It was around this time last year, Josh Hall burst onto the scene. Prior to last season Hall transferred from Oak Hill Academy to Moravian Prep, the first game of the season Hall went for 19 points and, at our Tip-Off Classic, he announced himself to everyone he is a high-level player. It has been a non-stop climb for Hall since then. We call this climb improbable, because of where he started to where he has come, in such a short period of time. Within the previous year, Hall has gone from unranked to, by the national analysts, pushing the Top 25.
While Hall’s success is not a surprise to those who have been around him, the amount he has grown and the level to which he has improved is impressive. Hall’s game continues to get better by the day. Not only has his game improved, but his confidence is at another level. Hall now steps on the floor with the understanding he is the most talented player on the floor. At a lengthy 6’9”, Hall is a true wing. Last season, he showcased the catch and shoot range from beyond the arc to go along with good straight-line athleticism. This development got him all the way into the Top 50 and invitations to Pangos All American Camp and other high-level invite-only camps.
To no one’s surprise, Hall’s game has taken yet another major step forward. The Top 50 rankings were warranted, however, Hall started this season, one full calendar year from being unranked, with the look of a Top 15 player, pushing his way to Top 10 status. Yes, bold statement for sure, however, when it comes to Hall we have made the bold statements before, and he has always proved us right.
Hall has brought a shot-making ability to this season that isn’t what you normally see from high school-aged kids. He is still 6’9”, he still has the length and athleticism, he can still knock down the 3s off the catch, but his creation off the bounce is something new, something he is doing at a high level right now. His frame continues to get stronger and his body control in the paint continues to go to new levels. With his continued hard work and these developments, at this point, Hall is starting to be looked at as a future NBA talent. It’s no question, his game fits that mold, that of the modern NBA wing.
We know Hall is going to work. We know that he is not afraid of any type of sweat equity. When you are blessed with physical tools to go along with natural skill and a high-level work ethic, good things tend to happen. This week Hall signed his national letter of intent with NC State. This is the same NC State team who signed Jalen Lecque last season, only to see him sign a 4 year (2 guaranteed) deal with the Phoenix Suns, right out of high school. Will Hall take this same path? Who knows, but to say he doesn’t have NBA tools would be a misstatement.
Until then, we in North Carolina, have the good fortune of watching Hall his entire senior year, continuing to grind, continue to rise his status in the national eye. This should be fun!!