Arizona 2019 Ranking Update: Most Versatile
The class of 2019 is not loaded with centers or traditional big men. However, it is heavy in players who can play multiple positions. The trend in basketball, in general, is to have position-less players who can play an array of spots and have success. Further, the traditional pass first point guard is not valued as highly. A lot of coaches desire the lengthy creating point guard. This class appears to have a high number of those candidates. With that said, there is no question that top tier and highly sought after Josh Green and Majok Deng lead this class in versatility with Emmanuel Taban receiving more and more notoriety. Below are the most versatile prospects in this class who many might not know about.
Under the Radar Most Versatile
#15 SheKeedren “BJ” Bryant 6’4 SF NFL Yet (Tru Heat)
Bryant plays anywhere from 1-5 for NFL Yet and Tru Heat. His athleticism and mid-range shooting ability have made him a zone killer. Further, he is a monster on the glass and might be one of the most physically strong players in this class. His athleticism and strength were on full display at the Prep Hoops Bash in the Desert as he broke a rim while dunking on a player. The most improved aspect of his game is his defense. He competes at an extremely high level and uses his athleticism that benefits him so much offensively to lock down top tier players. At the next level, he most likely fits into the 2 or 3 spot.
#23 DJ Hawkins 6’5 SG/SF Compass Prep (AZ Sting)
Hawkins has steadily improved since his freshman year. While playing with the AZ Sting, he typically plays at the 2 or 3 spot, but assists the team defensively in guarding all 5 spots. Hawkins shoots the basketball well from deep and has length to get his shot off. Further, his length enables him to get by the first level of the defense. Further, he creates a number of match up problems for opposing teams. Hawkins has recently transferred to Compass Prep and will make an impact immediately.
#27 Kyle Patterson 6’4 Gilbert Christian (AZ Power)
Despite only being a sophomore with prospects like Miles Lightfoot and Nate Graville, Patterson managed to have an outstanding season. To put it in perspective, he was in the top 3 in the following statistical categories: Points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Patterson also led the team in scoring. He is a talented wing with a lot of length who can score the basketball in an array of ways. Gilbert Christian, with Lightfoot and other talented prospects returning, should be one of the favorites to win the state championship in their division.
#35 Vean Simon 6’2 PG Chandler (Team Harden)
Simon is almost an outlier on this list as he is not a lengthy wing. However, he is a lengthy point guard. His length and lateral quickness have enabled him to be one of the top on ball defenders in the state. He demonstrated this top tier defense on multiple occasions while participating with Team Harden on the adidas Gauntlet. Simon also has a great feel for the game and outstanding court vision. His length and skill set assist him in getting into the paint at will. Further, his high basketball IQ enables him to make the right reads and make his teammates better. Simon looks poised for a breakout season at Chandler.
#49 Emad Elniel 6’5 SG/SF Independence (AZ Hype)
Elniel is one of the most unheard of players in Arizona despite his ability to score the basketball in bunches. Like most of the other candidates on this list, he possesses good length and athleticism. Further, he shoots the basketball at a high rate and slashes to the rim extremely well. His potential is through the roof, and I expect that he will assist Independence in having a lot of success this season. Further, he will be a more well known prospect by the end of this year due to his ability to score the basketball in so many ways.