2021 Rankings Update: Top Shooting Guards
The freshman group of shooting guards is strong and features several players who can be division 1 caliber by the time they are graduating. The class as a whole is deep and the shooting guard group is likely the second deepest position behind point guard. Here’s a look at the top shooting guards in our newly updated 2021 rankings:
Scotty Draud, Beechwood – Scotty has the frame and skill set to wind up as a mid major or better Division 1 prospect. Draud was one of the leading Freshmen scorers in the state this year. Scotty is 6’4 and still growing but will need to start hitting the weights and adding some bulk to his wiry frame soon. After averaging 21 points per game as a freshman, Draud figures to end his career as one of the highest scoring kids in Northern Kentucky history. Scotty is playing for the 15u Louisville Magic this season.
Alijah Watts, Hopkinsville – Alijah is a smooth lefty scorer who is electric in transition. Watts just recently grew a little and is now hammering dunks in addition to being a good scorer from mid-range and a solid but streaky jump shooter from long range. Watts is a kid who figures to be near the top of the 2021 class until graduation. Alijah played last weekend with SI Select.
DaShawn Jackson, Ferderick Douglass – Jackson is one of my favorite players in Lexington right now. DaShawn is well built and can really shoot from three. As he grows and gets more athletic, Jackson could be right with Lexington Catholic’s Ben Johnson in competition for best freshman in the city of Lexington. Jackson plays with 15u Team Manimal.
Connor Robinson, Clay County – Robinson is a very high IQ guard who is at his best going to the rim and finishing through contact. Connor uses angles extremely well and is highly skilled as a finisher. He has got to improve as a perimeter shooter and make a higher percentage from the free throw line. Robinson projects as a D2 level player now but could move up a level depending on how he develops over the next few years. Connor is playing AAU with M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs 15u.
Devean Franklin, Fern Creek – If you’re looking for a sleeper type of player who could wind up in the top 5-10 before graduation, Franklin may be that guy. Skilled and athletic, Franklin has a lot of the intangibles you look for. What he needs most may be opportunity to showcase those skills. Franklin plays with Louisville Legends for AAU. As is typical of Legends kids, he is super skilled and gets better and better with development.
Other Names to Know:
Corey VanHoose, Johnson Central
Ryan Russell, Henry Clay
Destin Allen, Webster County