Ohio’s 2019 Spring Stock-Risers
Sometimes you don’t need to wait until the traditional “right time” to make a move. And sometimes colleges don’t need to wait until July to extend an offer, because a prospect’s talent is so evident in April and May.
Several Ohio prospects are going into Columbus and Lima this weekend with offers already under their belt. Others are likely to gather them soon. To put a bow on the early spring, we’re taking a look at Ohio’s Spring Stock-Risers, both with and without offers. Although plenty of Ohio’s top prospects are playing well right now, this is the upper crust of spring performers.
To start, we’re looking at all of the 2019 prospects who have received an offer this spring.
Javohn Garcia, 6’2” PG, All Ohio Red / Pickerington Central
In our eyes, Garcia has established himself as the second best true point guard in the 2019 class (and the best one healthy) with his ability to facilitate a team. He also has versatility on the defensive end of the floor. Hitting outside shots more consistently is the next step for Red’s floor general.
Springtime offer: Air Force
Landen Long, 5’11” PG, Mason / Apex
Long has taken advantage of an expanded role this spring by facilitating the offense and stretching the floor for Apex. He shows poise and bursts of athleticism.
Springtime offers: Goshen
Nathan Bruns, 6’7” W, Northwest Ohio Basketball Club / Marion Local
Bruns has capitalized on the State Championship spotlight this spring by showing his two-way versatility. Although it’s unclear which sport he’ll continue to play at the college level, Bruns now has three basketball scholarships from in-state programs.
Springtime offer: Toledo
Brandon Rush, 6’1” G, TNBA Ohio / Warrensville Heights
Rush is a dynamic guard with a pair of Division I scholarship opportunities. He’s able to create separation for a jumper or finish over the top in transition.
Springtime offers: Central Connecticut
Evan Bainbridge, 6’9” F, Ohio Basketball Club / Stow
Less than a year after Bainbridge exited his 16U grassroots season with zero college interest, he’s now being tracked by a number of D-I programs. The stretch forward has good feet and a soft touch around the basket.
Springtime offers: Northeastern, Kent State
Bash Wieland, 6’4” G/W, Cincy Lakers / Lakota East
Wieland is a shot-creator from the wing that can score it from all three levels. He’s also showcased defensive flexibility this spring and could defend 2-4 against certain lineups at the next level. Strong academics with a 4.0 GPA and 26 ACT.
Springtime offers: Fairmont State, Christian Brothers, West Georgia
Jacob Drees, 6’6” W, Nova (Russell) / Hilliard Davidson
Drees combines the ability to facilitate an offense from the primary ball-handler position with reliable post-up ability. The versatile offensive player is one of Ohio’s top D-II prospects because of his skill and size.
Springtime offers: Urbana, Georgian Court
Philip Alston, 6’5” F, Nova (James) / Westerville North
Alston has promising athleticism, mobility, and rebounding ability at the forward spot. He’s excelled in his role off the bench this spring by providing consistent energy and getting to the bucket on straight-line drives out of the face-up.
Springtime offers: Cedarville
Ethan Conley, 6’3” G/W, Dayton Metro / Franklin Monroe
Conley has a mature skill-set as a wing scorer. He uses a quick handle and upper body strength to create separation in the mid-range. Conley can also rebound in traffic and defend multiple spots.
Springtime offers: Ashland, Urbana, Cedarville, Findlay, Tiffin
Bo Myers, 6’5” G/W, Ohio Hoopsters – Nakasian / Logan
Myers is a skilled scorer with a consistent outside stroke that can post-up smaller guards on the block. He’s a capable athlete that plays with an edge.
Springtime offers: Air Force, Malone
Ryan Nunn, 5’11” PG, Northwest Ohio Basketball Club / Findlay
The combo guard from Findlay is playing with a pace that puts pressure on the defense. The downhill attacker loves to settle in at the mid-range for his pull-up jumper. He’s also distributing better than ever currently.
Springtime offers: Goshen, Madonna
Derek Van Vlerah, 6’5” W, Nova (James) / Dublin Coffman
Despite being sidelined for much of the spring, the long athletic wing picked up his first offer recently. Van Vlerah is a vertical athlete who is just starting to scratch the surface as a hooper.
Springtime offers: Air Force
Josh Corbin, 6’3” G, All Ohio Red / Gahanna
During EYBL play, Corbin is shooting 42 percent from 3-point land on 93 attempts. He’s able to use his deep ball threat to get separation for pull-ups and floaters. But maybe most impressive, Corbin is able to convert the 3-point shot with little separation and doesn’t need his feet set.
Springtime offers: Robert Morris, James Madison, Kent State, Boston
Offers are yet to roll in for the following three prospects, but their performances this spring have changed their evaluation in a notable way.
Jackie Harris, 6’6” F, All Ohio Gold / Toledo St. Francis
Harris has a skilled package on the offensive end. He’s capable of stretching out an opposing big with his 3-point shooting ability. Harris can also create shots with this back to the basket, including deep hook shots or a step-through. Tips a lot of rebounds to teammates and is active on the offensive glass.
Kevin Davet, 6’9” C, All Ohio Black / St. Ignatius
Davet’s fluidity as an athlete has been a nice surprise this spring. He’s able to use his newfound athleticism on post-ups or to defend the basket. Davet is gaining strength, power, and confidence in the paint.
Jake Plantz, 6’4” G/W, All Ohio Gold / Genoa
Plantz is a quick and strong athlete with lock-down defensive ability on the ball. He’s also showed some offensive flexibility as a post-up guy or 3-point shooter. Becoming more consistent from distance would help. Gets out in transition.