Updated 2020 Rankings: Highest Debuts
Iowa’s incoming juniors have had ample time to get out and showcase themselves since their high school careers began more than two years ago. Still, during the prospect rankings cycle there’s always new talent that surfaces, all the way up…
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Continue ReadingIowa’s incoming juniors have had ample time to get out and showcase themselves since their high school careers began more than two years ago. Still, during the prospect rankings cycle there’s always new talent that surfaces, all the way up to the last installment of rankings, released when the guys finish their senior seasons. Here’s eight guys who emerged as some of the class of 2020’s best prospects this past spring and summer.
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DaQuavian Walker (Watlerloo West) — No. 41
He had moderate success last season as a sophomore at Waterloo East, but had major success with All Iowa Attack this past spring. An explosive and dynamic true point guard, Walker will drop a dime at moment’s notice and gets to the rim with ease. He’ll reportedly play on the other side of town for Waterloo West this winter.
Will Zahradnik (Linn-Mar) — No. 44
The size and versatility of this 6-foot-7 forward is what’s most intriguing. We’re taking a bit of a risk ranking him so high so soon. He played no varsity last season and our viewings of him were limited this past spring and summer, but what little we did see, was utterly impressive.
Matt Ockey (Gilbert) — No. 52
Ockey is one of those guards that’s just smooth. He’s got a nice handle and a pure jumper, plus his basketball IQ was among the best we saw in the spring from anyone in this class. All of those are reasons why he was able to have so much success as a sophomore with Gilbert.
Maiwiut Jock (Des Moines Lincoln) — No. 53
This is a perfect example of a prospect ranking based on potential rather than past results. Jock played sparingly last season as a sophomore for the Rails, and averaged 1.4 points and 1.4 rebounds per game. But he’s very big, very, very long, and quite athletic. He was a bit raw last winter, but has been working to refine his skill-set. Once he gets the skills paired with the physical gifts, he could be scary good.
Garrett Pietnok (Prairie) — No. 59
What we like most about this incoming Cedar Rapids Prairie junior is his fluidity at his size. Pietnok is a 6-foot-5 forward, but moves like a wing, and with his ability to shoot it and score from all three levels, he could develop into one of the state’s better small forwards before too long.
Johnny Joens (Prairie) — No. 62
Another Cedar Rapids Prairie guy who makes a high debut (the Hawks have a solid junior class coming in), Joens is a dynamic off-guard who does not lack any confidence with his long ball. He’ll let it fly from deep and from off the bounce. He could be a big-time scorer for the Hawks the next two seasons.
Drew Jirak (Valley) — No. 67
Valley is a program where it usually takes a little bit of time for guys to surface. They seem to always be harboring some serious talent on their freshman and sophomore squads. Here’s an example of a guy that might have gotten some serious run with a less talented program’s varsity as a sophomore. The 6-foot-2 guard could be an impact player for the Tigers this winter.
Johnny Leth (Johnston) — No. 68
Johnston is starting to become one of the state’s most recurring good squads, and this year will be no exception. With guys like Johnny Leth coming through the system, it’s no wonder why. He’s a tall and very lengthy wing who will fill up the stat sheet this winter for the Dragons.