DFW Rankings: 2021 Prospects Regardless of Position (#6-10)
There are numerous sets of rankings online with varying criteria for evaluating prospects. That said, city specific rankings are much less common. After spending the last year covering basketball in the metroplex, I wanted to provide my list of the…
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Continue ReadingThere are numerous sets of rankings online with varying criteria for evaluating prospects. That said, city specific rankings are much less common. After spending the last year covering basketball in the metroplex, I wanted to provide my list of the best players in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
North Texas is loaded with talent. So, who are the top guys in DFW from the class of 2021?
#6 – C.J. Noland C.J. Noland 6'4" | SG Waxahachie | 2021 State #129 Nation TX | 6’3” Shooting Guard/Small Forward | Waxahachie HS
Noland is a strong bodied guard who can bully just about anyone who dares to challenge him. I compared him to Eric Bledsoe in one of my NBA comps articles, and I stand by it. He isn’t afraid to use his strength to back smaller opponents down for close range buckets. His perimeter game is solid too. He has a good burst and can shoot the three ball. Defensively, Noland guards a variety of players. He shouldn’t have much trouble transitioning to the next level due to his physicality.
#7 – Damon Nicholas Damon Nicholas 6'4" | SF Duncanville | 2021 State TX | 6’4” Shooting Guard/Small Forward | Duncanville HS
Nicholas can get it done at all three levels offensively. He is a great athlete that seems to be at his best when he is slashing his way to the rim. The soon-to-be senior has displayed excellent body control when attacking the basket. His elusiveness and ability to weave through traffic on his way to the hoop is superb. He is a crafty scorer as well, often utilizing pass and shot fakes to free himself up. Beyond that, Nicholas a willing passer and rebounder. He crashes hard on the defensive glass and goes up high whenever a rebound is within his reach.
#8 – Imo Essien Imo Essien 6'0" | PG Bishop Lynch | 2021 State TX | 6’0” Point Guard | Bishop Lynch HS
Essien is a score-first point guard with exceptional quickness. He barley loses any speed when changing direction and stops on a dime. He is savvy when it comes utilizing angles to combat the size he gives up when facing taller defenders. The variety of ways he can finish at the basket with either hand makes him difficult to contain. He is a stellar three-point shooter as well, especially off the dribble. Essien’s energetic style of play is infectious. His teammates feed off of him. He plays fast and leads by example.
#9 – Ed’Xavior Rhodes Ed’Xavior Rhodes 6'9" | PF Dallas Skyline | 2021 State TX | 6’9” Power Forward | Dallas Skyline HS
Rhodes is a versatile stretch four. He is light on his feet and moves well for someone his size. Teams struggle to deal with him due to his unique combination of size and shot-making ability. He can hit shots both inside and outside the arc and benefits from being able to shoot over defenders closing out on him. Additionally, the Dallas Skyline big man scores well in the low post. Rhodes is incredibly active on the defensive end too. He blocks and challenges shots in the paint and jumps passing lanes for gimme steals. He should receive a few more offers from Power Five programs with a successful senior campaign.
#10 – Jalen Lake Jalen Lake 6'4" | SG Waxahachie | 2021 State #245 Nation TX | 6’4” Shooting Guard | Waxahachie HS
Lake is a long three-and-d two-guard. He shoots the three ball at a high clip both from the catch and off the bounce. He has a quick release on his jump shot. His mid-range pull up game is tremendous. He has the ability to drill shots while moving. The shooting guard uses his jumper to score in a multitude of ways. Furthermore, Lake’s length and fluid movement allow him to get into the teeth of defenses for high percentage shots near the hoop. He is also a very gifted passer who can thread the needle and deliver accurate passes.
Check out Part 1 here.