Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Birmingham, AL (Future150) -- As Future150 continues our updating of the rankings during the live period, it's time to take a look at the rising juniors in America, the class of 2014.
As you peruse our rankings, you will see that there are several players who either made big jumps, slipped spots due to lackluster play this spring and summer, and players who made debuts in the rankings.
However, one thing among the Future150 analysts is certain, Andrew Wiggins is without a doubt the best rising junior in America.
His domination in the Nike EYBL this spring along with his improved skill set over the past year have cemented his status as a future star at both the college and NBA level, barring injury.
Point guard Tyus Jones remains the second rated prospect, and Chicago center Jahlil Okafor stays at number three in the country.
Another Chicago big man, Cliff Alexander, shoots up the rankings from #12 to #4 after dominating every event he has attended this offseason with a revamped body, more mobility, and an endless motor.
With the reclassifciation of Wayne Selden to the class of 2013, it has opened up a spot in the top 10 for 6'9" power forward Chris McCullough. He is a high upside prospect who is vastly improving his outside game to match his inside post game.
West coast shooting guard Stanley Johnson has had a phenomenal AAU season thus far, and has a very good chance at landing in the top 10 in our next rankings. Right now, he checks in at #13 in our rankings.
6'7" small forward Kevin Looney from Milwaukee makes a huge jump in the rankings to #15 in the country after showing glimpses of becoming a potential star at the college level and beyond.
Other prospects who surged in the rankings include D'Angelo Russell, who jumped six spots to #14 in the U.S. L.J. Peak jumped all the way to #27 in the country, shooting up 11 spots.
Georgia shooting guard Ahmed Hill jumped four spots all the way to #20, and will be pushing his way toward a top 15 spot in the coming months.
Johnson Central High School (KY) star Shane Hall jumped 17 spots to righout outside the top 50, checking in at #55.
Newcomers to the Future150 rankings for the class of 2014 include Shelton Mitchell (#47), Jae'Sean Tate (#66), Shaquile Carr (#75), and Isaiah Manderson (#95)
Prospects both inside and outside of the Future150 top 100 rankings for the class of 2014 will be battling this month at venues all over the country looking to improve on their current ranking, or attempting to make a splash and debut in our rankings coming up in the fall.
Stay tuned to Future150 as we cover all of these events.
Comments:
Be the first to post. Just use the form below.