mavericks
A strong, physical combo guard, Olson is coming off a fantastic junior season with Osage. He’s capable of playing either guard role, either scoring or facilitating like a true point guard. He’s uses his physicality well, getting to the rim and finishing, and when he’s got the ball in his hands he can also navigate his team well through their sets and put his teammates in positions to succeed. He’s a solid defender, and he does a really good job on the glass on both ends of the floor as well. He could turn himself into a solid NAIA prospect with a strong summer leading the Mavericks.
SG Jocoa Kerschen, Iowa City Regina/Iowa Pump n Run
One of the state’s eliter shooters, Kerschen has a chance to have a big summer playing with Pump n Run. He’s got good size for a two guard, moves very well off the ball and has a quick release with extended range. He’s a solid rebounder from the wing, willing to stick his nose in with the bigger players. His shooting ability will translate to the college level, and if he has a good summer, he could become a coveted Division III player.
G Jesse Van Wyk, Lynnville-Sully/Iowa Intensity
A versatile combo guard, Van Wyk is a player who does a lot of the little things that college programs will covet. He takes care of the ball, finishes at the rim, rebounds at a high level and has the ability to stretch the floor. He’s a solid on-ball defender, and while he may get overshadowed a bit on Intensity by Garrett Sturtz and Zaine Leedom, he’ll make winning plays for that group in each game. With a solid summer proving that he’s capable of running the point, he could elevate himself into a legitimate Division III college prospect.