Best Freshmen I’ve Seen So Far
First looks at top freshmen in the high school season never fails as one of the most compelling scouting storylines. It’s one of those, “Hey have you seen the 6’6” guard from that Division IV school in Dayton yet?” sort…
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Continue ReadingFirst looks at top freshmen in the high school season never fails as one of the most compelling scouting storylines. It’s one of those, “Hey have you seen the 6’6” guard from that Division IV school in Dayton yet?” sort of deals that us nerds with the notepads love to ruminate and tell you about. And, yes there really is a 6’6” kid at Legacy Christian we will talk about soon.
Anyways, this article will simply fill you in on 10 2022 prospects I’ve seen this season who have a chance to blossom into exciting college prospects.
The players are split into two tiers, depending on their current role for their team. The Donovan Mitchell Tier touches on three freshmen who, from day one, have been given the reigns. These kids are primary scorers or ball-handlers, similar to Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell’s rookie role last NBA season.
De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings didn’t have as large of a role as a rookie but has quickly become a star in year two. Therefore, the De’Aaron Fox Tier includes Ohio freshmen who are playing in a complimentary role this season. We expect these players to eventually become centerpieces for their high school, but it’s hard to fully evaluate them in their current role. The summer, however, will give greater insight on their capabilities and skills.
Donovan Mitchell Tier
Mike Sharavjamts, 6’6” G/W, Legacy Christian Academy
The Mongolian native is going to have his way with Division IV competition at LCA for his entire career and will likely play on a circuit for AAU. He’s a tall, fluid guard who can handle the ball and pass. Will provide a secondary ball-handler alongside a lead guard. His height gives him unusual court-vision and the luxury to shoot over defenders. The jumper is pure and he can create space for it with both size and skill.
We caught LCA on opening weekend when they lost big to Reynoldsburg. He lacked assertiveness, but it was game two. As he becomes less timid around contact, Sharavjamts will become a dominate force. Currently, he’s a double-digit scorer that chips in on the glass and is trusted as a primary play-maker.
Paul McMillan, 6’1” G, Hughes
McMillan impressed us with speed and his ability to finish with his right hand in traffic against Moeller. He’s a volume scorer as Hughes’s primary ball-handler. From the outside, McMillan shoots with range and an unorthodox-low shooting release but it goes in when he has space. Maybe his greatest effect on the game is to control pace. McMillan likes to push quickly after the other team scores and he’s extremely fast. Around the rim, he avoids charges and shot-blockers with elusive gathers.
Danny Young Jr., 6’0” PG, Shaker Heights
We like Young a lot. He’s been Shaker’s top player immediately with his ability to both score and play-make. Young can score it inside and out with a high-arching jumper than extends beyond the 3-point line. He blows by defenders with speed and is talented as a ball-handler in tight spaces. Young sees the floor well on drives and likes to pass late to open shooters. His ability to collapse the defense will give opponents trouble his entire career.
De’Aaron Fox Tier
Robert Dorsey, 5’8” G, Northland
Dorsey is an unorthodox scorer with a low lefty jumper. He changes pace very well and knows how to pull-up or go to the floater instead of being blocked at the rim. Dorsey plays with a lot of heart on both ends and has to overcome size. Good feel on the drive and likes to make a pass after one-dribble.
Greg Pitts, 6’1” G/W, Cleveland Heights
Pitts is a lengthy, quick guard that comes off the Heights bench and gets after it on defense. His current role is as an energy guy. Pitts also impressed us with his activity as an off-ball cutter and his efforts on the offensive glass. Physical tools give him upside.
Maurice Purley, 5’7” PG, Whitmer
Purley is a quick, smart basketball player. He’s the only non-senior in Whitmer’s starting lineup and is currently learning behind one of the best undersized point guards in Ohio, Trey Syroka. Purley makes quick decisions with the ball and possesses elite court vision. Doesn’t overdribble, so it will be interesting to see if that translates when he has more responsibility. Purley shoots the ball well when he has an open look and doesn’t force contested ones.
Nate Houston, 6’1” G, Rogers
Houston is a lean, athletic guard who is working as a spark plug scorer off the Rogers bench. His left-handed outside shooting ability impresses off the catch. Houston also makes good passes from the wing and has the quickness to slide his feet on defense. He will likely develop behind juniors Ketaan Wyatt and DaSean Nelson for another season before blooming as a junior.
Elmore James IV, 6’1” G, Brush
James is, for sure, the most impressively built guard on this list. He’s profoundly muscular and powerful for his age and he uses that strength to absorb contact on the drive and to defend. James is fearless on the attack and tries to draw contact when he drives. His jumper was inconsistent against St. Edward, but we could imagine it becoming a threat given his confidence and solid mechanics. Lateral quickness and his strong chest should make defense his true calling card.
Rich Rolf, 6’6” F, Centerville
Rolf is doubling as a JV and varsity player currently but he’s capable of playing at that highest level right now. Rolf’s feet, size, and ball skills give him a lot of hope as a prospect going forward. Avid rebounder who puts it back up at the rim quickly on the offensive glass. He rebounds with length and quick bounce. Rolf can score inside or face-up away from the basket for straight-line drives. Smart passer who likes to deliver drop downs to other bigs. Rolf can truly defend guards on the perimeter. He’s versatile.
AJ Jump, 6’4” F, Toledo St. John’s
Jump is a thick athlete that has, by design, hung out around the perimeter a lot in SJJ’s offense. He’s been used as a spot-up shooter and player who facilitates some offense at the arch. Capable outside shooter with a high-arching shot. Could develop into a dangerous pick-and-pop player. Mostly defends fours and can move his feet pretty well away from the rim. Jump can score it with his back to the basket, too.