There are so many high-upside prospects throughout the grassroots landscape. Many will work hard and attempt to reach their lofty ceiling while others will be content in falling short. Regardless, identifying those players who even have a chance to be called “special” is the first step in the process. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that so many of these unique individuals come armed with physical tools (size/athleticism) or an extremely advanced skillset. That being said, it feels like Jeremiah Triplin of Middleton Hoops Elite is tracking as an incredibly enticing long-term prospect.
Last year, we first saw Triplin as a seventh-grader with the same organization, stating, “In a similar vein, Triplin possesses obvious intrigue from the moment you see him enter the building. One of only two seventh-graders on the roster, his physical appeal is clear—especially in comparison to his peers. At 6-foot-7, Triplin is already a massive kid with a sturdy frame and extremely long arms. Given his size (and age), he does move well. Triplin is able to involve himself as a rebounder and shot-blocker with some flashes of offensive ability. While so much of his appeal lies directly through his incredibly high potential, it’s worth noting the rarity of middle-school prospects with his physique and array of tools. Like his teammate above, only time will tell, but Triplin certainly has unique upside.”
Since then, he’s visibly grown in stature while clearly making strides within his overall development on both ends of the floor. Triplin is long, mobile, and already understands how to make his presence felt as a rebounder and rim-protector. He displays great timing and utilizes his length well to alter or block shots. Triplin has gotten stronger and more aggressive on the glass, and clearly looks to outwork opponents for extra possessions at an increased rate. Offensively, he’s gotten visibly more comfortable at finishing around the basket and even handling the ball along the perimeter. He’s still at his most useful when protecting the paint, controlling the glass, and finding scoring chances by running the floor and operating in the dunker spot, but still has a lot of upside on that end of the floor. Triplin has the makings of a high-level prospect, so it’ll be fascinating to monitor his continued growth.