The 10 Best Prospects in Wisconsin Regardless of Class
Taking into factor age, upside and potential, skill level, and long term development, here are the top 10 college prospects in Wisconsin regardless of class… 1. Jalen Johnson – 2020 – G/F – Nicolet This is still, without a…
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Continue ReadingTaking into factor age, upside and potential, skill level, and long term development, here are the top 10 college prospects in Wisconsin regardless of class…
1. Jalen Johnson – 2020 – G/F – Nicolet
This is still, without a doubt, the best prospect to come out of Wisconsin in the internet rankings era. When it comes to impacting the game as a scorer, facilitator, rebounder, shot blocker, and defender, nobody can match Johnson’s all-around ability. When you talk about a kid that can score 30-40 points on any given night and scoring is about the third or fourth best thing that he does, Johnson cements himself as a transcendent player in this state. At 6-foot-9 and still growing, Johnson is a positionless prospect that flirts with a triple-double every time out. The knocks on Johnson are few and far between. The concern over his outside shot is well overblown and Johnson seems to play his best in the biggest moments.
College/Pro Comparison: Ben Simmons
2. Patrick Baldwin Jr. – 2021 – G/F – Sussex Hamilton
If we were talking about best pro prospects, Baldwin probably takes the number one spot. This could be the second coming of Klay Thompson, but Baldwin might be able to do more off the dribble. The lengthy, 6-foot-8 wing can get just about any shot he wants on and off the ball. At his size and length, defenders can rarely get a decent challenge. A sharpshooter with unlimited range, Baldwin pairs that with excellent handles and a pull-up game, able to score from anywhere on the floor. Still not developed physically, Baldwin could certainly be number one on this list a year from now once his body starts to fill out.
College/Pro Comparison: Klay Thompson
3. Michael Foster Jr. – 2021 F/C – Milwaukee Washington
When Foster showcases his best stuff, there’s not a huge gap between him and Johnson or Baldwin…if any. If Foster becomes more consistent, he’s definitely got a case to be number one on this list. The 6-foot-8 forward can shoot and handle the ball like a guard and is one of the toughest players in the state to stop at the rim and runs the floor like a deer. A huge mismatch problem, Foster can pull his man out of the paint and create shots from the perimeter. He’s comfortable scoring off balance. When he gets touches on the block, Foster is too strong and too athletic to contain.
College/Pro Comparison: Ivan Rabb
4. Jamari Sibley – 2020 – F – Nicolet
Sibley has about all the upside you could want in a prospect. At 6-foot-9, Sibley has even better length for his size. The junior needs to be a better shot creator and take advantage of his physical gifts as well as do more when it comes to playing under the rim, but if you pair Sibley with an unselfish floor general, he can really thrive. Sibley is extremely dangerous in transition, always hunting alley-oops and following up misses for second chance opportunities. A terrific shot blocker from the weak-side, Sibley keeps opponents out of the paint and forces teams to beat them from the outside.
College/Pro Comparison: Hakim Warrick
5. Steven Clay – 2022 – SF – Menomonee Falls
We won’t have him as the number one player in the 2022 class to start, but Clay has five-star potential nationally. A skilled wing who can shoot the rock, Clay has a chance to be a deadly scorer in the coming years. A plus-length wing with a sweet stroke, Clay needs to add weight and get tougher with the ball in his hands, but that should come with age. He’ll knock down shots all day from 3-point range, but we love his in-between game even more and touch in traffic.
College Comparison: Charles Matthews
6. Jeffery Brazziel – 2022 – SF – Milwaukee Bradley Tech
A long, athletic wing/forward in the 2022 class, there’s a lot to like about Brazziel. The number one prospect in Wisconsin’s 2022 class as of now, Brazziel is a smooth slashing prospect with great touch around the rim. The lefty makes it look effortless at times. He can impact the game as a shot blocker and rebounder, playing bigger than his size. Brazziel also plays the passing lanes very well and has a chance to be a quality defender with his ability to match up with guards and forwards.
College Comparison: Chris Clarke
7. David Joplin – 2021 – PF – Brookfield Central
There’s still a good portion of the state and college recruiters who don’t know how good this kid is yet. Joplin really came into his own in the spring, showcasing some dominant stretches of basketball. The 6-foot-6 sophomore is quite skilled down on the block and in the high post. He has some advanced primary and even secondary post moves for his age. Joplin can also step out and shoot the basketball from 3-point range and is very effective in the pick n’ pop game.
College Comparison: Marcus Landry
8. Nobal Days – 2019 – F/C – Racine Park
For No. 8 on this list, Days has some ridiculous upside. A prospect who still isn’t even close to his ceiling, Days’ best days are likely down the road. The 6-foot-9 big man is long, athletic, and very unique. He leads Racine Park in rebounds, blocks, steals, and assists. Days continues to show flashes offensively, including an improved 3-point stroke and better touch with the jump hook from around five feet. The Tulane commit may need a redshirt season, but once he adds weight/strength in a collegiate conditioning program, could immediately make a big jump.
College Comparison: A.J. Edu
9. Johnny Davis – 2020 – SG – La Crosse Central
He might not shoot the ball as well as you’d like from a two-guard, but when you factor in Davis’ motor, intangibles, all-around athleticism, and toughness, this is still a very dangerous prospect. A lot of people label upside as a physical attribute — length, athleticism, or untapped physical potential. Davis’ upside comes into play as a shooter. Case in point, he averaged 17 points per game on about 50 percent shooting in the UA Association, while doing most of his damage inside 15 feet. Imagine how good of a prospect Davis could be if that 3-point shot catches up? Worst case scenario, Davis is likely one of the better defenders in whatever conference he ends up with with the ability to create offense going to the rim.
College Comparison: Michael Flowers
10. Kobe Johnson – 2021 – PG – Nicolet
Not really quite sure where to place Johnson just yet, seeing as how he could be a much different player by his senior season. Growing quickly, Johnson is now 6-foot-3 with some of the best passing skills in the state and has proven to be a quality defender with quick hands and anticipation. Johnson has terrific vision and like his brother a feel for the game you can’t teach. Johnson looks like he might end up being 6-foot-5 or bigger. A true point guard with that type of size and vision with a budding ability to create his own shot that’s only going to get better? Watch out…
College Comparison: Devon Hall
Also Considered: David Skogman, Terrance Thompson, Anthony Washington, Carter Gilmore, James Graham, Brayden Dailey, Deontay Long, Tyrese Hunter, Cameron Palesse, Seth Trimble, Maximus Nelson