2020 Rankings Update: No. 51-75
Two distinct trends stick out at you when looking at the no. 51-75 section of our updated 2020 rankings. Although all 25 players don’t fit into these two categories, it covers a near majority.
Small Guards
While this category may come off as an insult, we truly don’t intend it to be. First of all, these players are under 6′ in height — making this a fact-based observation. Also, their lack of stature hasn’t limited them too much to this point, as they rank amongst the top 75 prospects in the entire state of Ohio.
Short players also tend to be some of the most skilled. We can assume that most of these guys didn’t distinguish themselves amongst their peers via pure athleticism their whole lives. Instead, they had to be profoundly skilled and develop their court presence in a unique way.
Here’s what makes each unique as a prospect:
- No. 54, Simon Blair — A quick true point guard who built on his evaluation at the Super 16 with strong performances, including in a showdown with All Ohio Red. Ambidextrous and sneaky finisher. Top-notch awareness when it comes to controlling pace and knowing his own strengths.
- No. 56, Jashun Cobb — Lightning quick handle with a capable jumper that he can shoot off the dribble after creating separation. Stepped up big during the winter as Benedictine struggled to stay healthy. More of a score-first combo guard.
- No. 58, Cameron McCreary — McCreary specializes in keeping his teammates involved and making passes once he penetrates the lane. Efficient player who creates driving lanes with jab steps and craft. Profoundly unselfish.
- No. 59, Tahj Staveskie — Remains one of the most unknown Ohio prospects as he hasn’t played this grassroots season with an injury. Quick and skilled handle that he uses to breakdown an opponent before making a play. Confident scorer.
- No. 66, Kobe Righter — Can play either guard spot because of his shooting ability. Creates separation via the pump fake, a move which he forces opponents to respect. Very crafty, including a running floater from the wing.
- No. 68, Tevin Jackson — Ran St. Ignatius’s offense as a sophomore, which speaks to his reliability and IQ as a young prospect. Quick kid with strong defensive instincts. Can play at any pace. Finishes with either hand with an above average ability to bounce.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
There’s five players in this range that we believe have real chances to jump up in a major way, maybe even into the top 30.
Here’s what needs to happen in order for them to improve their evaluation:
- No. 52, Caleb Terry — The small-town center stands 6’8” and has a sliver of mobility that could develop into a real asset if he catches up to his body. If Terry becomes a rangier defender that can run the floor, there’s no doubt he earns a scholarship along the way.
- No. 62, Jaedyn McKinstry — It’s actually just a matter of seeing McKinstry play at a high level a couple more times. The two-sport prospect flashes playmaking ability as a faceup forward. He has an undeniably promising frame to go along with good feet.
- No. 65, Trey Robinson — Robinson has a fluid handle and what it takes in terms of athleticism. However, proving himself as a shot-maker is crucial as he recorded shooting splits of 45-30-25 as a sophomore at Hamilton.
- No. 71, Caleb Smith — As an underclassman at Rogers, Smith was a guy who was either going off for 20-plus points or hardly making an impact. Therefore, his consistency is in question at this time. When he’s scoring, Smith hits 3-pointers off the dribble and combines a strong frame with a good first step as a slasher.
- No. 72, Gbolahan Adio — Adio has really improved in the last year — a testament to his work ethic and an indication that his value will continue trending upward. His handle has tightened up which in turn frees up scoring opportunities. Adio needs to translate his athleticism to the defensive end and remain an aggressive scorer.