2020 Rankings Update: Sleepers (Part II)
We’ve covered plenty of the top prospects and those who raised their stock in our final update to the class of 2020 rankings and we wanted to take some time to write about some sleeper prospects who have a chance to outplay…
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Continue ReadingWe’ve covered plenty of the top prospects and those who raised their stock in our final update to the class of 2020 rankings and we wanted to take some time to write about some sleeper prospects who have a chance to outplay their ranking at the next level.
Bryce Whitaker Bryce Whitaker 6'0" | PG Providence | 2020 State CA-S , Providence
Whitaker checks in at No. 112 in the final 2020 rankings and the reason why we believe he could outplay that number is because he has three traits to his game that translate immediately to the next level, whether it’s Division II, III or NAIA. First, the 6-foot point guard plays with poise and IQ. Second, he knocks down the open catch and shoot 3-point shot with consistency. Third, Whitaker is a willing and accurate passer, dishing out a team-high five assists per game this season, while committing 2.3 turnovers per contest.
Jalai O’Keith Jalai O’Keith 6'4" | SF Foothills Christian | 2020 State CA-S , Foothills Christian
O’Keith had a strong season for one of San Diego’s best teams. The 6-foot-4 wing averaged around 14 points and seven rebounds for the 20-win Knights, and his impact went well beyond those two statistical categories. O’Keith is a versatile defender, good passer for his position and has improved his perimeter jumper this season. O’Keith comes in at No. 93, but we can envision looking back in a couple years and rethinking that position due to the way he impacts every aspect of the game.
Justin Gladney Justin Gladney 6'0" | CG Fairfax | 2020 State CA-S , Fairfax
Gladney might be the most offensively gifted player in this group. The 6-foot lefty comes in at No. 60 and his ability to flat out put the ball in the basket should allow him to have as strong career at the next level. Gladney can play both on or off the ball and is best when creating his own shot in isolation or attacking the basket off the bounce and finishing over length. The Fairfax senior has good vision and playmaking ability when he gets into the lane.
Matt Lee Matt Lee 6'0" | CG Village Christian | 2020 State CA-S , Village Christian
Lee is another guy who has the offense talent and tools to carve out a successful collegiate career. Our 122nd-ranked prospect averaged 12 points per game, while shooting 50 percent from the field and 35 percent from 3-point range. Like Gladney, Lee thrives in isolation where he can break down defenders off the dribble and create space for his jumper or use his strength absorb and finish through contact at the rim.
Sean Newman, Jr. Sean Newman, Jr. 6'0" | PG Culver City | 2020 State CA-S , Culver City
Newman is another talented guard in this set of 2020 sleeper prospects. The 6-foot point guard showed this season that not only is he a prolific scorer when he needs to be, but he can also identify what his team needs and shape his game to that as a playmaker and table setters. Newman has good length which allows him to finish around length better than his size would lead one to believe, but he’s best when creating space on the perimeter and knocking down his smooth jumper.