Monday, September 8, 2014

Who to watch and why come December

Ivan Rabb is clearly the leader of the 2015 prospects in northern California but others have interesting storylines to follow.

Such as:

* Paris Austin, 5-foot-11, Bishop O'Dowd

Does he eventually land somewhere in the Pac-12 or at a next lower level? If playing time and desiring to have the strongest impact on a team are foremost, then the Mountain West Conference or the West Coast Conference would be better fits. Let's see if he steps up and commands the court for the Dragons as a senior, making Rabb an even more effective. If so, would Cal make an offer as the Bears just extended to point Noah Blackwell. Question: how much more room is there for Austin's game to grow?

* Noah Blackwell, 6-foot-1, Woodcreek High

Playing for Team Superstar in central California this spring and summer produced limited fan attention on him but not that of college coaches. Blackwell enjoyed a strong summer and Maryland, Oregon State, Washington State, Arizona State and New Mexico (if all are still active) are his top offers (include Cal now). Based on his list of suitors, the question of whether or not he is seen as a high level point seems answered.

* Isaiah Thomas, 6-foot-7, Bishop O'Dowd

Finally getting back on the court in a high school setting will be very important for him as he needs experience in a higher level atmosphere and recruiters want to see what he can accomplish in a structured (non-AAU) setting. One key will be the answer to the question of is he still growing?

Gregg Polosky, 6-foot-10, San Ramon Valley

He is a hard one to nail down because his landing spot will primarily be based on perceived potential and who is willing to extend a ride for a possible payoff in the future. No majors are going to reach out, unless a stunning senior season is enjoyed, but some lower level teams in the West Coast Conference and Mountain West Conference will more than likely bite. San Jose State University (MWC) and UC Santa Barbara (Big West Conference) have offered (if still active). More will do so because of how few 6-foot-10 prospects exists.

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The most important question for all these guys is have they peaked? Is what you see now close to what you will get from them collegiately?

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