2020 Rankings Update: Newcomers
Scholarship-level talent was added to the 2020 Rankings today. Below, we recognize a host of breakout juniors, highlighting their strengths going into the spring. Deshaun Nettles | 6-7 PF | Cleveland Central Catholic | #40 There are few players we’re…
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Continue ReadingScholarship-level talent was added to the 2020 Rankings today. Below, we recognize a host of breakout juniors, highlighting their strengths going into the spring.
Deshaun Nettles | 6-7 PF | Cleveland Central Catholic | #40
There are few players we’re more excited to watch this summer than the versatile forward from Cleveland Central Catholic. Nettles flashes a lot of athleticism and skill, but hangs out on the perimeter more than you’d expect for someone who looks like he should score inside at will. He’s effective in transition. Rebounds pretty well. His jumper is inconsistent but the mechanics of his shot look solid.
Luke Floriea | 5-10 PG | Mentor | #42
Floreia has received several Division I football offers in the past few months. He’s also a scholarship-level guard, despite giving up a size advantage on most nights. His speed and quickness are both elite — tools he uses to get into the lane and play irritating defense. Fantastic instincts and court sense. Finds creative ways to dish assists on the drive while also being an ambidextrous finisher. Threat to shoot it from outside, even pulling up in transition for 3s with Mentor this season. Floriea is big time.
Bilal Sow | 6-4 PF | Canal Winchester | #67
Sow is a big-bodied forward with a lot of ball skills and the ability to shoot it from outside. While Sow can score it from deep, he can also finish with strength inside and rebound the ball. Capable of putting it on the floor and making a play. Good pick-and-pop threat.
Cameron Evans | 6-0 PG | Zane Trace | #73
Evans is a well-rounded combo guard that scores the ball impressively in the paint for his size. Put up major numbers for Zane Trace as a junior — the type that earned him a D-II offer and will turn the spotlight to him in the 17U season. Good first step. Deals with contact very well as a ball-handler and finisher. Capable shooter off the dribble. Fundamentally sound. Good team defender and rather quick laterally. Doesn’t make many mistakes.
Jevontae Jones | 6-5 SF | Richmond Heights | #78
An athletic combo forward who has a chance to be really good, Jones has our attention this grassroots season. Doesn’t shoot a remarkably high-percentage on jumpers but the stroke is promising. Physical slasher who can elevate. Rebounds with tenacity, and generally plays with intensity. Jones can defend the wing and smaller posts very well.
Isaiah Ingle | 6-8 C | Northland | #94
Ingle seems like he might be on the verge of blossoming over the next two years or so. A raw center, Ingle sometimes moves mechanically and has a tendency to struggle catching the ball. He, however, is extremely long and can get above the rim for a rebound or dunk in a hurry. Lot of potential as a rim protector, floor-runner, and pick-and-roll big.
Zachary Szul | 6-3 PG | Anthony Wayne | #168
Liked what we saw from Szul when watching Anthony Wayne in the tournament. Big point guard who uses his body well to create separation for efficient pull-ups or finishes. Szul has a nice stroke. Makes opposing point guards uncomfortable with his size. Sees the floor well and delivers good drop-down passes when help-side comes over.
Nate Brighton | 6-4 PF | Evergreen | #173
Brighton is a skilled forward that should grab the interest of small school programs this season if he plays in front of the right crowds. Capable of putting the ball on the floor and making a play. Solid mid-range shooter and rebounder. Slight frame.