DMV Roundtable: Dickinson And Duke, Must-See Public Schools, Freshmen To Watch
We are in the weeks of preparing for yet another anticipated high school basketball season. With that being said, we cover some preview questions as well as another blue blood getting involved with a DeMatha big man in this week’s…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe are in the weeks of preparing for yet another anticipated high school basketball season. With that being said, we cover some preview questions as well as another blue blood getting involved with a DeMatha big man in this week’s DMV Roundtable.
1. Duke recently offered DeMatha’s Hunter Dickinson over the weekend. The Blue Devils are trying their best to get involved late and had an in-home visit this past weekend as well. Do you think they play a factor in his recruitment? Where do you believe is the best fit for the seven footer?
Giacubeno: Anytime a blue blood gets involved in a player’s recruitment, it’s noteworthy that they stand a chance. Even though Dickinson already began his official visit tour, it didn’t stop the Blue Devils from seeing if they can come in and sweep him away. They already have a monster 2020 class including Dickinson’s AAU teammate Jeremy Roach. In terms of fit, I don’t see Dickinson’s best bet being at Duke. He has already visited Michigan, Florida State, Louisville and Notre Dame officially with Purdue’s turn coming on October 19. In terms of fit, I’ve always thought Purdue and Florida State were ones to watch. It’d be interesting to see the imprint that Michigan left on Dickinson after his visit there as well. Louisville has been talked about as a realistic landing spot too, and head coach Chris Mack continues to put on a show recruiting both in the high school and JuCo ranks. I like Purdue for Dickinson the best, but I think Florida State is one that can be viewed as a dark horse.
Ayalew: I think Duke will play a factor in Dickinson’s recruitment, but it’s hard to determine the extent. I still believe that North Carolina is the best fit given his skill set and how it fits in to their style of play, but all bets are off at this point.
Wilson: Dickinson recently had cut his list to seven schools that did not include Duke but of course once an offer from this type of blue blood comes in, that makes the prospect and the family rethink everything. I think Dickinson will definitely consider the Blue Devils but I do not see him pulling the trigger and committing there unless something drastic changes in the coming weeks. Dickinson’s recruitment has been really tough to gauge as I believe Michigan, Purdue, Notre Dame and now maybe Duke have a realistic chance of landing him. I think Dickinson could develop really well under Juwan Howard at Michigan. At Notre Dame, Mike Brey, is a DeMatha guy and have been on Dickinson the longest so the trust factor is there. Lastly, Purdue does a great job developing big men and I could easily see the Dickinson to be next in line under the Matt Painter regime. This recruitment is turning into one of the most interesting recruitments across the entire country.
2. Often times, private schools are the ones that get a lot of love in their respective areas, but who are some public schools that you believe are must-see for the 2019-20 season?
Giacubeno: The easy answer here would be Baltimore Polytechinic Institute. Headlined by Marquette commit Justin Lewis, the Engineers boast four players in the 2020 class that are Division I prospects. As you move down their roster to younger players, there isn’t much drop off. Everything in city play will go through Poly. They’ll pursue their fourth-straight Class 3A state title this season, a remarkable goal in itself. The way the public schools are limited in terms of scheduling is just flat out wrong in my opinion. Still, Poly does whatever they can to play the best of the best. Expect the same as they showcase their most talented roster in the school’s history.
Ayalew: St. Charles. Yes, they lost a few key players from last season, but they’re arguably just as good this year. Max Brooks, one of the better unsigned seniors in MD, will lead a talented group.
Wilson: Eleanor Roosevelt is always a strong program and a tough out against many schools from the area. They are well coached and have the history of being one of the top public school programs in the area. The loss of Cameron Brown to graduation who is now at St. Joe’s will obviously hurt them. 2020 Mount St. Mary’s pledge, Quinton Mincey, will now be the leader on the team and a lot will be asked of him. Transfer Joemel McNair was a big pickup for ER and will look to score the ball a lot for them. 2021 6’6 Thomas Whitley is the guy that could make or break this team as he will be looked at to be versatile on defense and continue to make shots the way he has shown he can in the past.
3. Give the people a few freshman in your area who will be ones to watch this season for their respective varsity teams.
Giacubeno: Kwame Evans of Poly will be the most intriguing given his height at 6-foot-7 and freakishly long wingspan. Considering all of that on top of the fact that he’s a lefty will give his match up plenty to worry about. He’ll adjust to the physicality of the varsity level as the season progresses, but I see Evans having no issues finding his buckets. He gets to play off of 2020 point guard Rahim Ali, while also benefiting from opposing teams game planning to stop Lewis.
Samartine Bogues will be another one I’ll have my eye on. Grandson of Mugsy Bogues, the 5-foot-6 point guard plays with tremendous grit on both ends. He’ll look to lead a young Calvert Hall team, but what I’m more interested in is how he handles the gauntlet of point guard play he’ll face in the MIAA and BCL. It will be a great measuring stick for him, but I think he’ll surprise people with how quickly he adjusts.
Ayalew: Khalil Williams from the Potomac School. The lefty is a dead-eye shooter from three who will be able to confidently stretch the floor for the Panthers.
Deshawn Harris-Smith is the next talented guard to come up for Paul VI. Deshawn already has good size for his age, he is strong and an extremely tough minded player. Look for him to become one of the best two way players in the area from the 2023 class and should good rotation minutes this year for the Panthers.