2022 class: 6 players who should take the next step in 2020 (Part 3)
I have been to some open gym competitions for the past three weeks as prospects are trying to stay in basketball shape. AAU programs have had their players in gyms trying to build chemistry in a short period of time…
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Continue ReadingI have been to some open gym competitions for the past three weeks as prospects are trying to stay in basketball shape.
AAU programs have had their players in gyms trying to build chemistry in a short period of time leading up to events taking place in July.
I have my eye on the 2022 class since the 2021 class is getting closer and closer to the finish line.
Here are more prospects in the 2022 class that should take the next step in 2020.
JaSteven Walker, Fayette Ware: Walker is already 6-foot-11. He grew an inch since the start of the 2019-20 season. Walker is already solid at contesting a lot of shots and coming away with 4-6 blocks. He runs the floor well to be his size. Walker’s post moves are coming along. Playing on Team Thad ‘s 15U team gives him exposure plus an opportunity to show how far he has come since his freshman season.
Hayden Ledbetter, Lausanne: The 5-10 point guard was one of the best passers in Division II-A last season. That was what stood out to me when I first Ledbetter in open gym prior to his freshman season with the Lynx. With Moussa Cisse Moussa Cisse 6'11" | PF Lausanne Collegiate | 2020 State #6 Nation TN , Jalen Bo Montgomery and Johnathan DeJurnett Johnathan DeJurnett 6'7" | PF Lausanne Collegiate | 2020 State TN all gone, Ledbetter will be able to show viewers that he’s more than a facilitator. His head coach, Marvis Davis, definitely has big plans for his starting point guard.
Malik Dia, Ensworth: The 6-8 small forward has a chance to be a solid player. Dia can put the ball on the floor in transition. He’s able to stretch the floor due to his ability knock down 17-foot jumpers. Occasionally, Dia can make 2-4 3s a game.
Kobe Wilkes, FACS: Wilkes has gotten the attention of some mid-major college programs. After helping the Crusaders reach the Division II-A Boys state title game, Wilkes has to be elevating his game to help FACS get back to Nashville. He’s a good slasher with patience on offense. Wilkes doesn’t struggles a lot with breaking defenses down. If he can make 50 percent of his shots from the field next season, Wilkes could be one of a few guards in the league to have an all-around productive year.
Pressley Patterson, Knoxville Catholic: During the Fighting Irish’s state title run, Patterson made a name for himself by how well he ran off ball screens. He moves very well without the basketball that defenses have to know where he’s at on the floor. Patterson isn’t a bad ball handler, either. If Patterson plays at the Division 1 level, he will probably have to play point guard. Patterson has the tools to do so.
Hanje Tamba, Knoxville Catholic: Tamba played a reserve role last season for the Fighting Irish. With Akeem Odusipe Akeem Odusipe 6'9" | PF Knoxville Catholic | 2020 State #306 Nation TN gone to Vanderbilt, the 7-footer will need to step up offensively. Tamba will need to come close to Odusipe’s numbers (16.9 points and 11.2 rebounds). He made close to 50 percent of his shots, recorded 0.9 blocks per game and pulled down 4.8 rebounds per game. If Tamba took this summer to get better, then his 2020 season will be a special one.