Given how much the recruiting landscape has shifted over the last few years, it’s become more and more difficult for college-level high school prospects to actually receive offers—even from appropriate programs. The Rising Pros Training Unsigned Seniors group is a great example and representation of this sentiment. Ten years ago, this roster wouldn’t exist because they’d already be signed to the next level. Deserving kids will continue to play through the spring months in hopes that college coaches will eventually pursue them. We’ve already seen a handful of unsigned seniors earn opportunities for the next level, but this group should be a real priority for coaches looking for late additions…
There are multiple sub-groups who play together during the high school season, so we will start with the Northwood trio. Although absent last weekend, Isaiah Blair is a tough lefty who excels at getting downhill, defending with energy, and filling in the gaps as a connector. However, Beau Harvey continues to stand out as an obvious next-level piece. It’s shocking that he hasn’t already collected several offers as a true point guard with an incredibly high IQ, terrific passing instincts, and the ability to consistently create for others. Harvey is a useful scorer who applies efficient pressure within the flow of the action. His pace, unselfishness, and natural leadership qualities make him a clear asset. Add in his reliable defensive presence, and Harvey should have several suitors. Meanwhile, Hayes Burleson is a lethal perimeter shooter with a high motor and pesky defensive presence. He can initiate the offense or attack closeouts as needed, but is arguably at his best when moving without the ball and finding open seams to hit jumpers along the perimeter. Burleson is a low-maintenance piece who knows how to effectively play with or without the ball in his hands.
The Chatham Central group should also have a lot of appeal to college coaches. Reid Albright is a smart, well-rounded guard who displayed the ability to hit shots, create for others, and make plays defensively. He plays hard and is comfortable in various different roles. Luke Gaines is a multisport athlete with solid size, motor, and nose for the ball. He plays bigger than his listed height and does the dirty work on a regular basis. Additionally, it’s quite shocking that Brennan Oldham isn’t being pursued by a variety of programs. His size, motor, and steady two-way presence leads to consistent production in seemingly every setting. Oldham is a quality rebounder and interior defender who secures rebounds, alters shots, and runs the floor well in transition. He finishes well around the basket and can knock down the occasional jumper if needed.
Rounding out this group, Jalial Timmons is a nightmarish defender with quickness, toughness, and the ability to knock down open shots. He’s a high-motor pest who mirrors opposing ball-handlers, plays with physicality, and forces turnovers at a strong rate. Timmons is a capable initiator who can set up others as needed. Guys like Timmy Brower and Riley Warren each do a little bit of everything for this group. Ultimately, this is a roster that college coaches in search of unsigned seniors should be pursuing.