We continue our rankings week today with our initial installment of the top 75
rising sophomores in the country. Ranking players is always one of the
most complex and difficult things With rising sophomores it's always a bag of
tricks so to speak because while a host of prospects have already firmly
established that they can play at a very high level both regionally and
nationally (i.e. Anthony Wroten, LaQuinton Ross, Corbin Miller, Austin Miller,
Matt Carlino, etc.) others usually take the court with tons of upside and
potential (i.e. Tyler Adams, Ryon Wiggins, Kyle Caudill, Michael Chandler, etc.)
so you take things into account like physical tools, upside, athleticism, and
most importantly potential. In the end, the rankings usually are a
combination of dominant players and those with physical tools who have some
excellent upside in the coming years.
NY2LASports.com #1 - Anthony Wroten
- 6'3" PG - Garfield (WA) - Seattle Rotary
The current #1 prospect in the class has the physical tools, the athleticism,
and the skill set to get it done in a major way. Drips with talent and
potential whenever he takes the floor and is deserving of the top spot
nationally. Exceptional talent for a young prospect.
NY2LASports.com #2 - Michael Gilchrist - 6'6" F -
St. Patrick's (NJ) - Team Final
Excellent raw physical tools to go with a polished skill set for a young
prospect. Can put the ball in the basket by attacking the rim, hitting the
mid range, and stroking the trey ball. Aggressive on the offensive end
with a takeover mentality. Love his game.
NY2LASports.com #3 - LaQuinton Ross - 6'8" F -
Callaway (MS) - Jackson MBA
Excellent physical tools and solid fundamental skill set make for another
dangerous prospect from the deep south. Big time upside and potential in
the coming years.
NY2LASports.com #4 - Johnny O'Bryant III - 6'8" F -
East Side (MS) - Jackson Tigers
He's that dude...period! Exceptional physical specimen with big time
talent around the basket in terms of his touch, feel, and mid range stroke.
This kid has scary potential and will challenge for the top spot in the class if
he continues to develop. He's a a beast in the paint and physically
dominant.
NY2LASports.com #5 - Austin Rivers - 6'2" PG -
Winter Park (FL) - Team STAT
The son of the current Boston Celtics Head Coach and former Marquette and NBA
star Glenn "DOC" Rivers is polished, talented, and physically set to become a
high major impact player at the next level. Great disposition both on and
off the floor, excellent feel for the game, and straight up is a really cool
young fella. Has the pedigree, the physical tools, the feel, and the skill
set to become a big time talent.
NY2LASports.com #6 - Mike Shaw - 6'8" F - DeLaSalle
(IL) - Mac Irvin Fire
Excellent young talent who brings to mind soft comparisons of a young Rasheed
Wallace when he takes the floor. Can step away from the basket and hit the
trey ball and has taken major strides in terms of his ability around the basket
this spring. Sky is the limit for Mike if he continues to work hard on his
physical tools and skill set.
NY2LASports.com #7 - Angelo Chol - 6'8" F - San
Diego Hoover (CA) - Pump N' Run Power
Excellent physical tools with solid awareness and fundamental skill set around
the basket. Oozes with upside and potential whenever he takes the floor.
NY2LASports.com #8 - Matt Carlino - 6'2" G -
Highland (AZ) - Arizona Premiere
Multi-skilled young guard with the size, length, frame, feel, and skill set to
become a dominant player. Excellent floor game for a young guard.
NY2LASports.com #9 - Le'Bryan Nash - 6'8" F -
Lincoln (TX) - Dallas Mustangs
Excellent young prospect with the physical tools and athleticism to challenge
for the top spot in the class when it's all said and done. Drips with big
time potential whenever he takes the floor.
NY2LASports.com #10 - Jamal Branch - 6'1" PG -
Atoscocita (TX) - Houston Swoosh
Exceptional young floor leader with great vision and the ability to create on
the offensive end. Has the tools and skills to become a high major impact
talent and makes teammates better when he's on the floor.
Calendar of Events
June 2008 - TBD
7/6 - 7/9 - NY2LA Next Level Invite
7/22 - 7/26 - Las Vegas Tournaments
8/7 - 8/10 - Gen Next All-Star Camp
