Class of 2019: Super Sleepers to Watch
The live evaluation period in July enters its second weekend and there are still a number of Class of 2019 rising seniors still looking to catch the attention of college coaches with their play. There are a number of players who have flown under the radar but are certainly hoping to make an impression before the summer is over. Here are five sleepers ready to bust out in a big way.
#15: Jalen Brown (2019 Jefferson HS/Hoop Salem) – Brown has flown under the radar a bit as he’s done some switching of teams back and forth, trying to find the right spot to shine. After playing with Nike Team Northwest in the spring and briefly transferring to Team Bradley/NW Panthers, he’s going to play the rest of the summer with Hoop Salem. The hope is there he’ll get a chance to do his sniping behind the three-point arc but also find himself handling the ball and getting to the cup where he can showcase his athleticism in finishing plays. Brown has the combination of athleticism and skills that can catch the eyes of coaches this summer.
#24: Chase McClain (2019 Mountain View HS/Team Fly Williams) – McClain is solidly built guard with good size (6-foot-2) and athleticism. While he played more of a supporting role in the spring, he has started to emerge this summer for Team Fly Williams. An aggressive player to the basket, he can also hit the open shot and he’s been able to contribute on the boards and on the defensive end. McClain’s goal this summer was to earn some scholarship offers and he’ll get his chance these last two evaluation periods in July.
#39: Fred Harding (2019 Lake Oswego HS/Team Fly White) – Take one look at Harding and you’ll immediately notice his size (6-foot-7) and strength, and with his shoulders he has the capability to build on even more. The key for Harding is playing with aggression – and doing so by initiation instead of just responding as such (which he has shown the capacity of doing). As the sole big man for Team Fly White, Harding will get his chance to do his thing these last couple of weeks for college coaches watching.
#40: Brock Henry (2019 Southridge HS/Nike Team Northwest) – Henry was injured for part of the spring but came back – and came back in a big way playing for Southridge during June summer ball. Now back in action for Nike Team Northwest, he’ll be able to show off his versatile offensive game in tournaments. When healthy, Henry can stroke the ball from beyond the arc but also make athletic drives to the basket and finish at the rim. While undersized for a scoring guard, perhaps he can attract the right recruiting attention as a combo guard who can provide instant offense.
#50: Trevon Richmond (2019 Jefferson HS/Oregon Basketball Club (Blue) – Richmond may be essentially the fourth guard at Jefferson but he’s the type of player that’s hard to keep off the floor due to the effort he exerts and the little things that he does. At Portland State Team Camp, he surprisingly was one of the top rebounders there because of the simple fact he was always going after the ball. Richmond can push the ball up the floor, find teammates for shots, and also hit the open shot himself. A big July with the OBC Blue squad could help him generate some smaller school interest to watch him during the school year at the very least.