UPDATED 2018 Rankings: Biggest Risers
Their senior campaigns are upon them, and for three full years now, the class of 2018 has been able to showcase themselves. Many players have committed to college programs; but with still one full season ahead of them, there’s plenty of time left for other guys to nab offers, make their names known and leave a lasting legacy at their schools. Their were some players added, and a bit of shakeup in this latest installment of rankings. And though the top 10 stayed intact, others in the top 75 made some moves up. Below we’ll highlight some of the top risers in this latest installment of 2018 rankings.
No. 13 Corvon Seales (previously No. 23)
Nobody nabbed more offers this summer than this North Scott guard. Seales picked up a total of eight Division II and JuCo offers after a strong showing with Quad City Elite 17U in July. And the rangy 6-foot-3 senior didn’t waste any time making his college decision; he committed to Minnesota State-Mankato in August.
No. 16 Lucas Duax (previously No. 20)
The 6-foot-3 Dubuque Hempstead point guard has been impressive in each and every one of our viewings of him since April, and it’s because there’s really nothing he can’t do. He’ll create his own shot, knock down the deep ball, make the right pass and get up and slam on you if you let him. He’s headed to D2 Upper Iowa next season.
No.23 Hakeem Odunsi (previously No. 30)
This Iowa City West point-forward continues to rise, and could rise again with a strong showing in the early part of the season. He plays in a stacked Iowa City West program, so he’s never had to be the man there, but will have more of an opportunity than ever this season to showcase unique skill set of elite passer and big-bodied, athletic forward.
No. 29 Joseph Evans (previously No. 78)
Evans made a bigger leap than anyone on this list, jumping 49 spots after receiving three Division II offers this summer. It was Wayne State, Northern State and Saint Cloud State that offered the Martin Brothers product. Those programs undoubtedly liked Evans’ immense length and leaping ability, pair that with his 6’8 inch frame and he could have a breakout season with Dowling this winter.
N0. 43 Grant DeMeulenaere (previously No. 52)
Up nine spots is Grand View Christian floor general Grant DeMeulenaere after another strong summer with Kingdom Hoops Elite. He’s caught the eye on some D2 and NAIA programs, and even has D1 Colgate in New York paying attention to him. If he leads the Thunder to another state title, he could see his recruitment balloon even more.
No. 47 Luke Empen (previously No. 60)
A big and strong post, Empen is one of the hardest working big-men in the state, and one of the best, too. He’ll give maximum effort each night out, and his coaches have always had nothing but great things to say about his workmanlike approach to the game. Division II schools looking for a big-man will want to give this Northeast, Goose Lake senior a look.
No. 71 Dadrian Hoambrecker (previously No. 83)
Another Iowa City West wing that makes this list, Hoambrecker transferred into West from Burlington for his junior season and had to sit out the first half as a result. Now, the 6’5 wing will play a full season, and for the Trojans, its talent pool becomes richer with the big, versatile and ever-improving prospect.
No. 75 Shane Chamberlain (previously No. 116)
Twice this summer we saw Chamberlain, at the Council Bluffs Lincoln Team Camp and again at our Top 250 Expo, and both times we came away very impressed. The Harlan guard/forward can light it up from deep, and has a strong 6’4 build to be effective in the paint. NAIA programs will want to give him a look this season, and D2s as well.