July Preview: Top Available 2018 Shooting Guards, Part III
For members of the 2018 class, a vital time is on the horizon. With July comes the final three live periods of their careers.
It often comes faster than any of them realize. There are sure to be a large number of players in this class deciding on their futures, with colleges aiming to get one last look at some of our guys before they make their calls on who they’ll offer.
Some players in 2018 already hold offers and are on the verge of making their choices. Others are hoping to turn heads with a few big performances. As we approach the start of the first live period on July 12, we are taking a look at the 2018 class, by position, with players who are pursuing college dreams this month.
We continue today with the third part of our look at the top 2018 shooting guards available:
Connor Staib, 6-4, Colorado Premier
Where he’ll play: NY2LA Championships (Milwaukee), July 12-16; Las Vegas Fab 48, July 26-30.
Taking stock: Staib’s game begins with his IQ. He knows how to make the smart play and consistently produces high-percentage shots. He averaged 12.4 points per game as a junior — second on his 5A team at Mountain Vista — while shooting 51 percent from the field. Moves the ball well and moves well without it. Has good size for the position.
Projected level: Division III/NAIA.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/1wXjdP
Xavier Johnson, 6-2, The Force
Where he’ll play: Wisconsin NY2LA, July 14-16; West Coast California, July 21-23; Las Vegas Bigfoot, July 27-30.
Taking stock: Johnson is a load to handle in the open court. He’s quick with a good first step and he gets to the rim with force. He can absorb contact and finish through it with a college-ready frame. He has especially good upper-body strength. Johnson displayed versatility while averaging 13.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.
Projected level: Division II/III/NAIA.
Highlights: http://cbsprt.co/2uwULfQ
Ben Boone, 6-4, Colorado Miners
Where he’ll play: Double Pump (Calif.), July 14-16; Great American Shootout (Dallas), July 20-23; Las Vegas Championship, July 27-30
Taking stock: Boone has the size and shooting ability to carry him to the next level. He’s good coming off the ball with a quick release. Those qualities have produced an offer from Division II Colorado School of Mines for the high-academic rising senior.
Projected level: Division II.
Highlights: https://twitter.com/PrepHoopsCO/status/838126428717731841
Casey Fowler, 6-1, Colorado Chaos
Where he’ll play: West Coast Elite (Irvine, Calif.), July 14-16; Mullens High Profile Tournament, July 21-23; Las Vegas Fab 48, July 27-30.
Taking stock: Fowler is a combo guard he doesn’t have to have the ball in his hands to make an impact. He runs the floor well, finishes in transition and gets the ball moving. He’s good on the ball defensively and has come up in a well-run high school program in ThunderRidge. Expect him to have a strong summer.
Projected level: Division II/III/NAIA.