2018 PG Stock Risers
What point guards have elevated their recruiting stock the most during the first half of the season and saw a boost in the rankings because of it? We break that down here!
Dravon Clayborn (Niles North)
Previous Ranking: #265
Current Ranking: #22
This is one of the biggest jumps we have ever had in the history of the rankings. We will totally admit we missed on him. Clayborn played on an out of state travel team that we did not know he was on and after showing flashes early in his career before transferring to Niles North he kind of got lost in the shuffle. We have evaluated him multiple times this season and have come away extremely impressed with his explosiveness off the bounce. Speed getting to the rim and finishes at the rack. Range on jump shot out to three where he shoots it at a solid clip. Drive and kick facilitator in the half court. Defensively he gets after it. Would be a nice fit at the low-major level.
Chase Adams (Marian Catholic)
Previous Ranking: #67
Current Ranking: #51
Adams has had a very strong senior season and has seen his stock rise because of it. The quick and shifty point guard has the ball on a string with his ability to handle it in traffic getting where he needs on the floor to get his plus pull up mid-range shot off. Adams pushes the ball in the open floor with great speed and has his head up looking to make a play. Pass first point guard that has a feel for the game and making others better. Pesky on ball defender. His breakout game was against Danville where he had 37 points. Adams would be an excellent fit at a high level D2 program where he can run the show and be a leader.
Morgan Taylor (Marist)
Previous Ranking: #86
Current Ranking: #52
Taylor has led Marist to a great season to date. The point guard impressed with his play at the Centralia Holiday Tournament leading his team to a third place finish. He is a tough as nails lead guard that is more of a scoring point guard at this stage. Taylor is at his best getting in the lane where he finishes well through and around contact. He isn’t the most physically built guard, but has wiry strength. Makes tough layups inside. Jump shot is still a work in progress. Taylor would be a nice addition to a D2 program.
Jack Marinko (Edwardsville)
Previous Ranking: #99
Current Ranking: #77
Marinko played a complimentary role to Mr. Basketball Mark Smith last season in the backcourt for Edwardsville. This year it is his show and he is showing out! Marinko is a plus shooter from the perimeter that isn’t afraid to let it fly from really deep. He is a tough as nails guard that plays with a lot of passion and intensity. Good leader that other guys want to follow. He is having an excellent senior season both scoring and passing. Was a standout at the Highland Shootout where we saw him go off for 29 points. D3 and NAIA programs would be wise to make him a priority.
Jordan Holmes (Columbia)
Previous Ranking: #137
Current Ranking: #78
Holmes is another southern Illinois scoring combo guard that has helped his stock this season. We have seen him multiple times in person and he has proven that when he needs to get a bucket he can do exactly that. Athletic guard that gets to the hoop off the bounce with creative handles. Sound perimeter shooter that can let it fly from deep with a clean release. Defensively he showed against Salem how he can elevate his game on that end getting multiple key steals late. Holmes committed to play football at Illinois last week as a walk on.