2020’s July Breakout Candidates
The last month of AAU basketball for Ohio’s rising seniors has arrived. Soak up the next few weekends and have fun playing the game you love in this unique basketball environment known as AAU. There’s a place for being sentimental.…
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Continue ReadingThe last month of AAU basketball for Ohio’s rising seniors has arrived.
Soak up the next few weekends and have fun playing the game you love in this unique basketball environment known as AAU.
There’s a place for being sentimental. But, let’s be honest, this month is about competing. It’s about getting that scholarship and drawing significant college interest for over 90 percent of kids.
Below is a group of 2020 prospects who could experience their own version of Trey Robinson‘s June, where he earned six offers.
Trevell Adams | 5-10 PG | Columbus South / Hidden Gems Black
The blow-up for Adams may have began this week as he added LeMoyne-Owen to his offer sheet. LeMoyne joined a preexisting one from Saint Leo.
We consider Adams the eighth best point guard in Ohio’s 2020 class although the explosive athlete is arguably more effective off the ball, where his slashing and scoring ability shines. Tough ball player who likes to get out in transition. But Adams can also dish and operate in the halfcourt, too. Jumper has improved. Strong body and quick enough to defend most guards.
Jack Santa Emma | 5-11 PG | Alder / Mid Ohio Pumas (Staib)
Santa Emma — although he made 3-pointers at a 41 percent clip last season and helps spacing — doesn’t need to score it to impact the game. He runs the show. Playmaking slasher who keeps a live dribble in the lane and delivers inside-to-outside passes for 3-pointers. Elite court sense. A body that’s filling out is helping Santa Emma’s balance when his dribble is crowded by taller guards.
Luke Powell | 6-3 SG | Barnesville / Hidden Gems Black
Following a breakout performance at June’s prestigious OHSBCA Showcase, Powell should be on a few more recruiting boards and priority lists going into this month. We believe he will capitalize on the attention. In our experience watching him, Powell is both consistent and constantly improving. All this 3-point shooting weapon needed was a chance.
Chase Toppin | 6-1 G | St. Ignatius / TNBA Ohio
Toppin comes into July hoisting a Notre Dame (OH) offer. Once more of a transition scorer with straight-line-driving ability, Toppin has progressed as a ball-handler with a more dynamic crossover. Once defenders are off-balanced, his strong build allows him to dart through the lane for finishes.
Hunter Shedenhelm | 6-5 SF | Pickerington North / Nova (Alleyne)
Shedenhelm is an elite shooter with a high-release and range. Active defender with length and a wide stance who plays on his toes. Finishes at the rim in transition. Slender build who will likely add lean muscle throughout college, making him even more versatile. Flashes the ability to score contested turn-arounds and the like from mid-range. Best wing in the state that doesn’t have a Division I offer.
Max Land | 6-5 SF | Moeller / Manimal Elite
Land can defend at any collegiate level. His raw athleticism at 6-foot-5 is unparalleled in this class. Right now, he’s a handful in transition with defensive versatility and rebounding prowess. Division Is are probably not looking for him to be a 20 point a game guy from day one. But there are not many players with Land’s upside as a slasher — something he is skilled at — and defender. And he’s been playing excellently in June.
Conor Stolly | 6-8 PF | Alter / Shining Star
Stolly isn’t a good shooter for a 6-foot-8 forward. He’s a good shooter, period. Shoots with immense range from a stand-still, forcing post defenders out of their comfort zone when they’re closing out 22-feet away from the rim. Not a dominate rebounder yet but has become much tougher and capable of blocking shots at the basket.