Updated 2021 Player Rankings: Baltimore Wings/Forwards (1-60)
It’s that time of year for a refreshing of our player rankings here at Prep Hoops Maryland. The 2021 class is filled with talent that will be fun to watch further develop as they embark on the most important summer…
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Continue ReadingIt’s that time of year for a refreshing of our player rankings here at Prep Hoops Maryland. The 2021 class is filled with talent that will be fun to watch further develop as they embark on the most important summer of their high school careers. As usual, I’ll handle the prospects located primarily in the Baltimore and immediate surrounding areas for my breakdowns. We will begin with breaking down the guards that were featured in the 1-60 range.
Julian Reese Julian Reese 6'8" | C St. Frances | 2021 State #109 Nation MD | 6’9 | St. Frances
Previous ranking: 3
Current ranking: 7
Reese didn’t take long to adjust to his new team and assert himself as an elite defensive presence. His efforts were rewarded with Defensive Player of the Year honors. Reese averaged 3.5 blocks per game while also chipping in with 10.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per outing. His increased aggression for stints during games gave good indication at just how valuable his presence was. If Reese can muster that aggression for a full 32 minutes, that’s when we’ll really get a feel for where he fits best at the next level. High majors though, are already investing stock as VCU, LSU, Rutgers, Maryland, Virginia Tech, Seton Hall, George Washington and Ohio have all offered.
Jared Billups Jared Billups 6'5" | SF McDonogh | 2021 State MD | 6’5 | McDonogh
Previous ranking: 15
Current ranking: 12
Billups stepped up in big ways for a McDonogh team that was dismantled by injuries throughout the season. The Eagles lost over a handful of players who were key contributors to their 2018-19 season, but Billups’ versatility helped fill multiple voids left behind. His ability to guard multiple positions defensively, his athleticism to score around the rim and rebound out of his area all contributed to turning McDonogh’s potential disastrous season into a 15-17 finish. Bucknell, UMass-Lowell, Loyola (MD), Bryant and Mount St. Mary’s have all offered Billups. CAA programs have targeted him as of late as a potential prospect as well.
Cam Smith Cam Smith 6'7" | PF Loyola | 2021 State MD | 6’7 | Loyola Blakefield
Previous ranking: 42
Current ranking: 29
Smith is an intriguing prospect with his size, length and athleticism. When I first saw Smith at the beginning of the regular season, it was clear that he grew a couple of inches since the summer. Skill wise, he still has a ways to go and his IQ must improve, but that doesn’t stop him from being a threat on the court at all times. Smith made impressive plays in the open floor where his athleticism could be showcased. Defensively he was a shot-blocking presence around the rim and was a consistent rebounding presence. As time goes on if Smith can polish his perimeter play and feel for the game, his ceiling is quite high.
Koralp Turk Koralp Turk 6'7" | PF Mt. Carmel | 2021 MD | 6’7 | Mt. Carmel
Previous ranking: 51
Current ranking: 46
Turk made steady progressions in his first season playing American basketball. His combination of size and ability to shoot from three make him a prospect worth tracking. At 6-foot-7, Turk is a big body presence in the paint who can corral rebounds in bulk. Offensively he’s a pick-and-pop threat who can also use his brute force to score inside on paint touches. Turk doesn’t have offers at the moment, but caught the eyes of low major programs in the area.
Clarence Obiajulu Clarence Obiajulu 6'7" | C National Christian | 2021 State MD | 6’7 | City
Previous ranking: 40
Current ranking: 54
Obiajulu is one of the more unknown prospects who could contribute at the next level. Currently playing alongside a slew of guards who need the ball, Obiajulu was limited with his opportunities to really show his skill set offensively. When he did, Obiajulu presents sneaky, powerful athleticism and finishes above the rim consistently. Defensively he played the role of City’s inside presence where he rebounded by the bunch as well as contest shots at the rim. While Obiajulu may continue to fly under the radar, it could pay dividends for a low major program to begin tracking him early.