2019 Rankings Updates: Richmond Area Bigs
We’re heading into the senior season of the 2019 class, one that we at Prep Hoops VA have had the pleasure of watching grow from when they were just freshmen. This class has seen new players come in, some players leave for programs outside of the state, and have seen some massive changes over the years. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in July and August, and come time for the new season to start we’re sure there will be even more changes coming.
Over the next few weeks we will be breaking down the rankings by positions and locations. With that being said, here’s a look at the bigs in the Richmond area that we ranked in the 2019 rankings.
*Editors Note: These breakdowns are based on where the players play high school basketball at.
Armando Bacot | 6’9” C | IMG Academy/Team Takeover (#1 Overall)
He recently announced that he will transfer to IMG Academy in Florida for his senior season, so we will have a new number one in the 2019 rankings, but just for fun let’s break down the rise of Bacot over the past three years. He didn’t play much at the beginning of his freshman year at Trinity, but once his coach started to play him it took no time for him to make an impact. As a sophomore, he helped lead Trinity to their second state title ever, and he helped them back to the state semifinals last year. He’s as skilled a big man as you’ll find in the entire country. He has tremendous patience and footwork in the post, he scores with both hands, he can shoot the midrange and has extended his range to the three-point line and he’s a good passer out of the post. When he’s challenged he almost always rises to the occasion, and he even won a gold medal with the USA FIBA U18 team. Good luck in Florida Big Do!
Izeah Parker | 6’7” PF | Hopewell/Team Loaded 757 (#41 Overall)
Parker’s extremely recruitable because of his ceiling, as he’s super long and athletic at the four spot and once he fills out will be much more imposing on the block. He can play now, as he’s able to run the floor and crash the glass above the rim, and he also shows nice touch on his midrange jumper. He’s able to protect the rim and switch on pick and rolls, which is another asset moving forward that looks really good. His ability to get up and down and play at a fast pace is very good now, and as he learns to make an impact in the half court he should continue to develop over time.
Jordan Hernandez | 6’7” PF | Varina/Team Richmond Choice (#54 Overall)
There’s not much more you can ask of from Hernandez, who is another guy who has improved a lot as of lately. He’s a pogo stick in the post that protects the rim and hits the glass on both ends, and he’s a versatile defender who can switch pick and rolls and use his length to bother ball handlers. He has good vision and can handle in transition, but still has room to grow both on the perimeter and in the post on the offensive end. His ceiling is extremely high, and he still has a lot of room to get better especially on the offensive end, and he has things you can’t teach from a physical and athletic standpoint. He has a chance to be better in college with continued development.
Tyrese Tingle | 6’7” PF | Matoaca (#61 Overall)
One of the more offensively talented big men in the Richmond area, Tingle can really fill it up in the half court set with his versatility. He has a big body that he uses to clear space in the paint, he can finish with both hands around the basket and he has range to step out and knock down midrange jumpers and can step out all the way to the three-point line. He gets up and down the floor well, and he’s a decent athlete for his size that allows him to finish above the rim in transition. His ability to just flat out score it on the block is impressive, and he should have a big senior year for Matoaca this year.
Lawson Quinn | 6’9” C | CVA Patriots/VA Blaze (#70 Overall)
Quinn is well under the radar because he’s a home school kid, but watch him for a little bit and you’ll realize that he can play with some of the best bigs in the state. He has good size and length in the post, he plays with a high motor and makes a difference with the ball in his hands or not. He’s a good screener and cutter, getting others and himself easy shots by moving without the ball. He’s a good passer out of the post, he can score over both shoulders with his back to the basket and he’s a big time finisher above the rim in the paint. He’s physical and has a high IQ, and he’s an option for high academic schools looking for a big to develop.
Jalen Jordan | 6’6” PF | James River/Team Richmond Choice (#109 Overall)
Jordan is the type of high school big man you want on your team, because he’s relentless in the post, plays his tail off all game long and is super productive. He’s undersized for the next level, but he has a decent skill set that allows him to score over bigger guys, he outworks them on the glass and he causes mismatches. He can shoot the midrange off the catch, he keeps plays alive on both ends of the floor and he’s tough to guard in face up scenarios when he catches on the block or in the mid-post. Regardless of being a little undersized, he consistently produces at a high level while being efficient as well.
Jalen Hargrove | 6’5” PF | Matoaca/Team Richmond Select (#130 Overall)
A high energy four man that gets after it on both ends, Hargrove is a glue guy that’s productive in a number of ways. He rebounds on both ends, he runs the floor hard, he finishes around the paint and he defends multiple positions as well. He plays well in transition because he’s versatile, he can fill lanes and beat defenders down the floor but he can also grab the rebound and push with the ball in his hands as well. He’s shown the ability to knock down shots from deep, which also keeps defenses on their heels. He’s a high motor and versatile four man who would benefit from an extra year.
Nick Blair | 6’6” PF | Cosby/River City Reign (#133 Overall)
A great small college prospect, Blair is an undersized four but he’s improved his game to where he can step out and make shots and he’s a good passer at the high post. He plays with passion, attacking the glass on both ends, diving on the floor for loose balls, etc., and he’s a skilled guy who can cause mismatches at the four spot. He’s a high IQ player who understands spacing, but he’s also gritty on both ends as he’ll bang in the post and play big when he has to. His ability to cause mismatches with decent size and high academics is a reason that he’ll get a lot of college attention this July.