2020 Ranking Preview: The Reason Why (Top Ten)
We have decided to explain our reasoning behind the decisions made towards the top ten of the 2020 mid-season player rankings. Read to see why each player will be ranked at their particular spot. 10. Jamal Shead: Shead remains…
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Continue ReadingWe have decided to explain our reasoning behind the decisions made towards the top ten of the 2020 mid-season player rankings. Read to see why each player will be ranked at their particular spot.
10. Jamal Shead: Shead remains steady within the top ten after a solid season thus far at his new high school. He is a pure point guard who scores, facilitates and is one of the best on-ball defenders in the state. Shead and his Manor squad looks to enter the playoffs on a high note as they will most likely be crowned district champions this season.
9. Tramon Mark: Mark is looking like the player he was thought to be when he was ranked as a five-star prospect in the initial ESPN 25. He has played his way into the top ten after putting up amazing scoring performances during the fall semester. The three-star guard still must improve his I.Q. on the floor, but his athleticism to go along with his knack to score gives him the chance to be really special. If he can carry on his high school momentum into the summer, do not be surprised if he resurges back to comfortable four-star status.
8. Jaquan Scott: Scott’s skilled and polished offensive game at his size places him within the top ten. His talent has never been in question, but his attitude and body language is something he must always keep in check. If he can improve his mindset and consistently play his brand of best basketball, big things will await the three-star forward.
7. Richard Amaefule: The England native looks to be turning the corner as a productive two-way hybrid four. The four-star forward loves midrange jumper offensively and is extremely versatile on the defensive end. His ability to protect the rim and switch on guards off ball screens translates. He has a chance to make another big jump if his skillset continues to progress. Amaefule holds two offers from LSU and TCU, but expect more high majors to jump on board this summer.
6. Jakobe Coles: Coles has a chance to be a very productive college player. His consistency and skillset keeps him slotted in the top ten. The Guyer big man has shedded weight and is more mobile than he ever has been in his high school career. His polish inside the arc will be key as the Wildcats look to make an appearance in San Antonio.
5. Jonathan Aku: Aku will keep his title as the one center in Texas after a dominant season up to this point. At his size, he is immovable in the paint on both ends, and works hard to grab every rebound possible. The four-star big man moves up two spots because of the progression in his offensive game inside. Once the Nigerian native improves his hands and footwork, he will be an unstoppable post presence.
4. L.J. Cryer: Cryer stays in the top five because of his scorer’s mentality. He is simply not fazed by any defense and will provide instant offense at the high major level. His main strength fills a need at any school looking to let him rock.
3. Micah Peavy: His effortless athleticism, ever improving outside game, and high ceiling keeps him at the number three spot. What makes Peavy special is his unselfishness. He plays within the system and is a willing passer. The four-star wing does not know good he really is.
2. Greg Brown III: His NBA-ready athleticism, ever improving jumpshot, and ability to take over a game keeps him at the number two spot. We were strongly considering him for the number one spot, but his struggles on the perimeter when being tightly defended by athletic guards had to be taken into account. He is one the best power forwards/basketball players in the country for his class and is a target for top-tier high major programs across the country.
1. R.J. Hampton: Hampton is the best player in the state regardless of class. He performed well against the best of the best and deserves that title as of now. However, players from other classes still can retrieve or capture it. Tyrese Maxey, Samuell Williamson, and (recently mentioned) Greg Brown III still are performing like potential draft picks. It will be interesting to see if Hampton can hold his reign throughout this season, upcoming summer, and the rest of his career.
Honorable Mention: