Bruce’s Best: All-Upside Team
The beauty of basketball is that development never stops. With specialized development and training, combined with the natural growth spurts teenagers undergo, some players become better players in college than they were in high school. In this article PH, takes…
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Continue ReadingThe beauty of basketball is that development never stops. With specialized development and training, combined with the natural growth spurts teenagers undergo, some players become better players in college than they were in high school. In this article PH, takes a look at our all upside team.
Dominque Clifton Dominque Clifton 6'2" | SG Eldorado | 2021 State NV 6’1 SG Eldorado 2021 – Clifton played for a new coach last season, and no coach this year with the canceled season. The lefty could have really used an additional 20 plus games to show improved 3pt shooting and above-average R&J athleticism. May be a juco play, but with his ability to defend, and his speed and athleticism he is a clear candidate for improvement over the next few years.
Azavier Johnson Azavier Johnson 6'4" | CG Faith Lutheran | 2021 State NV 6’4 CG Faith Lutheran 2021 – So excited to watch him develop in college. Johnson is a highly skilled combo that already has a college-level frame. Johnson is only 17 and could easily be one of the top players in the class of 2022. As it is he will take his talents to UTSA, making him an intriguing steal for the Roadrunners.
Gray Braun Gray Braun 6'4" | SF Spring Valley | 2021 State NV 6’4 SF Spring Valley 2021 – Braun didn’t play much his junior season, however, I’ve seen the 6’4 wing show flashes of his promise. When he’s shooting the ball well, his stock instantly rises as he has good size and frame, for a college wing. As per our recent recruiting report article, Braun has gained some interest from NAIA Hiram.
Dontrell Johnson Dontrell Johnson 6'5" | SF Trinity | 2022 State NV 6’4 PF Bonanza 2022 (featured image) – Pegged as one of my stockrisers, going into the season, I’ve heard good things about Johnson’s play recently. The 6’4 PF has wing defensive skills and is a blur in transition. Once he finds an effective jump shot, and he gets to display it regularly, I expect interest in him to grow.
Phoenix Wortham Phoenix Wortham 6'1" | SG Green Valley | 2022 State NV 5’10 SG Green Valley 2022 – This is an age play. The junior is only 16 years old and does have a strap. He has a quick trigger, and he shoots it confidently and with range. I could see a few situations where his frame catches up with his skill, and some coach becomes enamored his ability to knock down open shots.
DJ Thomas DJ Thomas 6'2" | PG Liberty | 2024 #19 Nation NV 6’0 PG Liberty 2024 – May have one of the highest upsides in the nation. In an age of holdbacks, the 14 year old Thomas is almost two years younger than the competition in his class. Add in the fact that he routinely plays against 16U competition and you can see a situation where he is far ahead of his competition once they all start competition in the same playing field. As it is, he’s already a dominant pure PG, that controls the game with his ballhandling, decision making, and shooting.
Tylen Riley Tylen Riley 6'2" | CG Durango | 2023 State NV 6’0 CG Durango 2023 – There’s going to be some ups and downs for Riley, but if he decides to stick through the process there’s some light at the end of the tunnel. I like guys that can overcome adversity and are willing to compete. Although he’s part of a loaded Purple Reign Backcout, the sophomore has earned some minutes and has shown flashes of his talent. He needs to limit his turnovers, however he has the potential to be a really good player in a couple of years.
Osiris Grady Osiris Grady 6'7" | PF Coronado | 2023 #195 Nation UT 6’7 PF Coronado 2023 – Hard to ignore Grady’s rise The 6’7 forward has played many of the top west coast players in his class to at least a standstill. His improving ball skills start to give you the impression that he could translate down to the 3 at the college level. If that happens, you’re looking at an above-average R&J athlete that can defend and protect the rim from a wing position.