Best Uncommitted 2019 Point Guards
Decision time is quickly approaching for the seniors who are “waiting until the end of the season” to look over their options and make a commitment! In terms of point guards, here are the top prospects remaining! Javohn Garcia, 6’3”,…
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Continue ReadingDecision time is quickly approaching for the seniors who are “waiting until the end of the season” to look over their options and make a commitment! In terms of point guards, here are the top prospects remaining!
Javohn Garcia, 6’3”, Pickerington Central
Garcia is the only unsigned point guard in Ohio who has received a Division I offer in the last six months. Toledo and James Madison offered on consecutive days following a memorable Flyin’ to the Hoop performance from the senior stock-riser. Garcia’s ability to use and long strides has always been a factor as a slasher and defender. Recently, though, Garcia has become more explosive around the basket. Also shooting it a bit better this season. More opportunities may open up if the 20-1 Tigers make a third-consecutive State Tournament run.
Jeremiah Keene, 6’0”, Westerville North
Lincoln Memorial offered Keene a week ago, opening up the potential of a reunion with Julius Brown, a Westerville North 2018 graduate. He has also received offers from South Carolina Upstate (July 2018), Stony Brook (2017), and UT-Martin (2017).
Keene’s outside shooting ability is a terrific asset that allows him to put pressure on the defense as a primary ball-handler or play away from the ball. Good feel in the pick-and-roll, as he prefers to pick apart the defense from the top of the key.
DJ Dial, 5’9”, Brush
Dial has earned an assortment of offers in his time as a four-year starter at Brush — Notre Dame (OH), Urbana, Kent State, Cleveland State — with the Division II ones coming more recently. He has hovered around ten assists per game as a senior, leading Brush to a 16-2 record.
Dial is the focal point of the Brush offense as a creator. Able to keep his dribble alive in the paint and make passes late. Total command of the team. Defends well at the point of attack. Has added a consistent outside shot to go with his patentned floater in the middle of the lane.
Trey Syroka, 5’10”, Whitmer
Syroka has a lot of appeal. First of all, his academic pedigree separates him. His playmaking ability and agility with the ball is off the charts, too. Like Dial, Syroka keeps his dribble alive in the paint and can probe the baseline to find shooters. Creates separation with head fakes and hesitation dribbles when driving hard right or left. Terrific vision. Finally, Whitmer is in pole position to represent Toledo in a Regional Final against either Lorain or St. Vincent-St. Mary.
Alex Dotson, 6’4”, Purcell Marian
Dotson is the primary ball-handler for Purcell while defending multiple positions. While he seems most comfortable as an initiator of offense, Dotson could likely play on the wing in college, too. A high-academic recruit, Dotson also shows intelligence on the floor with his vision on the drive. His shooting percentages have gone way up from junior to senior year. More of a slasher, regardless. Rebounds in traffic.
Erik Painter, 6’2”, Bay
The four-year starter is one of the best outside shooters at the point guard position that Ohio has to offer. Painter is averaging 20.5 points per game while connecting on close to two 3-pointers each night. He’s also able to pump fake and get into the lane for clever shots from the second level.
Milton Gage, 5’11”, Chaminade Julienne
Gage is going to make an immediate impact at the next level with his energy and defensive ability, before likely transitioning into a starting guard. Terrific pull-up shooting ability and he is most comfortable from about 15 feet. Moves his feet extremely well and also has good instincts on help-side. Gage has nearly cut his turnover numbers in half from junior to senior year.
Alek West, 6’2”, Northview
West has led Northview to an undefeated record and, at 21.6 points and 9.3 rebounds a night, he may qualify for First Team All-State in Division I. He’s a big guard who understands how to shield defenders on his way into the paint. West can play at both a slow and fast pace. Loves to get into his shot-put floater from the middle of the paint.
Demarco Bradley Jr., 5’7”, Taft
Bradley’s college offers have come on the football side and we expect him to head that direction because of it. However, the point man for Taft has proven capable of playing high level hoops with the Senators and All Ohio Red on the EYBL circuit. Game-changing speed as an on-ball defender and transition playmaker. Shooting the ball pretty well this year, too.
Brandon Beavers, 6’3”, Harvest Prep
A tall lefty with a patient game, Beavers has emerged over the course of the last 12 months. Beavers distributes the rock to a plethora of shooters and wing creators for HP. At times, though, Beavers has shown an ability to score inside by taking advantage of his height. Doesn’t really turn it over. Can play a quick or slow game. Changes speeds well. Top three in Columbus at 5.6 APG, per The Dispatch.
Treohn Watkins, 5’11” PG, Columbus South
Watkins is a terrific outside shooter with a lot of burst going end to end. Able to blow-by the first line of defense before stopping on a dime for pull-ups of floaters. Continuing to use his speed to make plays for others will push his game to the next level.
Owen Hiegel, 5’10”, Ottawa-Glandorf
Hiegel didn’t play AAU this summer, nor has he ever to our knowledge. You may have never heard of him. But it’s time to jump on the shot-creator before it’s too late. A healthy amount of confidence and toughness from the point guard spot. Not an explosive athlete but a dynamic ball-handler who can draw separation off the dribble. Shoots it very well. Makes the right play on the drive.
DJ Harrell, 6’0”, East Tech
An emerging senior, Harrell is likely going to become a steal at the Division III level. Plays the game the right way. Finds open shooters on the attack and is a very willing passer. Harrell can also hurt you with a consistent pull-up jumper. Rock solid, quick defender that cuts off the drive quite well.
Curtis Houston, 6’3”, Richmond Heights
Houston is a big, skilled, score-minded lead guard who could lead Richmond Heights on a Division IV postseason run. He has shot the ball very well with space this season. Crafty foot-work around the basket on drives. Effective hesitation move.
Shaunn Monroe, 6’0”, Fairborn
Monroe has had a ridiculous senior season, averaging 24.7 points and shooting 45 percent from 3 on a high-volume of attempts. Thomas More offered Monroe in that time, also. True stock-riser. Crafty scorer around the basket who handles contact quite well at his size. Confident outside shooter who doesn’t need much space.