July’s Top Stock Boosters: 2020
Who boosted their stock the most during the month of July? Prep Hoops Wisconsin looks at 10 players who turned our heads following the final live period of the summer. Malik Abdul-Wahid – SF – Ray Allen Select His confidence…
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Continue ReadingWho boosted their stock the most during the month of July? Prep Hoops Wisconsin looks at 10 players who turned our heads following the final live period of the summer.
Malik Abdul-Wahid – SF – Ray Allen Select
His confidence has just soared since the spring and now we’re starting to see Abdul-Wahid believe he’s a star. It certainly didn’t hurt that programs Northern Michigan and Winona State believed it as well, extending scholarship offers his way. The 6-foot-5 senior is developing into a true wing and with his size, athleticism, and mid-range shooting ability, is one of the most unique talents in Wisconsin’s 2020 class.
Shilo Bowles – PF – Wisconsin Rap
Bowles played as well as I’ve ever seen at the Prep Hoops Hard Work Region Finals. Helping Wisconsin Rap win the 17U title, Bowles clearly added to his offensive skillset. Last season for West Allis Central, he was mostly a junkyard dog, hitting the offensive glass to get his points. While he still has that mentality, Bowles has been in the gym working hard on his ball handling and 3-point shooting, allowing him to impact the game away from the rim. At 6-foot-7 with length, athleticism, and a motor, Bowles has a chance to play his way to the Division 1 level, whether next season or after a JUCO/Prep stint.
Ryan Claflin – F – Wisconsin Crusaders
I just think this kid is going to be a valuable addition to any Division 2 roster. He may not be a huge scorer at the next level, but Claflin will find a way to get on the floor. While he isn’t the go-to scorer for the Crusaders, Claflin does have some budding talent on that end of the floor. The 6-foot-7 forward has a good-looking 3-point stroke, can handle the basketball, and do some things on the block. Certainly a prospect with glue guy potential, Claflin battles on the glass and for loose balls. He’s just a worker that can affect the game in a variety of ways.
Darius Hannah – PF – All-In Athletics
Maybe it’s because of the torn ACL suffered last season, but Hannah is being slept on by Division 1 schools. In July, he outplayed a number of forwards with better offer lists and even high major caliber players as well. The kid has put the injury behind him and is playing the best ball of his life. The 6-foot-8 forward is a matchup nightmare with his length, ball handling ability, 3-point shooting, and transition presence. If I’m a mid-major, this is an easy offer. If I’m high major, I’m closely watching this development in the fall.
Max Klesmit – G – Wisconsin Blizzard
We’ve had Klesmit pegged to bust out since prior to his junior season, but even he exceeded our expectations. Picking up a couple of Division 1 offers from UW-Milwaukee and North Dakota, Klesmit now has a chance to play at the highest level. There may be some questions as what position Klesmit can play as he’s a bit of a tweener between a point and shooting guard, but they’ve obviously decided he’s too skilled an efficient of a shooter to pass on.
Parker Nielsen – SG – Minnesota Select
West Texas A&M and Minnesota-Crookston offered Nielsen following the final live period in July. The sharpshooter from Prescott has good size (6-4) and is developing the other parts of his game. His athleticism and ability to create off the bounce have come a long way since last year and Nielsen has shown he can be much more than just a perimeter sniper.
Jackson Noll – PG – Wisconsin Academy
During the Prep Hoops Hard Work Region Finals, I just found myself thinking that Noll is too good not to be on someone’s college roster. Most look at his size and think Noll is too small and will be a defensive liability. Like any undersized guard, those concerns are always valid. However, the Cuba City standout is just so skilled and such a dangerous shooter, that it’s hard to see him falling between the cracks. Against some quality guards, Noll proved his quickness, unlimited range, and playmaking skills should be attracting plenty of small school attention.
Jacob Ognacevic – PF – Wisconsin Playground Club
Ognaceivc really came into his own at the Under Armour Finals in July. Earlier in the spring, you could see big time shoe circuit ball was a little much for him, but as the summer progressed, Ognacevic made serious gains in his finishing ability around the rim and taking athletes off the dribble. A skilled, versatile forward, Ognacevic is going to be a good pickup at the mid-major level. He’s holding offers from UW-Green Bay, UC-Davis, Valparaiso, UW-Milwaukee, Indiana State, and others.
James Randolph – F – Wisconsin Surge
A kid that’s starting to see things click, Randolph is going to move way up in the next rankings. He’s always been a very raw, but high ceiling type prospect. Now, his skills are beginning to catch up. Randolph is an excellent offensive rebounder and has good hands to catch and finish around the rim. He’s showing more capabilities to step away from the basket and shoot the ball as well as ignite things on the transition break.
Colin Schaefer – PG – Wisconsin Swing
Schaefer picked up a scholarship offer from Division 2 Northern Michigan. All this kid has done is win games and be the unsung hero on just about any team he’s on. A skilled, crafty floor general who can score the rock, Schaefer held his own and outplayed a lot of quality guards in the Midwest. He may not have the measurables that scholarship programs covet, but he makes up for it with basketball IQ, his competitive nature, and leadership.