The Nevada High Ceiling Team
One of the many reasons why basketball is such a great game, is because it’s a skill driven game, based on constant development. Players spend hours in the gym refining that skill just hoping to maximize every ounce of their…
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Continue ReadingOne of the many reasons why basketball is such a great game, is because it’s a skill driven game, based on constant development. Players spend hours in the gym refining that skill just hoping to maximize every ounce of their potential. That potential is higher for some. In this article PH takes a look at Nevada players with the highest ceilings.
Mwani Wilkinson 6’5 SG Bishop Gorman 2020– I love watching film. IMO it’s the most honest assessment of a basketball player. Film don’t lie. Wilkinson is the type of player that jumps off film. His athletic ability alone allows him to have an impact on every possession. Here’s why his ceiling excites me.
- Earned minutes – Wilkinson came off the bench much of last season for Gorman. Because of this he has had to scrap, claw and grind for his minutes. He’s learned how to be a valuable asset to the team without commanding the basketball. This skill will translate well at the college level. Many young players struggle when their shot isn’t falling. That won’t be an issue for Wilkinson.
- Just scratching the surface offensively – He has good mechanics on his shot, and has shown the ability to knock down 3’s. He has great slashing ability and can get to the rim with ease. The best part about these two traits is the fact that he has room to improve both. With some additional refining of his offensive skill – set, I could easily see him being the type of 2-way player coveted by the Pro’s.
- Defense – If he never scores another bucket Wilkinson can make a career out of being an elite defender. He has the size, strength and athleticism to dominate that side of the ball. Reminds me of a young Tony Allen.
Anthony Swift 6’6 SF Desert Pines 2021 – If Swift keeps growing, the ceiling conversation will be a moot point. He’s already shot up 3 inches in the last couple of years, and is currently listed at 6’7. Swift rocketed up the National and Local rankings list this season, and if he reaches say 6’9 then forget about it. Here’s why his ceiling excites me.
- Can’t teach length – At 6’7 Swift is already like a 6’9 player because of his wingspan. Obviously height is great, however long arms allow for blocks, steals and deflections. Swift certainly has that.
- Plays with a motor – Whatever coach is fortunate enough to get Swift will never have to worry about motivating him. He plays with an enormous chip on his shoulder. Mega Alpha who believes he is the best player on the floor every time he steps on it.
- Raw offensive game – I still firmly believe Swift’s offensive game hasn’t been defined yet. He showed flashes of the ability to play pick and pop basketball as well as knock down perimeter jumpers. He stills seem to be most effective in the post and has been developing a nice left shoulder turn around. Reminds me of former University of Missouri defensive ace Keith Ramsey.
Max Allen 6’8 C Bishop Gorman 2022– Allen has the size and physicality to be a special player. With PHN #1 player Issaiah Cottrell leaving, Allen has a great opportunity to establish himself as the dominate big man in the State. Here’s why his ceiling excites me.
- Still developing – The #2 player in the PHN C/O 2022 rankings is still coming into his frame. With a serious commitment to strength and conditioning, Allen could turn into a problem for everyone.
- High Basketball IQ –I don’t think big guys get enough love for their ability to think the game. Allen won’t blow anyone away with his athletic ability, however he sees the game 2 and 3 moves ahead and understands position and angles.
- Understands his weakness – I talk to a lot of high school players. Allen is one of the very few that is willing to articulate his weakness. This is a brief snippet of an interview I conduct with Allen at a Bigfoothoops event this summer.
Q: What area(s) of your game do you need to improve?
MA: “Stretching out the floor more”
Allen reminds me of former Depaul Blue Demon Lance Williams
Bryant Largarady 6’6 SF Canyon Springs 2022 – Largarady makes any all airport team. Long, lean fluid athlete. At times he looks like the most skilled player on the floor. Largarady has the natural talent and size, to be a remarkable basketball player. Here’s why his ceiling excites me.
- Jack of all trades – Lagarady can do a little bit of everything. He’s not great at any one skill, however it’s hard to pinpoint just exactly what he’s not good at. I’ve seen him lead the break, stretch the floor, and protect the rim.
- Body right – Classic case of a kid that can improve immensely with a dedication to the weight room. There’s no way around it, he can’t afford to miss a meal, however as he continues to put on weight, and adds muscle he going to be a problem. Reminds me of Tayshaun Prince
Dashien Nix 6’5 PG Trinity Prep 2020 – It seems redundant to talk about the ceiling of a top 15 national player, however Nix is an obvious high ceiling guy. It’s pretty simple, develop consistency with his jump shot and the sky’s the limit. A once in a generation type of passer, Nix already sees the game like a seasoned veteran. He has the size and strength to be un-guardable at the college level. Here’s why his ceiling excites me.
- Special skill – At the professional level, you’re better off having one skill you can hang your hat on verses being good at a variety of them. If nothing else, Nix is a once in a generation type passer. See’s the game frames ahead and can deliver on time and on target passes with either hand.
- Perfect size – In today’s positionless basketball world, Nix fits right in. He’s going to over -power most point guards that he matches up with, even at the college level. I can see him becoming one of the rare guards that commands a double team in the post. With his vision and passing ability, that is going to open up the entire floor for his teammates. Reminds me of Andre Miller.
Ray Daniel 6’6 SF Somerset Academy 2020– Ray Daniels is an offensive machine that has a chance to lead the state in scoring. I expect him to play all 5 positions this season. Multi– level scorer that gets buckets in transition, off dribble penetration and behind the 3 point line. Here’s why I’m excited about his ceiling.
- The unknown factor – Daniels is still an under the radar player even in Nevada, however with the type of numbers he is expected to put up this year, he’s going to make some noise. Add in the fact that he has good size, in a town lacking for size and I can see him becoming an intriguing prospect to several people.
- Natural scorer/willing defender – Daniels can score like we breathe, and he gets buckets a variety of ways. One of those ways is off the defensive end. He excels at stepping into passing lanes. With a little more discipline and attention to fundamentals on the defensive end, he has a chance to become one of those coveted two way players. Reminds me of former Sacramento Kings star Kevin Martin.