Prospect Rankings Update: Central Ohio 2018 Stock-Risers
Here, we’ll catch you up on which 2018 prospects from central Ohio jumped in our Prospect Rankings and why that is. It’s really that simple.
#17 → #10 Adrian Nelson, 6’7” W/F, Pickerington Central / VCC Ohio Warriors Pro Bound
Nelson showed improvements as a jump shooter and was dunking everything this summer. We believe Nelson should be considered by high-major programs. However, it’s not really an issue because he can choose from the 17 D-I offers that he currently holds.
NR → #20 Jelani Simmons, 6’6” W, Beechcroft / All Ohio Black
The Youngstown State commit went from offer-less to future Division I player over this grassroots season. Simmons has a freakish knack for diving into the lane on the dribble drive and is a transition playmaker. He’s a quality signing for the new staff at Youngstown State, as Simmons has incredible upside.
#41 → #24 Elijah McNamara, 6’9” F, Pickerington North / OH-NOVA (Rice)
Coming into the summer, we had questions about McNamara’s presence near the rim. Was he strong enough to rebound? Can he protect the basket? Well, his length and effort answered all of those nit-picky concerns of ours.
McNamara now enters into his senior season with seven new Division I offers.
#37 → #26 Isaiah Speelman, 6’6” W, Hilliard Bradley / OH-NOVA (Tillman)
Our projection for Speelman jumped from Division II to Division I this summer. He currently holds four D-II offers, three of which have come since our last update, but we believe a Division I should get involved before his career concludes. He’s proven to be one of the most reliable defensive wings in Ohio.
#71 → #30 Garrett Tipton, 6’4” G, Bishop Hartley / VCC-NOVA (Beard)
Tipton’s performance against OBC on a Friday night in Louisville was a break-out moment of epic proportions. He possesses three-level scoring ability and lightning quick defensive reflexes.
Tipton has trimmed his list of 15 offers, 14 of which came from the D-II level, down to a top five of Youngstown State, Findlay, Ashland, West Liberty, and Bellarmine.
#67 → #45 Manning “Tre” Baumgardner III, 6’0” PG, Africentric Early College / Team Blaze
We only were able to watch Baumgardner III play a couple times during the grassroots season, being that he runs with an Indiana program. Yet, it doesn’t take long to notice his impact as an on-ball defender and facilitator.
Baumgarnder III went from zero to five offers this summer. Northern State, Ohio Dominican, Missouri Western, Minnesota State, and Ashland, are all in the running to land Baumgarnder III as of now.
#96 → #54 Julius Brown, 5’9” PG, Westerville Central / VCC Ohio Warriors Pro Bound
Brown landed his first two offers this summer, from Kentucky State and Anderson, by being a force on both sides of the ball. He controls the tempo by speeding up the defense and being patient once the ball is in his hands.
#108 → #62 Thomas Hickman, 6’2” PG, Westerville North / OH-NOVA (Rice)
Hickman didn’t receive any scholarship offers during the grassroots season, but that doesn’t mean they’re not on the way. From speaking with various college coaches about Hickman, most agree that he’s a scholarship-level point guard. His game was much more mature this spring/summer than before.
NR → #70 Caiden Landis, 6’6” F, Logan / Hidden Gems Black
Landis played with great intensity this entire grassroots season. His motor causes disruption on defense, but he’s also a smooth low-post scorer. College coaches will fall in love with his effort and feet, because of what he can bring to a defense.
Landis currently has an offer from Pitt-Johnstown.
NR → #73 Jah Bennett, 6’8” F/C, Africentric Early College / ISG-Hidden Gems
Bennett’s size and shooting ability should continue opening up doors for him when it comes to collegiate basketball. He currently holds an offer from Kentucky State, which came in July. But we expect a couple more D-II/NAIA programs to enter his offer-sheet.