Elite 2018 Guards Outside The Top 100 Rankings
Prospect rankings are constantly changing as players improve their skills and change their games. There are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ rankings and there is no set way to do it. That being said, there are often athletes who may be underranked or guys who just haven’t fully developed physically or basketball skill wise.
The class of 2018 in the state of Michigan is especially difficult to rank. It is one of the deepest and most talented classes in recent memory. There is college level talent up and down the board and all across the state. Below we’ll highlight 7 guards in the class of 2018 who are not ranked in the top 100. These guards could all say they are deserving of a spot in the top 100. They are all players who have the talent and potential needed to play college basketball.
LJ DEWOLF (5-11, G, Huron)
DeWolf is currently ranked #103 in our Prep Hoops Michigan rankings. He is a dynamic scoring guard who has a reputation as a 3-point shooter. DeWolf can actually score from all three levels and is excellent at creating and finding lanes to the basket. He’s a solid ball handler who excels on the break both as a trainling shooter and leading with the ball. DeWolf is an elite perimeter defender who understands the concepts of team defense.
HARRISON GILSTRAP (6-4, SG, Bath)
Gilstrap is ranked #107. To say he is a scorer is putting it way too lightly. Gilstrap can score from anywhere on the court and has unlimited range. He is underrated as a finisher at the rim, mostly because people focus on his near flawless jumper. Gilstrap’s scoring ability will transfer to the next level. He is making huge improvements defensively as well.
TAVARES OLIVER (6-0, G, New Haven)
At Prep Hoops Michigan, we have Oliver ranked at #114. He’s a versatile guard who can handle the ball like a point guard, but has the ability to line up at either guard spot. This allows Oliver to create matchup problems for opponents. He’s a solid shooter who will continue to get better due to the excellent mechanics behind his jumper. Oliver has good straight line speed with the ball and possesses the ability to change speeds as well.
DREW KNICKERBOCKER (6-5, SG, Lapeer)
Knickerbocker is currently ranked #118. Don’t let the ranking fool you, this young man can flat out play ball. He is one of the best shooters in Michigan regardless of class. He has unlimited range and uses this to stretch the floor. Knickerbocker isn’t JUST a shooter. He can handle the ball and is good enough in that capacity that he can bring the ball up the court, even with pressure. Knickerbocker is a playmaker who can distribute the ball as well.
ELIJAH BAXTER (5-9, PG, Benton Harbor)
At Prep Hoops Michigan, we have Baxter ranked #121. He’s a young man that can be classified as a winner. Baxter can and will do whatever it takes to win and whatever he is asked to do. He is the type of basketball player that every coach wishes they had. He’s a floor general with a solid mid range jumper. Baxter is a quick and shifty guard with good hip movement.
ANDY MILLIKAN (6-2, SG, Walled Lake Northern)
Millikan is currently ranked #135. He has a keen understanding of the flow of a game and what’s needed from him in given situations. Millikan is underrated as an athlete, as he is quick and has a nice vertical. He’s a solid shooter who can spot up or shoot off the dribble. While Millikan is considered a shooting guard, he is very steady with the ball and a coach can be comfortable with it in his hands.
BRYCE ARMSTRONG (6-1, PG, Wyandotte)
At Prep Hoops Michigan, we have Armstrong ranked #142. He is a very explosive point guard. Armstrong is fast with the ball and makes use of his exceptional straight line speed. He rarely wastes a dribble, making use of every bounce and limiting turnovers. Armstrong can create space and uses this skill to get looks at the basket. He is dynamite off the pick and roll, having the ability to score or find the screener for a bucket.