Louisiana 2019 Rankings: Best Wings
Charlie Russell 6’7 SF Sophie B. Wright/Lousisiana Supreme
I’m not sure if there is a single prospect that I have had more of a roller coaster ride trying to pinpoint his talent level and trying to predict his potential production at the next level. I was really high on him as a freshman and sophomore, as a 6’5 wing that was silky smooth, and could hit tough shots from deep. But I will be honest, coming into this grassroots season, I had my questions about whether he could move well enough laterally to be able to defend at an elite level. But he has shown that he can, in combination with his size and elite shooting ability has proven himself to be a no brainer D1 prospect.
Nick Caldwell 6’6 SF/PF Dutchtown (Southeastern commit)
Caldwell is a really interesting prospect, in large part because of his offensive versatility. He has the ball handling and shooting skills to be able to slide up all the way to play the 2 guard for some stretches of the game. He is capable of hitting tough shots from deep, and has the athleticism and jumping ability to throw down some big dunks when attacking the rim. However, he has struggled this grassroots season having the lateral quickness to be able to defend on the wing, so might be forced to guard 4s at the next level because of it. However, if he can improve his lateral movement and defensive ability, he has the potential to be a read difference maker at the next level.
Torey Cargo 6’4 SF Landry Walker/ We All We Got
Cargo has the potential to be a steal for a college program, because he is exactly what most forward thinking coaches are looking for from their wings, a 3&D prospect with length and athleticism. He is long and fast enough to be able to contain speedier wings at the next level, but where he is going to make the biggest impact is with his ability to shoot the ball, and stretch the floor on the offensive side. He is also really good at attacking closeouts, and he is able to use his size and vision (quaterback on the football field) to make the right play when the helpside defense steps up.
Ja’Markus Wilson 6’5 SF/PF Rayville
Wilson is a high IQ forward with a deep shooting range. He is a bit of an old school player with a new school twist. He looks best when occupying the center of the floor at the high post. From there, he is able to see cutters around him, and able to make accurate passes to get them the ball. If the cutters aren’t open, he has the size to bully most defenders down into the paint, and carve out space in order to get a shot off in the post. My biggest question mark for his game is exactly what position he plays, because most of his game is played at the 4, but I don’t think he has the size for that position at the next level. If he can lose some weight and improve his ball handling ability, he will be able to play a more natural 3.
Justin Thomas 6’5 SF St. Thomas Aquinas
Thomas is a long, rangy forward with an impressive offensive ability. He is a deadeye marksman from deep, but where I was really impressed with his game is his ability to breakdown the defense off the dribble and finish around the paint. He has the ability to finish around and over length, and isn’t a bad playmaker when attacking the goal either. Thomas has an innate ability to put the ball in the rim, and I think that ability is going to transfer easily at the next level.