There are a couple of newcomers in the updated 2024 Tennessee player rankings.
The top five is solidified.
Let’s talk about it.
Somtochukwu Cyril, Jaye Nash, Alijah Curry, Billy Richmond, and Emerson Tenner rounded out the top five. It’s a tough group. Cyril has been a defensive specialist for EAB 17U this summer, while catching lobs over any defender in the paint.
Nash, a 6-foot-2 point guard, is playing with Arkansas Hawks/Hoop City 17U and has been looking every bit of a pure floor general. The rising junior has been improving as a jump shooter. Defensively, he’s always been a solid on-ball defender. Nash can make the right reads, even in tight spaces. As a result, Nash has seen his recruitment take off since the beginning of the AAU season.
Richmond could be the most coveted prospect in this class. As a 6-6 guard, Richmond can play both guard positions. He runs the floor well in transition, has smooth ball handles, and can knock down shots from 3. Richmond hasn’t had the summer I predicted he would have, but in the early days of June, the rising junior has been impressive at team camps and elite camps.
Tenner is another intriguing prospect in 2024. He’s here to stay in the top five. Tenner’s best moment came during the second session of Nike EYBL in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he led Team Thad 16U in scoring and to a 3-1 record. Tenner is a great scorer, an instant bucket, but his passing is just as good.
Max Slavik from Hamilton Heights Christian Academy is a newcomer, coming in at No. 7. The 6-9 power forward is having a productive summer with Hawks Elite. Slavik is a very skilled forward. He can make shots from the perimeter and take his defender off the dribble. Slavik can also make solid reads. The rising junior can create spacing for any program that likes to play a four guard lineup.
Christian Gilliland, Tyler Tanner, and Da’Ron Hall rounded out the top 10.
Gilliland is averaging around 16 points per game this summer for EAB 16U. As I mentioned before, the 6-2 comb guard is the most athletic prospect in this class. Gilliland is very crafty with the basketball and is a very good slasher.
