2021 Wings Affected by AAU Postponement
As many high school team’s saw their season come to an end, the focus for prospects began to shift towards spring. Sure, there were still a small number of schools competing for championships, but the majority of prospects were at…
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Continue ReadingAs many high school team’s saw their season come to an end, the focus for prospects began to shift towards spring. Sure, there were still a small number of schools competing for championships, but the majority of prospects were at home preparing for their AAU practices to commence and eventually, the live periods of April to help boost their recruitment. Over the years we’ve seen plenty of players catapult their play in the spring months into college interest and offers.
The world was hit with the unknown that is now the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has caused all spring events to be canceled and hope remains we can pick up sometime this summer or even as early as May. Will the live period calendar see adjustments? That’s yet to be announced, but what we do know is that a number of 2021 wings in the Maryland and D.C. areas could have used the platforms to boost interest from college programs or grow their list of offers. Those are the players we will be highlighting in this article.
Jordan Hawkins Jordan Hawkins 6'5" | SF DeMatha | 2021 State #41 Nation MD | 6’6 | DeMatha
This past season held major importance for Hawkins’ future. His first season playing in the WCAC, the DeMatha wing settled in nicely. The 6-foot-6 wing was an explosive finisher in transition and a lob threat without the ball. Before growing into the above the rim finisher that we witnessed this season, Hawkins was known for his long range shooting. That skill transitioned well as Hawkins took advantage of open shots manufactured from the plethora of play makers on the Stags’ roster. The spring would’ve given programs more confirmation that Hawkins can perform efficiently at the highest of levels. UConn is his most recent offer, with the prior offer coming back in September from Xavier.
Jared Billups Jared Billups 6'5" | SF McDonogh | 2021 State MD | 6’6 | McDonogh
McDonogh was bit severely by the injury bug this season which forced Billups to take on more responsibility in every statistical category. The 6-foot-6 wing averaged 13.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game. His versatility was on full display and while you’d like to see him shoot better slightly better than 40 percent from the field, you have to keep in mind that the opposing team schemed their defense around stopping him. A versatile defender who rebounds out of his area, Billups showed progression as a scorer through his jumper. Billups was set to play with Team Thrill on the UAA Circuit and likely would have added to his list of offers that already consists of Bucknell, UMass-Lowell, Loyola (MD), Bryant and Mount St. Mary’s.
Barry Evans Barry Evans 6'7" | SF Poly | 2021 State MD | 6’7 | Oakland Mills
Evans’ name surfaced in conversation for his success this season in Howard County. The junior sprouted a few inches in the summer of 2019 and now stands 6-foot-7 with a long wingspan. A southpaw that is a capable shot maker from beyond the arc, Evans supplied crowds with a fair share of highlight material in transition where his size and athleticism allowed him for finishes well above the rim. He averaged 15.7 points and 8.7 rebounds. Currently holding no offers, the spring platform would have been a tremendous opportunity to show programs of his progression as a player.
Mohamed Toure Mohamed Toure 6'6" | SF Hun | 2022 State NJ | 6’6 | Sandy Spring
Toure posted an impressive stat line of 20 points, six rebounds and three assists while shooting 52 percent from the field. At 6-foot-6 with great length, Toure seems to be getting more comfortable off the bounce making plays for both himself and others. His explosive finishes in the open floor and chase down blocks gave onlookers a chance to see his explosion. Currently with no offers, Toure is a prospect with much potential and given his length, programs certainly would’ve inquired this spring.
Henrikas Kalnius Henrikas Kalnius 6'7" | PF New Hope | 2021 MD | 6’7 | New Hope
Kalnius presents an intriguing blend of size and ability to shoot from range, two things that are prized in today’s game at his position. He has sneaky athleticism and can finish at a decent rate on his drives to the rim. 2019-20 was New Hope’s first as a program and Kalnius proved to be a solid building block for the coming year.
Marlon Lewis Marlon Lewis 6'5" | SF Havre de Grace | 2021 State MD | 6’5 | Havre De Grace
Lewis is one of the most explosive athletes you’ll find in the DMV. The 6-foot-5 wing doesn’t get the attention he deserves, but that may have to do with the current league he plays in and the fact that his AAU team doesn’t play on any well-known circuits/tournaments. Make no mistake if both of those situatons were different, he’d have multiple offers. Even still, mid-major programs have inquired and plan to keep an eye on his progress.
Thomas Whitley Thomas Whitley 6'6" | PF Eleanor Roosevelt | 2021 State MD | 6’6 | Eleanor Roosevelt
Prior to this season, Whitley had a reputation for his versatility defensively being a solid rebounding presence, a shot-blocking threat around the rim an efficient help side defender. While he lived up to said reputations on that end, he also became more productive offensively by scoring inside and out. His size and ability to contribute in a multitude of ways with still much room for growth in his overall game would leave programs with the notion of Whitley having intriguing upside.