Rankings Update: 2019’s Top 15 Point/Lead Guards
Although Ohio’s 2019 class has been maligned when being compared to other graduating classes, the point guards are very good. Of the top 30 overall prospects in Ohio, ten of them qualify as point guards or lead guards.
The first ten players listed here should be considered D-I prospects, with even the tenth player holding multiple scholarship offers at that level. In the Next Five section, all of those players would be quality signing for high-D-II programs.
[2] Jeremiah Francis, 6’2”, Pickerington Central / Indiana Elite
The North Carolina commit hasn’t played in a real game since our last update, a health concern that pushed him to no. 2 overall instead of no. 1. However, we haven’t lost sight of the fact that he was named to the Prep Hoops 16U All American Team last time he was healthy. Expect a bounce back whenever Francis gets back on the court.
[7] Andre Gordon, 6’2”, Sidney / C2K Elite
Gordon announced on Twitter that he’ll pursue a future in college basketball instead of football. That’s huge, as he was previously considered a D-I quarterback prospect and gridiron lean. The dynamic ball-handler averaged 23.0 points and 5.5 assists as a junior.
[13] Javohn Garcia, 6’3”, Pickerington Central / All Ohio Red EYBL
Garcia is one of two 2019 Pick Central point guards in the top three here, a frightening detail for Central Ohio next season. The slippery slasher carved up defenses all the way to the D-I Final Four this season with Francis absent. He climbed ten spots from his no. 23 position in the last version of the rankings.
[17] Jeremiah Keene, 6’0”, Westerville North / Nova (James)
Keene showed the capacity to play as an off-ball point guard who stretches the floor with this catch-and-shoot ability this winter — a role that we believe is his destiny for a LM/MM program. He hasn’t added any new offers in the last several months but Kent State, Stony Brook, and UT Martin are still on his sheet.
[18] Davin Zeigler, 6’2”, Benedictine / TNBA West Vega
Zeigler struggled with injuries also this season, but he was pretty special when he suited up for the Bengals. His explosiveness with the ball separates him from the other players he’ll compete for scholarships for this summer.
[19] Greg Tribble Jr., 6’0”, Winton Woods / OBC
Tribble uses his change of speed and vertical leaping ability to cause problems at the basket as a slasher. He holds five D-I offers as he heads into his first season playing on the adidas Gauntlet Gold.
[20] William Mfum, 6’2”, Northland / C2K Elite
Mfum is yet another athletic point guard in this class. He’s known for highlight dunks and a strong upper body, but continuing to build on his feel and jumper is crucial going into this grassroots season. To be fair to Mfum, he definitely shows improvements in those areas every time we see him play.
[24] Devon Grant, 6’0”, Lorain / OBC
Last month, Grant received an offer from Bowling Green, his first from a Division I program. He is one of the top off-the-dribble shooters in the state of Ohio because of his stroke and ability to get separation.
[27] Brandon Rush, 6’1”, Warrensville Heights / TNBA West Vega
Rush has shown improvements as a vertical athlete and decision-maker. While he should be receiving interest from both the D-I and D-II level, Rush has a high ceiling because of his athleticism and shooting touch.
[30] DJ Dial, 5’9”, Brush / All Ohio Red EYBL
Dial rounds out the top ten. The NEO floor general may be undersized but he knows how to run a team better than most. Dial improved his shooting range this winter with Brush. It’ll be interesting to see how he fares on the EYBL circuit with Red.