Grassroots Wrap – Up: Under The Radar Players
This summer I got an opportunity to watch so many players of so many skill levels. It’s was like looking at college basketball 2 to 3 years in the future. Everyone focuses on the top recruits, and while it’s certainly…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThis summer I got an opportunity to watch so many players of so many skill levels. It’s was like looking at college basketball 2 to 3 years in the future. Everyone focuses on the top recruits, and while it’s certainly entertaining to watch potential lottery picks play. The reality is that the majority of the players on the circuits are competing for scholarships. In this article PH takes a look at some of the guys who jumped out at me this summer, yet are still under the radar.
Emanuel Sharp 6’3 PG E1T1 (FLA) 2022 – I believe Sharp is a top 100 guy in the C/O 2022. He is one of the craftiest players in the country. He understands angles and how to create space. Not a world class athlete and that’s partly why he is ranked so low nationally IMO. However, what he lacks in athletic ability he makes up for with shooting and basketball IQ. He was the 2nd leading scorer in the Peach Jam behind Emoni Bates, and his E1T1 squad defeated Bates’s team by 40 in bracket play.
Isaiah Cottrell 6’9 PF Dream Vision (NV) 2020 – Hard to call a top 60 High Major player under the radar. However, I don’t think that Cottrell gets nearly enough appreciation for what he does. Yes, I have him ranked as the #1 senior in Nevada however that tag has come with much criticism, mainly about his intangibles. That may be because his tangibles are unarguable. He protects the rim, can hedge and switch ball screens, and is an above average rebounder. On the offensive end he has an impressive array of post moves including both shoulder finishes and a one legged Dirk like fallaway.
Antonio Patterson 6’3 SF Texas Chaos (TX) 2021 – Patterson is a tweener, which is the main reason he is flying under the radar. I feel like in Texas you could through a rock and hit a great athlete, but that doesn’t diminish from the fact that Patterson is a phenomenal athlete. He’s going to have to get out of the post and play more on the perimeter. If he does, it’s going to change the entire perception of him.
Alex Vankalsbeek 6’6 PF SD Attack (IA) 2022 – Like many on this list AVK falls into the tweener category. He has a singular skill and he maximizes everything he can out of it. If there is a missed shot and Vankalsbeek is in the game, you can expect a competition for the rebound. He’s still developing his post offense, but I have to think that there is a coach out there that can use a player with this kind of size and energy.
Jaden Brownell 6’8 SF Utah Premiere (UT) 2021 – Brownell is one of the top juniors in Utah, but he’s still under the radar to me. What’s not to like about him? He’s ambidextrous down low. He can stretch the floor, and he has perimeter skills. On top of that, Brownell is 6’8 and still growing! I’m confident that he will be a D1 player, I’m just curious of what is taking everyone so long.
Owen Kuntz 6’5 SF Colorado Titans Gold (CO) 2020 – I’m convinced that Kuntz is the most underrated player in the country. With so many questions about what position he is, many have lost sight of the fact that he’s a winner. Great IQ, super competitive, and he has a terrific skill set. Kuntz rebounds well, can stretch the floor, and understands how to move without the ball. He’ll wind up playing somewhere and I guarantee, people will be talking about how so many missed on him.
Sal Nevarez 6’5 C New Mexico D1 Ambassadors 2020 – It’s easy to understand why Big Sal is under the radar. He’s an undersized 5 man. However, if you’re looking for hoopers, he fits the bill. Great feet, good hands and a great understanding of how to use his bulk to create space. He’s probably not going to grow, but if you’re looking for a tough low post presence then Nevarez is your guy.
Emmanuel “Mooch” Austin 6’0 SG Nevada Hard 2 Guard 2021 – It’s no surprise to people in Las Vegas that I’m high on Mooch. I like guys that just can flat out play. There are tons of questions about Austin’s game and what he can’t do. What he does, however, is step on the court and give out buckets. He will have to transition into a 1 in order to have a career in this game, but he has two years to do it. Based on what I’ve seen from him this summer, I’m not going to bet against him.
Isaac Spears 6’3 SG Las Vegas Knicks 2021 – Not really sure what year he is or what school he will be attending this season. What I’m convinced about is that he can go. The only reason he is considered under the radar is because of the mystery surrounding the two previous items. Explosive leaper that can score like we breathe, once he gets a little stability, expect his name to be on everyone’s radar.
Kaden Koch 6’5 PF Desert Valley Prep 2020 – Koch is a pure basketball player. I have talked with several respected people in the Las Vegas Basketball community, and the consensus is that if he were 2 inches taller, we would be talking about one of the best power forwards in the country. Highly skilled player, great feet, nice touch around the rim, and can step out and shoot the 3. He’ll get an opportunity at a small school somewhere and wind up being a legendary player.
Nathan Van 6’2 PG Desert Oasis 2020 – Prototypical point guard, who gets everyone involved. Van is one of the most exciting players to watch in the desert. He’s a special passer, who raises teammate’s averages simply by being on the floor. He needs to prove that he can shoot the ball, if he does that, expect for him to be a High DII low D1 scholarship athlete.
Assani Berkeley 6’3 SG Oakland Soldiers 2021 – I don’t want to see another list of top players in California without Berkeley on it. I get it, he can’t shoot, but you could use that criticism for plenty players at the prep level. What he can do is make plays. Explosive run and jump athlete that contributes in every facet of the game. We can disagree about what level recruit he is, but I’ve got to believe that there is a place for a 6’3 Pogo stick somewhere in college basketball.
Kyle Karstetter 6’7 SF Washington Elite 2020 – If you walked into a room full of basketball players, you would notice Karstetter. The 6’7 shooter, has perfect mechanics and textbook form. He’s not just a stationary shooter either. This summer he showed the ability to put the ball on the ground and create shots for himself. He has an offer from Idaho st, but watching him this summer, I can’t help thinking that there may be a higher offer out there.
Spencer Hutchinson 6’3 SF Texas Dynasty 2022 – Hutchinson may be one of the best kept secrets in the nation. The forward is a high flyer that can electrify a crowd. More than a one trick pony, Hutchinson also has a handle and is an efficient shooter. He had a good summer, which should translate into more notoriety.