Heart Over Height: 2021 Edition
Basketball has always been a game where size matters, but with the way the game is trending with small ball the smaller guards are starting to make a comeback. There’s always been guys that can get it done despite not…
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Continue ReadingBasketball has always been a game where size matters, but with the way the game is trending with small ball the smaller guards are starting to make a comeback. There’s always been guys that can get it done despite not being the biggest, but it seems to me and many others that the small guards are making a comeback. With that being said, here’s a look at 7 small guards in the 2021 class to keep an eye on.
Jason Nelson Jason Nelson 5'8" | PG John Marshall | 2021 State VA | 5’10” | John Marshall
Nelson recently narrowed his schools he’s considering down to Richmond and Vanderbilt, and despite his size he’s solidified himself as the best point guard in the Richmond area and one of the best in the state as well. The two time state champion is a true floor general that runs the show and makes everyone better, but this year he showed more of a killer instinct and an improved ability to score the ball off the bounce from multiple levels. He’s extremely crafty and a tough leader that maybe isn’t a “rah-rah” guy as I like to say but he leads by example and is easy for others to follow with his work ethic and calm demeanor.
Jake Cooper | 5’9” | Green Run
The Class 5 Player of the Year was one of the best point guards in the state this past year as he led Green Run to a state championship, and he’s starting to see colleges come knocking with a recent offer from Virginia Union. A smooth assassin from the lead guard position, he’s a dual threat guy that can both score it at a high clip efficiently while also making everyone better and setting the tone on both ends. He’s terrific in pick-and-roll situations, he takes care of the ball and makes winning plays on both ends and he’s a natural leader as well.
Ricky Goode-Wright Ricky Goode-Wright 5'10" | PG James Monroe | 2021 State VA | 5’10” | James Monroe
Goode-Wright is one of the best scoring guards on this list as he’s already eclipsed the 1,000 point mark and is the all-time leading scorer in James Monroe history going into his senior year. When you want to talk about smooth, “Slick” is one of the first guys that comes to mind as he makes scoring it off the bounce look super easy and he can do it from all over the floor. He isn’t the most athletic or dynamic guy but he’s shifty off the bounce, he can finish among the trees and he’s a guy who can really fill it up when he gets it going.
Isiah Simmons | 5’7” | Steward School
Simmons is a guy who has been an impact player and starter from day one in his high school career, and if you underestimate him because of his height he will torch you and embarrass you with his ability to break guys down off the bounce. He’s a quick and shifty guard that can attack going either way, he can score it from multiple levels and he’s a pest defensively as well. He’s a guy who can get hot quick and isn’t afraid of big situations and big time matchups, and he knows how to negate his height with a great midrange game as well.
Jakari Wilkins Jakari Wilkins 5'9" | PG Williamsburg Christian | 2021 State VA | 5’9” | Williamsburg Christian
Wilkins is one of the top lead guards in the Williamsburg area and while I slept on him early because of his height, he changed my mind quickly with his dual threat ability as a scorer and a facilitator. He’s a guy who’s not only lightning quick but he changes speeds and directions well, he has a total package of a scorer off the bounce and he understands angles and is able to make tough shots on the move. He shows great toughness and never backs down, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him get some scholarship offers moving forward.
Manny Ojo | 5’6” | Osbourn
Ojo may be one of the smallest guys on this list but he was an absolute killer at Osbourn this year and plays with a confidence and swagger you love to see.He’s extremely shifty off the bounce and he’s able to create space easily and has unreal range both off the bounce and off the catch, meaning you have to pick him up when he passes half court or it might be too late. He competes on both ends, he can score it in bunches and he makes good reads and makes others better as well.
Brandon Jenkins | 5’9” | Benedictine
Jenkins had a breakout year for a renewed Benedictine team as he showed he’s a true floor general and a throwback style point guard that can run the show and makes everyone better. He makes great reads with the ball in his hands whether it’s in pick-and-roll, transition or within the flow of the offense, and he’s able to thread the needle and get the ball to guys in situations to succeed. He can score it when he needs to and showed good range and a great middle game as well.