Ten under the radar players entering the summer
The Oklahoma landscape always produces players who fly under the radar, get found late and then produce at a high level. The 2018 Oklahoma Class has several players at each level Division I, Division II, JUCO, NAIA D1, NAIA D2 and D3 who are not as known as they should be.
Tauriawn Knight Point Guard Edmond Santa Fe/Oklahoma Run PWP
Knight is a rising Combo Guard in the Oklahoma 2018 Class that projects to the Division I level. He has largely been overlooked to his roles on teams. Oklahoma Run PWP has recently given him more shots and he has turned that opportunity into success. Knight excels at driving to the rim. He plays very efficiently and shares the ball with his good vision. Knight should get some strong consideration from low to mid major Division I programs this summer. He is even starting to his three-point shots on a consistent basis.
Mason Harrell Point Guard Carl Albert/Gym Time Hoops
Harrell has been overlooked every step of the way through his career due to his height at 5’8. Time and time again Harrell has proven that although he is undersized he can ball out and be effective even against elite competition. This summer Harrell has led Gym Time Hoops to the Adidas Finale in South Carolina. Harrell can score over even 7′ Post inside. His shot has improved from distance. Harrell has instincts at the Point Guard spot that a coach simply just can’t teach. Harrell received his first Division I offer from Binghamton in New York. Look for more Division I low to mid major looks to come Harrell’s way.
Braden Boyer Forward Broken Arrow/BTR
Boyer is quickly rising as possibly the top big in Oklahoma. At 6’7 Boyer is showing his strength in the Post. Rebounding the basketball at a high level with a great motor has made him into a top 20 Oklahoma 2018 prospect. Boyer continues to develop and improve each time out on the floor. His non-stop motor makes him a prospect that colleges have to keep on their radar. He has received some small Division I interest. Prep Hoops projects him as a high Division II prospect.
Dalton Vinson Forward Hennessy/3D Athletes
Vinson is a 6’7 Forward with tremendous upside. He projects to the Division II to JUCO level. It will just depend on what level Vinson wants to go. He is one of the top Division II projected prospects in the Oklahoma Class with his size and ability to score with his back to the basket. Vinson rebounds the ball well. He does the dirty work in the paint. Vinson is starting to tap into his potential, but I think he still has quite a bit left that will help him blossom in college.
Blake Owens Forward Putnam City North/Oklahoma Power
Owens is a big one the rise in the 2018 Class with his height at 6’7 and motor. He is non-stop competing on the floor. Owens energy that he brings each game on the boards makes him an attractive player to coaches. He still has a lot to learn about the game. However, Owens is scoring the ball this spring the best he ever has on the block. Not to mention Owens has even shown he can stretch the floor at the 4 with the three-ball. Division II programs put Owens on the top of your radar if you are in need of a big.
Bryce Mooreland Point Guard Norman/3D Athletes
Mooreland has widely been overshadowed throughout his career. He does a great job of running a team at the Point Guard spot. Don’t look for a bunch of scoring, but Mooreland is the man if a college program is looking for a Point Guard to not turn the ball over, score enough to keep the defense honest and a great creator for teammates. He has improved his scoring using his excellent drive with the addition of a nice floater. Mooreland needs to shoot the three-point shot to take his game to another level. He projects right now at the JUCO to Division II level. Could also see a few NAIA schools give Mooreland a strong look. It is not often to see a player buy into their role as the creator and play with no ego, that is Mooreland.
Grayson Nix Wing Red Oak/Oklahoma Impact
Nix is a small town kid so of course he qualifies for the overlooked list out of Oklahoma. He can score it inside at the rim with the drive, from mid-range with a smooth pull up, or from behind the arc. Nix is a Wing with good size at 6’3 pushing towards 6’4. Oklahoma Impact has given him the platform in the spring and summer to impress college coaches. Nix is receiving heavy Division II interest.
Cole Jones Combo Guard Pond Creek-Hunter/Game Changer Hoops
Jones is a Combo Guard we believe best suited at the one spot. He can fill it up from just about anywhere on the court, which makes him be able to play the two as well. He scores it best using his smooth jumper. For Pond Creek-Hunter the entire offense flows through Jones. Jones has had success in the role as the creator with the rock for himself and others. Look for Jones to be relied upon in a big way for what ever college lands his talents. He projects from the high NAIA D2 level to low Division II level.
Riley Island Point Guard Calumet/OK Respect
Island dominated the state tournament, which opened many peoples eyes to his talents. He goes to a small school in Oklahoma, but has been known to Prep Hoops for several years through grassroots basketball. Island can shoot the three-pointer lights out. He can also pass very well with exceptional court vision, which was on full display at the state tournament when Island turned in a triple-double. Island is a Division II projected prospect. The kid is a gamer and a winner.
Tyler Street Shooting Guard Destiny Christian/3D Athletes
Street is one of the best sharp shooters no one knows in the 2018 Class. He led Destiny Christian to a National Christian School Championship this year. He shoots it lights out as a catch and shoot guy. He has developed a creative game with the rock in his hands as well. Street projects to the JUCO to NAIA D2 level. Every college needs shooters.
For more information email Matt@prephoops.com