2020 Wish List: Baltimore Seniors Who Deserve More Attention
The new year is upon us. It’s a chance for fresh starts and endless possibilities. In the high school basketball world, the change in calendar mean that for seniors, there’s just a few months left in their high school careers.…
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Continue ReadingThe new year is upon us. It’s a chance for fresh starts and endless possibilities. In the high school basketball world, the change in calendar mean that for seniors, there’s just a few months left in their high school careers. Focusing on the Baltimore area, there have been a number of seniors who’ve made arguments with their play as to why they should be receiving more attention from college programs. For this article, I’ll break down a handful of those prospects.
Brandon Murray | 6’4 | Poly
Murray may be putting together the most impressive season in the area when it comes to uncommitted players .The 6-foot-4 guard is asserting his athleticism consistently throughout games whether it be in transition or the half court. Murray has already collected his fair share of poster dunks. Where he’s also shined is his three-point shooting. This aspect is what will truly give him value at the next level. He’s consistently knocked down his three’s off the catch and has shown improvement in his awareness and IQ of where to be as the offense flows. North Texas recently offered Murray after dominating in the Beach Ball Classic, but I still have plenty of reason to believe that Murray deserves much more attention than he is getting.
Rahim Ali | 5’11 | Poly
The most important thing in college basketball is winning. Ali is the definition of that. The 5-foot-11 floor general is orchestrating this Poly team to what should be a fourth-straight Class 3A title. Since a freshman, Ali has showed tremendous understanding for the game on both ends of the floor. He plays with intensity that has set the tone of dominance for his team. Where he has improved steadily over his high school career is being an offensive threat. Year by year, he has extended the range on his shot to the point where defenses have to account for him if left open on the perimeter. Between this steady improvement, his passion and feel for the game, Ali’s name should be on the list of many Division I programs as a priority if they need a point guard.
Michael Gray | 5’11 | Lake Clifton
Gray is one of the toughest players you’ll find in the DMV regardless of class. He brings a hardhat mentality to every aspect of the game and never backs down from any challenges. That type of mindset from your point guard can flow into the team you’re building and bring positive results. Over the past year, Gray has sharpened on his skills as a scorer. He’s always been able to finish through contact around the rim, but becoming more of a threat as a jump shooter was a must. Defensively, his mindset comes to the forefront with his willingness to pressure the ball the length of the floor. Gray is always looking to poke the ball loose and spark fast break opportunities. He rebounds well for the guard position. Gray is also a standout on the football field. He’ll have a choice to make at the next level, but more basketball programs should consider moving in to make that decision a little more difficult.
Will Thomas | 6’5 | Mervo
Thomas has cemented himself as one of the most intriguing prospects in the area given his size and skill set. At 6-foot-5, he can handle the ball, make plays for himself or others off the dribble and score efficiently from 17-feet and in. He has more of an old school approach to the game as he likes to operate out of the pinch post. While this particular style may not translate flawlessly to where the game is going today, his vision and IQ offer building blocks to contribute to any offensive system. Make no mistake, in isolation situations he can be handful. Thomas is capable from deep as a shooter, but you don’t see him take those shots very often. Thomas’ approach to the game is being efficient. Defensively, he rebounds above average for a wing and uses his length and athleticism to alter shots in the paint. Thomas’ presence is important to a team because he will buy in and spread energy for others to do the same in order to achieve the common goal.