2020 Breakout Candidates: Point Guards
The sophomore season for players is often a time where we can really evaluate kids. Typically, talented freshman are held back by new systems and the speed of the game, but after a year they’re typically ready to make more of a statement their sophomore year. With that being said, here’s a look at six point guards across the state who could have a big sophomore season and make a name for themselves.
Zae Baines | 6’3” | North Cross
Look at some of his videos on Twitter that he has posted and you’ll see very quickly why he’s such an intriguing prospect. Coming in at #14 overall and #2 in point guards in the first 2020 rankings from Vantage Hoops, Baines potential is through the roof with his natural athletic ability and his great frame for his age. He has good burst, finishes above the rim like a grown man and lives in the gym where he continues to improve. If he can continue to improve his jump shooting and playmaking ability to become more of a true point guard he’ll be a high major recruit no doubt.
Jarett Hunter | 5’10” | Louisa County
Hunter worked his way into the starting lineup at Louisa as a freshman, and impressed so much he was named Scrimmage Play’s newcomer of the year last season. A two sport athlete that’s also a star defensive back, Hunter is a naturally gifted athlete that also benefits from having a high basketball IQ. He’s a pass first PG with great feel, can run the pick-and-roll and can score from all three levels. His high IQ and ability to make others better is going to make him popular among college coaches moving forward.
Tyler Henderson | 5’6” | LC Bird
Heart over height has become somewhat cliche, but it describes Henderson pretty well. The crafty point guard may not be big, but he’s skilled, smart and has some dog in him that he isn’t afraid to show. He locks up the length of the floor, keeps it on a string when handling pressure and he sees the game ahead of everyone else. He’s also a knock down shooter off the bounce and has a middle game full of floaters and pull-ups that negates his size. With the Skyhawks graduating their top four guards, expect Henderson to play a key role whether he starts or comes off the bench.
Khai Seargeant | 5’10” | Massaponnex
Seargant is surging up the rankings after a solid summer and a big time showing in the fall at both the Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo and the Team Loaded Fall League. The 5’10” PG has good burst, is an explosive leaper and is very strong for his size. He has a toughness in his ability to play in traffic, and he’s really good at hitting the midrange off the bounce. He lives in the gym as it shows, as he’s been improving every time we see him, and he’ll be the guy with the ball in his hands this season for Massaponnex.
Jarontez Smith | 5’10” | Jamestown
Smith showed flashes of his promise last season, but was stuck behind the Wang twins who helped lead Jamestown to the state championship game last season. With the Eagles graduating five of their top players from last year, Smith is set to have the ball in his hands and he’ll thrive in the situation. He’s a quick point guard that can blow by defenders, shoot it off the bounce out to the three-point line and is a crafty finisher around the basket. If Jamestown is going to make a run this year, Smith will have to be a big part of that moving forward.
Kaleb Coleman | 5’9” | Matoaca
Coleman started as a freshman for Matoaca and was allowed to play through his mistakes, which should help him moving forward in his career. He’s a quick and slippery guard that can blow by and split defenders, get into the lane and make plays for his team. He’s a tone setter on both ends, guarding the ball well and pushing it in transition to get his team easy baskets. With solid improvement he could be a breakout candidate in the Richmond area this season.