2021 Rankings Update: New Stars Emerge
An eventful spring and summer has lead to significant changes at the top of our 2021 Prospect Rankings.
Malaki Branham
Kalen Etzler
Meechie Johnson
Logan Duncomb
Tyrese Hughey
Malaki Branham earned offers from the likes of Ohio State, Cincinnati, Illinois, Missouri, and Xavier this summer, becoming the ring leader of Ohio’s 2021 class.
But it wasn’t just Branham’s emergence that is reflected in the updated 2021 top five.
Logan Duncomb, Moeller’s 6-9 center, and Thomas Worthington transfer Tyrese Hughey also shot up.
Duncomb established himself as a high-major post. Along with hometown programs Cincinnati and Xavier, his services seem to be particularly valued by the Big Ten. Indiana, Iowa, Ohio State, and Wisconsin all offered.
Nobody made a greater leap than Hughey, however, who went from no. 12 to no. 5. Hughey has earned a number of mid-major offers to this point. Duquesne, Eastern Michigan, Miami (OH), Ohio, and Youngstown State to be specific.
We believe he’s just scratching the surface, though.
Central Ohio’s top 2021 recruit flashed vast improvements in his ball skills throughout July. While he was once more in the mold of a rim running athlete who could thrive in a limited role, Hughey is now stepping away from the basket and making skilled shot creation moves while displaying feel as a passer.
And he’s just getting started. While there are prospects behind Hughey with more impressive offers — and those players are truly very talented — we are strong believers in his upside as he continues to groom his game in a new situation. Along with the skill, Hughey’s athleticism and motor separate him.