Nevada Player Rankings Breakdown: C/O 2020
The new Nevada player rankings are finally out! Over the next few days PH will be releasing the class of 2021 and 2022, however for today I’m going to focus on the 2020 class. If early projections are any indication,…
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Continue ReadingThe new Nevada player rankings are finally out! Over the next few days PH will be releasing the class of 2021 and 2022, however for today I’m going to focus on the 2020 class. If early projections are any indication, this could end up being one of the best classes in the history of the state. The top of the class is absolutely loaded with sure fire high major D1 prospects, and future Pros. What makes this class special is the overall depth, with as many as 30 players that have the opportunity to become scholarship athletes. While everyone knows the top guys, PH wants to familiarize you with some of the other players on the list.
#3 Dashien Nix 6’5 G (Trinity International) – Nix is easily the most polarizing player in the state. He plays for Trinity International, which is a freelance team that does not participate in the NIAA state tournament. He doesn’t play on any of the shoe circuits either, however during his high school season, and at elite camps, he slays. His skill-set is awesome. He’s a big guard that gets paint touches and easily shoots over smaller defenders. He can go down low and has an advanced post – up game for a guard of his age. Nix can be streaky as a shooter, however when he gets his feet set, it’s wet, and you can expect to hear a net snap. What makes him such a highly regarded prospect, is the fact that he is a pure point guard. He has the IQ, the handle, and is an amazing passer with elite vision. Think Lonzo Ball or a poor man’s Jason Kidd. It has been reported that Nix has over 30 offers, however Maryland, Alabama, Gonzaga, Kansas, and UCLA seem to be the leaders.
#5 Mwani Wilkinson 6’5 F (Bishop Gorman H.S) – Wilkinson is one of the main reasons this class has a chance to be special. I watch a ton of film, and every time I watched Bishop Gorman play last year, he literally jumped off the screen. Coming off the bench for the 8 time consecutive 4A state champions, Wilkinson made an impact every single second he was on the floor. He is a 6’5 human Pogo stick, that will defend, protect the rim, and win every 50/50. His upside comes from the fact that he is just scratching the surface of his offensive game. He can knock down the 3, and is able to slash and finish at the rim with ease. Both of those skills are sure to become more refined, with increased minutes on the floor this year. What solidified my analysis of him was watching him play this summer with Vegas Elite. In any game full of athletes Wilkinson always stood out. Currently he has offers from UNLV, Cal, K-State, Minnesota, and LSU to name a few. I got a chance to catch up with Mwani at the Big Time Hoops event this month. Click here to see part one of my interview.
#9 Martel Williams 6’2 G (Silverado H.S) – It’s well known around the valley, that Martel Williams is a bucket. The state’s leading scorer in 2018 – 19 is the heavy favorite to do it again this year. He is powerfully built and can easily bully any guard in the state. Williams has a smooth release on his jumper and is an above average athlete. His points come in a variety of ways, including in transition, of off offensive rebounds, and in catch and shoot action. Really, the only thing stopping Williams from being a high major is a couple of inches. As it is Seattle University from the WAC has shown the most interest in him at this time.
#15 Nathan Van 6’2 G (Desert Oasis) – Nathan the magician is the best passer in the city don’t @ me. He has special vision and the placement of his passes rival any elite NFL QB. He can deliver the ball off the dribble, with his off hand, and without looking. As they say, you got to keep your head on a swivel when Nathan has the ball. He has good size to play the point, and also finishes around the basket. His greatest weakness is the fact that at times, he is too unselfish. He’s had some interest from some D2’s and low majors, however, I truly believe that if he can develop some consistency in his jump shot that some school will end up with a fabulous college player.
#26 Kaden Koch 6’5 PF (Desert Valley Prep) – Koch is one of the most intriguing prospects I saw this summer. At 6’5 and 280 pounds he is hard to miss. When he starts putting his ballerina feet to work, he turns into a thing of beauty. Koch has a repertoire of spin moves that allow him to create space and finish over taller defenders. He also is very comfortable stepping out and knocking down 3’s or showing the ball and rumbling into the lane. The reason why I’m so high on him, is because of his basketball IQ and the fact that he is a terrific passer. Koch needs to slim down a bit, but in a way his girth is his advantage. I expect him to have a huge year at the newly formed DVP this year, and some school will become as intrigued as I am.
#34 Zarious Benson Moore (American Prep) – Las Vegas is a transient city, which means every year a new arrival has a chance to come on the scene and make an impact. This year, Zarious Benson – Moore has a chance to be that arrival. He plays hard. The Detroit native brings a blue collar, no nonsense attitude to the game. He’s an undersized two guard, however he is a good athlete with long arms, that allows him to play bigger. He has a good enough handle to score off of dribble drives, and is able to knock down 3’s in catch and shoot situations. While currently 34th on my list, I can easily see him moving up once he starts producing numbers at AP.