Freshman To Watch – 2017
With a lot of talented 8th graders walking into high school this fall. There is a sense that high school basketball looks quite promising. Here are some of the kids who received high regard after a successful grassroots season under there belt.
The last time we checked in with Class of 2021, combo guard, Omari Maulana he was new to the high school game and speed. Since then he has played this summer at the 15u level and has got a good understanding and feel for the speed and physicality of that level. This summer he has also made a name for himself. With an increasing skill set and elite athleticism, Omari will be the man at LCA. This summer he was able to get some elite camps under his belt and get in front of quite a few coaches.
Class of 2021 prospect Shane Nowell is ready to make a strong impact his freshman season. Nowell is the younger brother of University of Washington freshman Jaylen Nowell. The lefty has a good feel for the game, always getting his teammates involved and taking over with his scoring if necessary. He does a good job balancing everything out and mixing it up, keeping defenders guessing.
Class of 2021 forward 6’7 Paolo Banchero is primed and ready for a break out freshman season. When you think of the average 14 year old kid. You don’t think of somebody already 6’7 and about 200 pounds. Well this isn’t the average kids and he doesn’t have just average skill. This young man displays excellent footwork, a fierce competitive attitude, aggressive on both end of the court and a humble demeanor. Anybody who has had the chance to see this young man will say the same thing.
Class of 2021, 6’3, wing, Devonte Fuller is an impressive young combo guard. Already standing at 6 foot 2 with long legs is a nightmare in the open floor with his speed, high motor, and physicality. He can fill up the stat sheet like no other. He is a consistent mid range shooter and attacks the basket with power. Even though he has a skinny frame his power comes from his lower body where he is able to elevate over anyone in his grade level.
Class of 2021, 5-7, SG Marcus Morgan (Iowa City West). The younger brother of former West and Northern Iowa star Jeremy Morgan, Marcus is a supremely confident offensive player with top-notch ball handling abilities to pair with a beautiful stroke off the dribble. He’s a stocky guard right now, but like Jeremy, has good length and will likely grow quite a bit still. He’s a very gifted offensive player, with the ability to stretch the floor out to the arc or get to the rim with ease. He needs to improve his finishing at the rim, but that will come as he matures. On the defensive end, he does a pretty good job moving his feet and has good awareness off the ball. He’s a highly gifted player who will be near the top of the 2021 rankings when those are released.