Max Feldman
FOG’s High School rankings are a reflection of scaling down NBA evaluation tools and projection concepts to prep prospects. Prep rankings are structured with eventual NBA trajectories in mind. Sliding down a class to current Junior’s, projection-based traits become more difficult to isolate and measure, but can be even more pivotal when evaluating upside.
1. Omaha Biliew
A springy wing athlete that big man move out of the way for when he is headed for the rim. Powerful athlete who’s high end potential might reside on the defensive end, where he uses length, quickness and strength to defend the 1-5. Kansas, Arkansas, Illinois, Nebraska, Iowa and Iowa State are entrenched in the recruitment. Recently visited Kansas, Iowa, Iowa State and Nebraska.
2. DJ Wagner
A multi-faceted scorer with athleticism, fluidity and polish. Best suited in a role off the ball, wired to put the ball in the bucket and has a rare ability to glide with high level body control. Wagner has visited Temple and Villanova, while Kentucky has long carried the most steam.
3. Mackenzie Mgbako
A smooth scoring wing that’s fundamentally sound using advanced hesitations and footwork to beat defenders off the dribble. A strong spot up scorer who has an advanced instinct to find his shot beyond the arc and in the mid-range. Duke, Ohio State and UCONN have garnered the most steam, but Mgbako has fielded heightened attention in the last week.
4. Tyler Smith
A high wired southpaw with length at 6-9 and has the ability to score at all three levels. Highly skilled with a strong feel for the game, specifically as a pop or roll man. UCLA, Kansas, Baylor, Auburn and Arkansas are in pursuit, but theres not too much steam yet.
5. JJ Taylor
Rangy wing creator with a smooth spot up game and prominent slashing game using his length. Activity in the passing lanes and transition production are mainstays. Illinois is involved, but a relationship with newly minted Kentucky assistant coach Chin Coleman will be a catalyst in his recruitment.
6. Mikey Williams
Explosive, hard-nosed driver with palpable development as a three level scorer displayed by a go-to perimeter pull up game. Dynamic in the pick and roll and can shoulder a scoring load day in and day out. Williams recently opened up his recruitment a bit wider, but there’s a ton of smoke regarding the professional route.
7. Baye Fall
Elite rim running prospects who’s physically imposing and explosive vertically. Extremely long and has an advanced balance of touch around the rim and power to finish above the rim. Quiet on recruiting front thus far, but Arizona, Baylor and Kansas among those making early pushes.
8. Simeon Wilcher
The epitome of fluid as a three level scorer. Strong size and natural toughness. The ability to find his spots on the perimeter and collapse defenses on drives jumps off the screen. Auburn, UConn, Oregon, Ohio State and many more among those involved.
9. Jalen Lewis
A physical forward who’s game has opened up massively over the last year. Can score inside and on the perimeter with legitimate tools as a playmaker with point forward traits. Dominant presence on the glass. Kentucky, UCLA, Arkansas and Stanford are among those involved, but its been relatively quiet.
10. Ron Holland
A lively wing who impacts winning a variety of facets. Runs the floor, rebounds with prominence and can speed up a game single handedly with his burst and intensity. Untapped two-way potential. Texas and Memphis are the lone schools notably standing out.
11. Kwame Evans Jr
A bouncy, long wing who excels getting to the rim and producing in transition. Untapped defensive potential with flashes forcing turnovers and causing leak outs. Developing handle for his size. Evans is supposed to be waiting for a Kentucky offer, and has taken off over the last week in terms of offers and recruiting traffic.
12. Mookie Cook
13. Elijah Fisher
14. Taylor Bol Bowen
15. Marvel Allen
16. Ja’Kobe Walter
17. Robert Dillingham
18. Kylan Boswell
19. Matas Buzelis
20. Stephon Castle
21. Akil Watson
22. KJ Lewis
23. Kanaan Carlyle
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