Arizona 2017 Rankings: Final Edition
With the basketball season coming to a conclusion and a number of players career’s finalizing as far as the AIA is concerned, it is time for the 2017 Rankings: Final Edition. A number of players saw increase in their stock while there were over 30 names added to the rankings. Here is the 2017 final rankings:
2017 Rankings: Top 5
#5 Holland Woods 5’10 PG Apollo
Woods has recently opened up his recruitment after committing to Portland State. Many are interested in the prospect of the senior from Glendale staying in the area and playing at NCAA Division-I Grand Canyon University. Woods had a prolific season as he led Apollo to the state championship while averaging over 25 points and 5 assists per game. Woods has a next level sense to him in regards to finding teammates. When he gets into the paint, the game seems to slow down for him. His physical style of play, high basketball IQ, and strong mid-range jumper will translate to success at the next level.
#4 Shamiel Stevenson 6’7 SF/PF Hillcrest (Pittsburgh)
Stevenson is new to the least as he came in this year to Hillcrest. Stevenson had a terrific season en route to helping Hillcrest reach the #8 ranking in the nation. Standing at 6’7, Stevenson is an absolute load. He is strong, athletic, and a high energy player. His ability to play the 3/4 and guard a number of 5’s at the next level makes him a huge asset. His versatility shoot translate to a lot of success at Pittsburgh.
#3 Saben Lee 6’2 PG/SG Corona Del Sol (Vanderbilt)
Lee is a dynamic player with a lot of athleticism. He has a good ability to create for himself off of the dribble due to his shift of gears and quickness. In addition, he possesses good length and has great bounce. Lee has consistently improved as a player each year; which I think is a fair expectation for him at the next level. As talented as he is, he has a lot of untapped potential and should have a good collegiate career at Vanderbilt.
#2 Alex Barcello 6’2 PG Corona Del Sol (Arizona)
During his first two years, Barcello demonstrated an ability to be a pass first point guard. He did a great job of getting his teammates involved, getting the team into rhythm, and knocking down threes and mid-range jumpers. Over the past two years, Barcello has shown more of an ability to take defenders off of the dribble, create for himself, and create for teammates. His basketball IQ is through the roof, and he plays the game with a lot of toughness and grit. It will be fun to see how his game translates to the highest of levels at Arizona.
#1 DeAndre Ayton 7’1 C Hillcrest (Arizona)
Arizona will be walking away with the top two players in this years class with Ayton and Barcello. Ayton has demonstrated an ability to play in the current style of basketball that is shifting away from the typical back to the basket big man. He is capable of playing on the block, and he is completely comfortable playing away from the rim. He can space the floor as well as utilize pick and pop type situations. Moreover, his ability to protect the rim with his height and athleticism add a great deal to his stock. Ayton is not only the #1 player in Arizona, but in the nation and with good reason.
2017 Rankings: Best Available
#8 Marcus Shaver 6’1 PG Shadow Mountain
Shaver has recently reopened his recruitment after previous committing to UC Santa Barbara. Shaver is a NCAA Division-I caliber point guard. He shoots the basketball incredibly well off of the dribble. Moreover, he does a great job of getting teammates involved. His ability to be the floor general while scoring the basketball was on full display this pas season as he played with fellow talented guards in Jovan Blacksher and Jaelen House. Furthermore, he showed that he is capable of playing at the highest of levels as Shadow Mountain was able to compete in the Dicks National Championship.
#12 Caleb Simmons 6’5 SG Desert Vista
Simmons is a well balanced shooting guard. He is a good shooter from the perimeter and is capable of putting the basketball on the floor and attacking the rim. In addition, he offers height and length at the 2 guard spot. He is capable of playing the 2 or the 3 in most NCAA Division-I leagues. Simmons should have an opportunity to play for a Division-I suitor.