This upcoming weekend, the NCHSAA/NCISAA Live Period finally commences. Majority of high school programs, both public and private, will play showcase games at their respective sites. These specific events do not include independent teams, which gives spectators and college coaches a stronger sample size from these specific groupings. Today actually marks the 'call date' where coaches can start directly contacting prospects who are transitioning from the sophomore to junior class. Given its overall significance, we will look at a few guys who are deserving of calls and offers over the coming weeks…
6'5 Austin Swartz (Cannon)
Understandably, Austin Swartz has more offers than most prospects in his class and everyone listed here. However, it's all relative. The appeal of a smart, crafty, elite shot-creator and shot-maker should be pretty obvious and appealing to all levels of Division I programs. Swartz has excellent vision and useful playmaking instincts, but is simply unique from others through the manner in which he scores the ball from all levels. His perimeter jumper is smooth with lift, range, and a quick release. Swartz can generate seemingly any look he pleases, and converts at a very high volume. He displays instincts as a defender and rebounder, but his incredible offensive array is what makes him so different. Swartz holds offers from Houston Baptist, Radford, Appalachian State, Iona, and North Carolina A&T, but that sheet is guaranteed to expand going forward.
6'4 Bishop Boswell (Myers Park)
After recently announcing his transfer, Bishop Boswell has only made the Mustangs more appealing as a team worth recruiting. In the case of their newest addition, it's difficult to figure out why he doesn't currently hold more offers. Boswell is a smart, athletic, unselfish, very well-rounded guard prospect with a high comfort level at running a team or playing alongside another primary ball-handler. He pushes the break in transition, attacks the basket, hits jumpers within the flow of the team, and consistently looks to set up others or access the best available shot. Boswell has no glaring weaknesses, especially after shooting 40% from distance during the high school season (and maintaining that accuracy throughout the spring/summer), and should be viewed as a definite priority for various programs. Boswell's lone offer (Houston from 2020) makes him criminally underrated in the bigger scheme of things.
6'4 Jaylen Cross (Northwest Guilford)
There are a lot of guys who balance roles and take less for the betterment of the team, and Jaylen Cross' situation is probably as evident as anyone. He's one of the few players who can actually outproduce and outperform others without needing as many touches, shots, etc. Cross is a smart, tough, well-rounded guard prospect who shows clear emphasis on excelling in whatever necessary'whether leading a team or shining within a role. He's a quality defender and rebounder who works hard, makes hustle plays, and consistently shuts down his assignment. Offensively, Cross is capable of doing everything at an above-average level but still knows how to maintain an unselfish mentality as a focal point. He's an exceptional teammate, leader by example, and overall player, so his lack of offers is genuinely perplexing. Cross should be a priority for various programs over the foreseeable future.
6'8 Michael Marcus (Carmel Christian)
Although big men tend to develop slower than majority of other players, someone like Michael Marcus is already starting to justify next-level attention. He's a big, strong post prospect with touch, mobility, and a very sturdy frame. Marcus already knows how to control the glass, alter shots defensively, and score as needed on offense. He's still developing, but his current abilities already make him quite useful in virtually every setting. Marcus is unselfish, fundamentally sound, and understands his identity on both ends of the floor. He possesses various moves from the block, finishes with either hand, and can knock down midrange jumpers with consistency. Though already appealing, folks should expect Marcus' offer sheet to grow beyond the lone Western Carolina offer.
