2020-21 preview: 5 players who are in position to have a breakout season (Part 2)
I left out some names in my previous story, so a follow-up story was needed. Since the AAU season wasn’t what most expected it to be, a lot of prospects will need to have solid campaigns during the high school…
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Continue ReadingI left out some names in my previous story, so a follow-up story was needed.
Since the AAU season wasn’t what most expected it to be, a lot of prospects will need to have solid campaigns during the high school basketball season to get the attention of college coaches.
Here are five more prospects that should be able to do that.
Bobby Westbrooks, St. Benedict: The senior guard will be one of the top scoring options for the Eagles alongside incoming senior guard Adam Barbieri. St. Benedict will be very fortunate to have an experienced backcourt. Westbrooks is one of those guards that will have a quiet, productive night without a single highlight reel. Westbrooks is similar to Barbieri in terms of shot selections. He also has a nice release. Westbrooks should lead the Eagles in scoring in 2020.
Bakari Johnson, Freedom Prep: Johnson is a powerful 6-5 wing that’s hard to stop once he’s in the lane. Johnson has taken it up a notch with his ball handling. He was already a solid finisher in transition. While playing with EAB 16U, he’s become a better passer. Johnson is starting to see the floor a lot better. Remember, he averaged 17.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.5 steals a season ago. I expect Johnson to be one of the best wings in Class A in 2020.
JaQuan Lax, Bolivar Central: Lax could end up being a steal for a college coach if the fit is right. Offensively, the 6-foot point guard’s quickness and ball handling allows him to get into the lane. Lax mostly likes to score inside the 3-point line, but can knock down shots from 3 whenever his team needs a bucket. Lax needs to have a solid senior season, so one coach can come knocking on his door. A season ago, he averaged 15 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game, so the potential for a much-needed breakout season is there.
Rico Sain, Jackson Southside: Sain played in a reserve role last season and was a great contributor on both ends of the floor. He plays hard, a physical defender and can shoot it from 3. Sain runs the floor well in transition and knows how to finish. In 2020, his role in the backcourt will just as big as it was last season. Sain could be what Lou Williams is to the Los Angeles Clippers: A consistent offensive spark each time the Hawks hit the floor.
Jaylin Smith, Westwood: Smith was one of the driving forces behind head coach Chris Adams’ first season with the Longhorns. He was dependable and gained his coach’s trust from the jump. Smith attacked the basket on many possessions last season. He also showed glimpses of how good of a scorer he can be late in games. As a sophomore, Smith averaged 13 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 43 percent from the field. If his confidence and drive remains high, I don’t see a scenario where Smith doesn’t have a solid junior year.