2019 Rankings Breakdown: Wings (Part 1)
It’s that time of the year again! With our new and updated comes new names, new recruitment and more! Over the next few weeks we’ll be breaking down all of our rankings, starting with part one of our wings featuring eight of the best rising junior in the state. Stay tuned to Vantage Hoops for positional breakdowns across each class, and more content on our updated rankings!
Josh Nickelberry | 6’4” | Oak Hill Academy/GAME Elite 17U (#3 Overall)
A killer on the wing, Nickelberry will provide instant scoring in the backcourt for Oak Hill who is losing all four of their guards to high major programs. He can create his own shot off the bounce, has deep range off the catch and a fundamental understanding of how to put the ball in the basket. He’s both crafty and athletic, and when he wants to he can also sit down and defend the ball too.
Aundre Hyatt | 6’6” | Miller School/BWSL EYBL 17U (#4 Overall)
Hyatt had a big season in his first year in Virginia basketball, but will likely slide a spot to make room for Armando Bacot who earned his first spot back. However, that’s nothing on Hyatt, who is one of the most highly touted shooters in the country. He has great size that allows him to rebound well for a wing, and he has effortless range both off the catch and off the bounce. He’ll be a borderline blue blood kid most likely.
Zac Ervin | 6’5” | Gate City/Team Loaded VA (#10 Overall)
A killer on the wing, Nickelberry will provide instant scoring in the backcourt for Oak Hill who is losing all four of their guards to high major programs. He can create his own shot off the bounce, has deep range off the catch and a fundamental understanding of how to put the ball in the basket. He’s both crafty and athletic, and when he wants to he can also sit down and defend the ball too.
Mike Christmas | 6’5” | Landstown/BWSL Chiz (#11 Overall)
The question is whether he’ll be able to play the wing at the next level, but the fact that this kid doesn’t have double digit offers from midmajor programs makes no sense. He’s a hybrid forward now that can score at all three levels, rebounds on both ends and makes energy plays above the rim. His foot speed needs work, but his production level and energy is unquestionable. Also a high academic kid!
Dajour Rucker | 6’6” | Cape Henry/Team Loaded VA (#12 Overall)
Much like Christmas, the ultimate goal for Rucker and his coaches is to transition him out to the wing, and offensively he’s already there. He can put it on the deck and create his own shot and he’s become a lights out shooter from deep. What makes him even better is he has the added bonus of being a big rebounder on both ends, and his size allows him to take smaller wings to the post for a mismatch. He’s losing the weight slowly, and if he can continue to get his body right and work on his lateral quickness he should be a high major kid.
Julien Wooden | 6’6” | Northside/Team Loaded VA (#14 Overall)
Talk about upside, there aren’t many that have more in VA than Wooden. He’s long at 6’5″, athletic and able to run the floor and he can shoot the three ball off the catch. He has to add strength and footspeed, but he uses his length defensively and on the glass to negate that. If he continues to improve physically and on the defensive end, he could be looking at some high major interest coming in soon.
DeArvae Heard | 6’3” | Miller School/BWSL Chiz (#15 Overall)
A strong and athletic wing, Heard’s frame for his age is very impressive. He has broad shoulders and a strong base naturally, and that bolds well for him moving forward. He has a really solid middle game, getting a lot of his points off one or two dribble pull ups. He has to work on his range off the catch, but he looks ready to step on a college basketball court now.
Marchelus Avery | 6’6” | Armstrong/BWSL Dip (#17 Overall)
Other than the top five or so in the class, “Chi-Chi” as he’s known by teammates is as talented as any player on this list, he’s just a little undisciplined. At 6’6, he can play anywhere from the 2-5, scores it inside-out and has natural instincts that shows he grew up playing on the playgrounds. He’s very tough to matchup with, and if he can keep focused on what he needs to do, he should be a kid who impresses coaches moving forward.