Ohio 2019 Rankings Update: Newcomers
The purpose of the rankings database is to provide the most complete possible picture of Ohio’s college prospects. Therefore, one of the primary motives behind updates is to include all of the newfound prospects. This time around, there’s 33 new…
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Continue ReadingThe purpose of the rankings database is to provide the most complete possible picture of Ohio’s college prospects. Therefore, one of the primary motives behind updates is to include all of the newfound prospects.
This time around, there’s 33 new players in the 2019 rankings, seven of which we’ll spotlight here.
(#62) Damion Williams, 6’7” F, Willoughby South
Williams was a late-July discovery of ours as a big who, after likely spending two years at a JUCO, could be a high-level Division II prospect. He’s a shot-blocker with a strong frame, above-the-rim finishing ability, and intriguing mid-range jumper. If his next ACT doesn’t come back positively, expect JUCOs to swarm Cleveland for Williams.
(#97) Jaylen Robinson, 6’1” PG, Hamilton
Robinson is a poised ball-handler with playmaking and scoring ability. He will play an integral role for Hamilton, a Greater Miami Conference team with reasonable expectations to win the conference. He knows how to pace a team and plays aggressive defense in an effort to cause turnovers.
(#98) Mike Hill, 6’4” W, Withrow
Hill has more upside than any player ranked lower than no. 90 because of his raw athleticism and fluid shooting mechanics. Hill looks the part. However, becoming a more productive prospect means revving up the motor and scoring the ball efficiently. Regardless, he showed signs of pulling it together this July and is already a nice defensive piece. Concord has offered.
(#112) Trevon Wells, 6’4” F/C, Cleveland Central Catholic
We didn’t really know who Wells was going into July, and that’s after watching Cleveland Central Catholic last season. CCC’s fast-pace and guard-oriented team didn’t really favor him, but we hope he gets post touches this season. All the kid needs is a chance to catch with a defender on his back. He’s a talented interior scorer with an unusual amount of moves to go to in the paint. Wells simply has enough post ability to react to the defense, and he gets to the line by getting shot-blockers in the air. Despite height concerns, we believe NAIA programs should consider Wells.
(#127) Rodney Wiley, 5’11” PG, Colerain
Wiley is a twitchy athlete capable of getting hot as a scorer quickly. He’s definitely at his best when attacking the basket and does so with a shifty left-handed in-and-out move. Although he’s an effective pull-up shooter in the mid-range, Wiley too often settles for triples, shooting 31 percent from deep as a junior. Wiley lacks size but is challenging to stay in front of because of quickness.
(#149) N’Keeley Elmore, 5’9” PG, Northland
Elmore has two standout tools to his game: spot-up outside shooting and speed. On the shooting, Elmore gets the ball out quickly and his jumper is often a product of the ball swinging around the offense. We’d like to see him become a more active off-ball guy who seeks open spots on the floor. In terms of speed, it shows in the open floor with the ball in his hands and it allows him to defend. Elmore has a moment of truth ahead in his senior year with Northland after all of their departures.
(#151) Nick Haddad, 5’8” PG, Turpin
Haddad may be a somewhat unknown commodity throughout the state. Yet, we view him as legitimate D-III role guy who can make plays. His speed and ability to stop on a dime for a snatch-back dribble is a real asset that creates separation. When Haddad penetrates all the way instead of pulling up, he looks to pass. His defensive impact and size are a concern but he can overcome with offensive production.