6’5 Carlos Vazquez (Wayne Country Day)
Given the value of versatility, someone like Vazquez should be a definite priority for various types of college coaches. He’s a smart, strong wing/forward prospect with the blend of size, feel, and all-around skillset to effortlessly impact all facets of the game. Vazquez can operate as a primary ball-handler and decision-maker, but also works well without the ball. He can post-up smaller opponents, get by bigger opponents, and mixes it up enough to cause matchup problems for whoever is defending. Vazquez shoots the ball well, makes great decisions with the ball, and controls the glass really well for his size. He’s also a versatile defender who knows how to push the break nicely in transition.
6’8 Edgar Escobedo (Charlotte Catholic)
After a ton of enticing flashes throughout the spring season, folks should already know about Escobedo and his appeal. As a long, fluid, mobile big man, he knows how to properly outwork his assignment on both ends of the floor. Escobedo displays touch on the block, interior toughness as a rebounder, and instincts as a defensive cog. He can knock down perimeter jumpers as a floor-spacer or roll to the basket in P&R action. Escobedo plays an unselfish, straightforward, high-motor game, and always seems to find success. His value should only continue to increase as a low-maintenance post prospect throughout the high school season.
6’8 Erich Harding (Combine Academy)
Although there are a lot of big men in this class, it feels like Harding is someone who continues to steadily trend upward. He’s a wiry, active post prospect with great length and constant flashes of two-way ability. Right now, Harding can finish around the basket, knock down perimeter jumpers, and mix it up for rebounding opportunities. He plays hard, runs the floor in transition, and looks to alter shots whenever possible defensively. Harding already has a great foundation, but should truly only continue to progress over these next few years.
5’9 Javian Drake (Richmond County)
Despite most of the attention going to his star-studded teammate, Drake is an undeniably valuable piece for any team. For starters, he’s a knockdown shooter who simply doesn’t need the ball to produce or be successful. Drake is slightly undersized but possesses the IQ, toughness, quickness, and rapid release to often disregard defensive pressure or just attack closeouts. He’s a capable initiator and overall playmaker who looks to make the right decision when setting up others. Drake finishes well for his size, defends his position effectively, and embraces his identity nicely on both ends of the floor. Expect him to have a very productive season.
6’4 Kaleb James (New Life Christian)
Considering how much buzz James has generated this spring with NLPB, he certainly earned an entry on this list. He’s a long, wiry, athletic wing prospect with great size and open-floor ability. While his finishing instincts typically lead to excitement, James is a pretty well-rounded player with the necessary skillset to affect various facets of the game. He can control the offense, create for himself or others, and apply scoring pressure from all levels. James possesses great skill, physical tools, and does a nice job of leading by example for this group. He should be a name worth noting going forward.