The Division II Tier: 2020
Now that the Early Signing Period for 2019 prospects is over, Division II and NAIA programs are likely adding depth to their recruiting boards for the 2020 class. In order to lend a helping hand on a tough job, here’s our list of players who fit the bill after their 16U season.
There are short blurbs throughout but keep in mind that we’re listing players in descending order, according to our 2020 Prospect Rankings.
Jake Younkin, 6’2” G, Moeller
Leading off our list is Younkin, a player who will receive significant run for Moeller for the first time this season. He is one of the few players on this list with a D-II offer already, as Fairmont gave him one last month.
Curtis Harrison, 6’5” F, Seven Hills
If Harrison can remain healthy for his upperclassmen years, he could very well pull himself up to the Division I tier. He is pretty much there physically while having a soft shooting touch and face-up scoring abiliy.
Luke Lachey, 6’7” F, Grandview Heights
Max Land, 6’4” W/F, Moeller
Carson Ryan, 6’5” G/W, Boardman
Ethyn Kuhns, 6’4” G, Bloom Carroll
Alex Mangold, 6’7” F, Lakota East
Caleb Terry, 6’10” C, Alexander
Qian Magwood, 5’11” PG, Walnut Ridge
Luke Howes, 6’0” PG, Fairview
Especially if Magwood ends up as a Division I football recruit, Howes becomes the preeminent point guard recruit for Division II programs. He’s a well-rounded playmaker in the half-court offense who knows how to make his matchup uncomfortable on the other end.
Tyler Eberhart, 6’6” F, Kenton Ridge
Eberhart was good for about 20 points every time he stepped onto the court this grassroots season. His ability to create shots and plays from the pinch post is his greatest skill. Instinctual offensive player who is growing as an athlete.
Trey Robinson, 6’5” W, Hamilton
Dalton Mischal, 6’4” W/F, McClain
Mischal is the classic hybrid prospect. At 6’4” he’s a little undersized to play the four although it’s his natural position. He compensates for that height disadvantage by being strong enough to defend forwards, yet he’s fast enough to make plays in transition and defend wings.
Aaron Ward, 6’6” W/F, Winton Woods
It’s time for Ward to go from potential to production in a recognizable way. Although he has the athleticism and size to be recruited at a Division I level, Ward averaged just 4.0 points and 2.7 rebounds as a sophomore for Princeton.
Trevon Ellis, 6’3′ G, Stivers
Hunter Shedenhelm, 6’4” G/W, Pickerington North
Given the cachet that comes with being a primary option at a place like Pickerington North, Shedenhelm may even leave his junior year with Division II offers. He’s a big and long guard who, although slight of frame, can defend multiple spots and has become increasingly capable of creating off the dribble.
Jonzell Norrils, 5’11” PG, Toledo Central Catholic
Paul Burris, 6’5” W/F, Delaware Hayes
Brent Darby Jr., 6’6” F, Garfield Heights
Dominick Moegerle, 6’3” W/F, Hoban
Max Mollman, 6’7” C, Upper Arlington
Jagger Haynes, 6’6” F, Massillon Washington
Cameron McCreary, 5’11” PG, Upper Sandusky
McCreary, who transferred to US from Colonel Crawford, is a sure thing fit at this level of college basketball. Despite lacking size, he’s an elite thinker of the game who knows how to bait defenses out of position in order to create high-percentage looks. He continues to tighten up on his shooting ability and effectiveness in the lane, too.
Kade Ruegsegger, 6’3” G, Dover
We’re excited to see more from Ruegsegger, who we only caught this summer for the first time. He’s was one of the most consistent spot-up shooters we came across in 2018 and his size is collegiate for the 2-guard position. We do, however, want to see him become more of a threat when open shots aren’t available.
Ketaan Wyatt, 6’3” PG, Rogers
Mason Loeffler, 6’3” G, Evergreen
Loeffler missed all but July this grassroots season but we urge everyone to get a look at him when you can. Not only can he shoot the ball when open, he just makes scoring the ball look very easy with his nonchalant one-dribble pull-ups off ball fakes and jab steps. He’s comfortable shooting off motion and under duress. Pretty good athlete at the rim, also.