2025 Watchlist: Wings and Bigs
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The initial watchlist for the Class of 2025 was just released. We haven’t seen enough from these players yet to feel comfortable ranking them, but below are some of the standout wings from the watchlist who have made an immediate…
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Continue ReadingThe initial watchlist for the Class of 2025 was just released. We haven’t seen enough from these players yet to feel comfortable ranking them, but below are some of the standout wings from the watchlist who have made an immediate impact as freshmen.
Josh Brauer Josh Brauer 6'4" | SF Dubuque Senior | 2025 State IA (SF, Senior)
Brauer is a 6-3 wing with a solid frame and the ability to finish around the rim at a high level. He can stretch the floor a bit, but is most comfortable when he’s getting to the rim for finishes. He’s been a solid contributor for a young Rams team, averaging 4.0 points and 1.8 rebounds while shooting 60.9% from the field.
Jalen Johnson Jalen Johnson 6'2" | SF Senior | 2025 State IA (SF, Senior)
An athletic 6-2 combo forward who pounds the offensive glass and does all of his damage around the rim, Johnson is averaging 6.8 points and 4.2 rebounds a game for the Rams. He’s a plus-athlete who can defend multiple positions and has shown a solid stroke from the free-throw line, suggesting he may be able to add some range to his game.
Jack McCaffery Jack McCaffery 6'8" | SF Iowa City West | 2025 State #70 Nation IA (SF, Iowa City West)
The youngest of the McCaffery boys got off to a ridiculously hot start shooting the ball for the Trojans, and while he has cooled off a bit, he’s still knocking down 36.5% of his 3-point attempts, which at 6-8 is huge. He has a smooth stroke and extended range, and has started to become more comfortable moving inside the arc and finishing around the rim. As he continues to become a more fluid athlete, he’ll turn into one of the best scorers in the state, as he’ll be difficult to contain with his size and ability to stretch the floor.
Thomas Meyer Thomas Meyer 6'4" | SF Clear Lake | 2025 State IA (SF, Clear Lake)
A 6-4 forward who does a majority of his damage around the rim right now, Meyer will likely transition further away from the basket as he continues to progress, but right now, he’s finishing at a highly efficient clip (57.1 FG%) and averaging 11.2 points and 6.3 rebounds a game.
Markese Harvey-Bell Markese Harvey-Bell 6'6" | PF Roosevelt | 2025 State IA (PF, Des Moines Lincoln)
A 6-5 big man who runs the floor and rebounds really well, Harvey-Bell is averaging 3.9 points and 4.4 rebounds in his first varsity season. He’s a mobile, switchable defender who is blocking 1.1 shots a game despite limited playing time. His offensive game is still a work in progress, but he has a pretty good feel for the game and is a good athlete with a strong frame to continue building on.
Brody Clubb Brody Clubb 6'3" | PF Clear Creek Amana | 2025 State IA (PF, Clear Creek Amana)
A 6-3 big man who runs the floor and positions himself well on the defensive end, Clubb is physically mature for a freshman, which has allowed him to compete at a high level on both ends of the floor for the Clippers. He’s limited offensively right now but is a good rebounder and solid team defender.
Nitish Sankaranthi Nitish Sankaranthi 6'7" | SF Waukee Northwest | 2025 State IA (SF, Waukee Northwest)
A long, rangy, and athletic 6-7 wing who impacts the game at a high level defensively, Sankaranthi has picked up an offer from South Dakota State before playing a single varsity minute (he’s playing on Northwest’s sophomore team this season). He’s a three-level scorer with an excellent feel for the game.
Cailen Shadrick Cailen Shadrick 6'2" | SF Davenport North | 2025 State IA (SF, Davenport West)
A 6-2 wing who has played primarily on West’s sophomore team this season, Shadrick is a good ball-handler and has a big, physical frame that he can continue to build on. He’s at his best when he’s playing downhill and attacking the bucket, but he has a good enough stroke that it needs to be respected. He can finish through contact with either hand and has the size to be a solid defender on multiple positions.
Luke Wieskamp Luke Wieskamp 6'6" | SF Brophy Prep | 2025 State AZ (SF, Muscatine)
The younger brother of Joe Wieskamp, Luke is a 6-5 wing who can score from all three levels, and he does a good job using his length and athleticism to contest shots defensively. He leads the Muskies in scoring at 10.5 points a game and is also blocking 1.3 a night.