Class of 2021 Rankings Update: First Look
The class of 2021 rankings are in the process of being updated. Here’s a closer look at the key questions/trends we’re examining before the next rankings reveal… Dailey vs. Joplin For No. 2 With Michael Foster planning on attending…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2021 rankings are in the process of being updated. Here’s a closer look at the key questions/trends we’re examining before the next rankings reveal…
Dailey vs. Joplin For No. 2
With Michael Foster planning on attending Hillcrest Prep (AZ) next season, everyone moves up a spot. The No. 2 position will belong to either David Joplin (Brookfield Central) or Brayden Dailey (Cuba City).
With Joplin, his body much further along at this point. He’s not as skilled as Dailey, but certainly has the same three-level scoring capabilities and certainly has an advantage when it comes to generating easy points down on the block.
However, Dailey may have the better long term upside. He’s far from filled out physically and is already a better leaper. The 6-foot-5 sophomore is a lights out shooter and can’t be left open from 3-point range.
The determining factor in the end might be who’s less of a tweener. Both prefer to be more perimeter-oriented. Defensively, it will be interesting to see who has the lateral quickness to defend the wing and/or the better skills to create off the dribble.
Also don’t count of Cameron Palesse for this spot in the future. The Waukesha West standout had a really strong spring and can absolutely play his way up the list as well, given that he’s a 6-foot-3 point guard who’s not nearly done filling out/growing.
Splitting Hairs at 10-14
I had a very difficult time separating prospects in the 10-14 range and I’m not sure there’s a right/wrong answer at this point. Those five prospects include Zac Johnson (River Falls), Brandin Podziemski (SJNMA), Kamari McGee (Racine St. Catherine’s), and JaKobe Thompson (Racine Case).
These are all four borderline Division 1 talents that all appear to be very close in terms of overall talent.
Johnson is a deadly sharpshooter with a strong build. The lefty needs very little space to knock down perimeter shots and has a lightning quick stroke. He also surprised with his ability to attack the paint and play through contact.
Podziemski is a highly skilled sniper with a lot of tricks. He’s not as big as Johnson, but probably passes and facilitates the basketball at a higher level. Podziemski who does a lot more above the rim, is a better athlete as well.
McGee is a solid all-around point guard who can score in flurries. He was terrific all spring in isolation settings, constantly breaking down defenders and living in the paint. McGee competes on both ends of the floor and just never seems to wear down despite the constant punishment he puts on his body.
As for Thompson, he’s undersized, but very quick and elusive with the ball in his hands. The lefty has a strong mid-range game and can create shots easily with the way he keeps the ball on a string. 1-on-1, Thompson is very difficult to stay in front of and is fearless at the rim despite his smaller stature.
Big Risers
Prospects that are likely going to rise in a big way include:
Cade Meyer (Black Hawk)
Dustin Beauprey (Mountain Top Christian Academy)
Dylan Lisitza (Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln)
Brandon Leach (Milwaukee Madison)
Max Kunnert (Brookfield Academy)
Donald McHenry (Milwaukee Academy of Science)
Isaiah Hammond (Milwaukee School of Languages)
Quentin Bolton (Shoreland Lutheran)
Drew Biber (Cedarburg)
Look for these names, and a few others, to be listed among the biggest risers, which will come out later this week.
Injury Impact
Always a tough decision is what to do with players who have been injured and sitting out as of late?
James Graham (Nicolet) and Grant Flory (Neenah), both of which were top 10 prospects at one time or another, did not play this spring and therefore didn’t get the chance to improve their stock.
My initial reaction is to not do anything too drastic. You don’t like penalizing players who circumstances beyond their control, but at the same point, want to reward the players behind them who were able to impress and make a case for moving up in the rankings.
With Flory, Graham, and others, they may fall a tad, but it will be more about the players behind them pushing forward than about how highly I think of the injured players.
Where to Place Undersized Scorers?
This class features a number of very talented players that just happened to be undersized and will certainly be overlooked because of how they’re listed in a roster.
Donald McHenry (Milwaukee Academy of Science), Tanner Resch (Sussex Hamilton), Tyrese Hunter (Racine St. Catherine’s), Ezra Stargell (Kenosha Indian Trail), and Ronja Kelly (Milwaukee Lutheran) are all guys who can absolutely fill it up at the guard spot, but just don’t have ideal size.
Their rankings will be based on if I can believe these players can overcome any size deficiencies that colleges will believe they have. Can you extend your range well past the 3-point arc? Do you use your size to your advantage with speed and know how to attack the rim while shielding yourself from shot blockers? Are you a defensive liability because of your size, or can you make up for it with quicker feet/hands?
Pretty much, is your game defined by your size, or does your size help define your game? I’m not a big believer in knocking prospects for being under six-feet, but history does tell us that these players have a tough time succeeding at the next level. Undersized prospects need to prove they can supplement scoring, facilitating, and defensive ability without having the ideal measurables.