High School Basketball Preview: Freshman to Make a Difference on the Next Level
Player Analysis: Class of 2016
VJ King (2016) 6’5” Wing Guard- King has a serious stroke
that has range that extends up to 23 ft. His size makes him a tough matchup for
any guard but his speed and athleticism is far too much too handle for any big
man. His size allows him to get off tough shots and his awareness of his
surroundings allow him to be a great passer and player off the ball. Overall
this kid has the potential to be great.
Thon Maker (2016) 7’0” Forward/Center- Maker’s tremendous
size creates a matchup problem for any team. His ability to block shots around
the rim forces teams to change their game plan. His offensive ability is
incredible, he is able to post up anyone, can get to the rim, and has a wing
game similar to Kevin Durant. This kid is a force to be reckoned with in the
future.
Unique McLean (2016) 6’0” Wing Guard- McLean has to be the
most athletic kid in the Class of 2016. This kid can leap out of the building
and can throw down over anyone despite his size at 6’0”. He has a great knack
for scoring the ball and is a tremendous shot blocker. If he develops his shot
from beyond the arc a little bit more, there is no doubt this kid can do
something special.
Tyus Battle (2016) 6’5” Wing Guard- Battle is the definition
of a hard worker, this game was not given to him, he earned it. He has the ball
handle of some of the point guards in the NBA and has a killer pull up jumper
from anywhere on the floor. He can create with his vision and can score either
spotting up or going to the rim. This kid is going to be great someday.
Alani “Showtime” Moore (2016) 5’10” Point Guard- Moore is
the best point guard in the country for a reason. He can run the show for any
team in the country. Is ability to see the floor and make flashy creative
passes compares to Ricky Rubio or Steve Nash. His IQ makes him an extension of
the coach out on the floor. With some hard work this kid can be great.
Harry Giles (2016) 6’7” Small Forward- He is the best player
in the country. This kid has all of the tools to be great. Size, athleticism,
court awareness, shooter’s touch, you name it he has it. This kid’s ability to
score the ball comes like no other, he drives through the lane effortlessly and
then can dunk it on whoever is between him and the basket. This kid can seriously
stroke it, too. He can knock down jumpers from anywhere up to 24 ft. there is
little doubt in my mind that he will be one of the greats to play basketball on
this level.
