Class of 2021: Names to Watch this Weekend
You’ve heard plenty about how the Class of 2021 may be one of the most talented and deepest in the state of Oregon in recent memory. In addition to the nationally ranked top players in the class such as Nathan…
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Continue ReadingYou’ve heard plenty about how the Class of 2021 may be one of the most talented and deepest in the state of Oregon in recent memory. In addition to the nationally ranked top players in the class such as Nathan Bittle and Ben Gregg, there are several other sophomores looking to make a name for themselves in this spring live evalauation period.
Here’s a look at some of the names hoping to catch the eyes of college coaches this spring.
Nate Rawlings-Kibonge (2021 Jefferson) – Rawlings-Kibonge is running with the new Team P.U.S.H. and is their featured player. At 6-foot-7 he’ll continue to be the man in the middle but the team is giving him the opportunity to play a little more on the perimeter to show off his expanded game. He may get limited touches at times since the team is full of shooters but as long as he makes the most out of the shots he does get, he’ll be fine as Rawlings-Kibonge will no doubt make an impression with his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities.
Rayven Turner (2021 TBA) – Turner has returned to play once again with Elite 24 (Cascadia Hoops) and is determined to get his name back on the map after sitting out the second half of his sophomore year. The 6-foot-5 wing has always been an athlete so he will impress in transition but the impact he will want to make will be his ability to hit shots from the perimeter and create off the dribble.
Kamron Robinson (2021 Jefferson) – Robinson will be with the Rose City Rebels 16U team on the Nike EYBL will he will be able to first and foremost show off the improvements he’s made with his body, conditioning, and athleticism from last year. It’s been flat out amazing to see how the 6-foot-8 post has improved in these areas as there’s never been a question about his hands, footwork, and soft touch on his shot. Coaches will be waiting to see how it all fits together before giving Robinson his first scholarship offers.
Damontae Burns (2021 Parkrose) – Burns had a solid year for Parkrose as a sophomore and he’s proven himself as a scorer with his ability to get hot from beyond the arc and create off the dribble. At 6-foot-1, he needs to prove that he can be a floor leader so playing with the Rebels will give him the chance to do just that. Playing alongside some talented frontcourt players in Robinson, Gregg, and Kaden Perry should give him plenty of opportunities to find them open for shots.
Braden Hudgins (2021 Forest Grove) – Hudgins was a bit hidden playing on an overachieving Forst Grove team this past year but one thing he definitely showed he could do when given the chance was shoot and score. At 6-foot-5 he’s got good size for a wing and he’s already made an impression this spring with some high scoring games. Playing with International Elite’s 16U squad has been his first real taste of travel ball and the results are there.
Jha-Barrie Portis (2021 Southridge) – Portis is playing with Rose City Basketball’s 16U squad and is one of their featured players. He showed some real spunk and energy off the bench for Southridge on both ends of the floor and his motor alone is something that should impress college coaches. Portis is still developing offensively but he will be looking to show that he can knock down perimeter jumpers.
Dane Erikstrup (2021 Beaverton) – Erikstrup is playing up a level on the 17U squad for International Elite on the adidas Silver circuit. At 6-foot-7 he’s got size but also has the ability to face up and hit shots from out past three-point range. He’s rangy and comes from a family of hoopers as his older twin sisters have already committed to play college basketball at the D-I level. With his size and potential to play on the wing, Erikstrup could very well attract some early recruiting attention.