From the Prep Hoops Maryland staff, we hoped all enjoyed their holidays. As we approach the new year, it calls for fresh starts for some teams in the area. It also means an update in our player rankings. We address…
From the Prep Hoops Maryland staff, we hoped all enjoyed their holidays. As we approach the new year, it calls for fresh starts for some teams in the area. It also means an update in our player rankings. We address both of these topics as well as a recent DMV commitment in this week’s roundtable.
1. Who is the biggest stock riser in the 2020 class so far this season?
Giacubeno: Brandon Murray of Poly made a huge jump in the latest release of our rankings to no. 21.There was a period of time where we knew Murray had high-level athleticism, but wanted to see how he could produce over a long period. As the Engineers are set to win a fourth-straight Class 3A title, Murray is one of the focal points and impact players on both ends. Not only does he supply his team with high-flying finishes, he knocks down three’s, guards multiple positions and makes all of the little plays that don’t show up on the box score. Programs in the CAA and other conferences have shown significant interest in the 6-foot-4 guard.
Ayalew: Probably Wilson Ramabu from Bishop Walsh. He went from being a fringe rotation guy last year to the heart and soul of the team. Ramabu is a terrific leader who plays with a high motor and doesn’t need touches to stay involved in the game. He anchors the defense and makes sure everyone is in their spots. At 6-foot-6, he is a terrific athlete who plays above the rim and can finish with the best.
Wilson: Yesterday the 2020 rankings update was released and one guy that we saw shoot up the rankings was 2020 Josh Walker of Riverdale. Walker saw himself ranked 114 to start the season but with his move to Riverdale from DeMatha, he is getting more minutes on the court which is allowing him to show what he can do. At first glance you will notice his size standing at 6’7. He can impact the game nicely on both ends of the ball including finishing nicely above the rim and definitely should see an uptick with his recruitment given the transfer move he made.
2. Are there any teams you see having a turnaround after a slow start as we approach 2020?
Giacubeno: At 6-8, McDonogh is a team that started behind the eight ball this season due to injuries. Both 2020 wing Curtis Jacobs and 2022 forward Preston Howard missed the first handful of games. Howard is still yet to make his debut, but is expected to do so in their next game. Jacobs nursed a stinger to start the season and Howard has been battling back from sustaining a concussion in football. During this time, the Eagles relied heavily on 2022 guard Everett Cooper and 2021 wing Jared Billups. 2022 center Dani Dennis Sutton stepped up big time as well. The biggest struggle came with playing two freshman guards in Mathani Paul Swinson and Carlton Carrington hefty minutes early on. As expected, the two experienced ups and downs along the way. While the experience will be great for the long term, the short term picture resulted in losses that I didn’t expect. Moving forward, they should have their full roster for the bulk of their schedule, which should result in a bunch of more wins.
Ayalew: Bishop Ireton. The Cardinals are on a 4-game winning streak after dropping their first 4 to start the season. They recently defeated a good John Carroll squad and while their schedule doesn’t get any easier moving forward, it appears that Coach Berkman’s crew are on the right track.
Wilson: I am not exactly sure if it is a slow start but I feel like the Mustangs of Bishop McNamra feel like they could have one more win under their belt heading into Christmas Break. I saw them beat down Bishop Ireton last night which should give them some momentum heading into two non conference matchups before a big WCAC showdown with Paul VI on the second day of 2020.
3. Hunter Dickinson recently committed to Michigan. There are some rumors that Terrance Williams may be on his way there next. If he does commit to Juwan Howard, do you see them being the building blocks to an eventual national championship contender within the next four years?
Giacubeno: Juwan Howard has wasted no time proving to the entire country that he can recruit. When a former NBA player takes on a college job, there are always questions surrounding them and whether or not they’ll embrace the grind that goes into leading a collegiate program. Especially throughout the AAU calendar, Howard was showing his face in every major event possible. It’s paying off now that he has earned verbal commitments from Isaiah Todd and most recently, DeMatha’s Hunter Dickinson. There are some to expect Gonzaga’s Terrance Williams to be next in line to join the Wolverines next season. The trio of Todd, Dickinson and Williams would certainly be a major building block not only for next season, but for years to come. If there is any guarantees that come with Dickinson and Williams, it’s the fact that they both come from winning programs and top-notch coaches. Usually that is a formula for success at the next level. Kudos to Howard planting seeds in the DMV. I could see Michigan establishing themselves a nice pipeline for future classes in our area.
Ayalew: Why not? Both guys have won a ton of games at the high school and AAU levels respectively. They both understand what it takes to win championships and their experience should certainly translate to the next level.
Wilson: Juwan Howard is looking to become a hell of a hire for the Wolverines. As of now it is looking like he will lead his alma mater in the NCAA tournament in his first year as head coach and next year he is bringing in a top 10 recruiting class led by Zeb Jackson, Hunter Dickinson and Isaiah Todd. When Howard got hired there were questions as to if Jackson would stay committed and it was big that Howard kept the lead guard pledged to Michigan. Just last week, Howard landed one of the best big men in the 2020 class, Hunter Dickinson. Right now, we are not certain if Isaiah Todd will enroll to Michigan as he has not signed yet and is exploring the idea of playing overseas next year. If Todd stays committed to Michigan who is one of the most versatile players in the 2020 class and Howard is able to land 2020 Terrance Williams, there is definitely a strong chance Michigan can make a serious run in March maybe next year but certainly down the road as I think Howard is going to continue to recruit at a high level.