Player: Josh Leonard
Class: 2027
Height: 6’7
School: Wilson
Certainly a headliner when it comes to talent, 2027 6’7 Josh Leonard from Wilson High School was a must-see for fans all around the region as he looked to lead his team at the John Wall Invitational. With several big-time matchups, Wilson was able to not only able to flourish and showcase his skillset but also bring consistency throughout.
At the John Wall Invitational, Leonard averaged an impressive (yet consistent) 23ppg on 44 percent shooting, along with 12 rebounds per game. He was strong on many levels with his game, using his 6’7 frame to his advantage constantly, whether that was rising up over defenders, attacking off the bounce, or getting out in transition to get to the rim. Leonard put pressure on the defense repeatedly, looking to attack the glass and attack with physicality.
When you watch how Leonard operates, it can look effortless at times with his blend of size and strength but does a great job in playing within the game, getting downhill, and also reminding others of his ability to impact the game on the glass, as a facilitator, or as a defender, which is why schools are looking to make him a primary target for the Class of 2027.
Phenom Hoops spoke with Leonard about his recruitment, getting a bit of the latest going on. Right now, he has reported offers from Ole Miss, South Carolina, Jacksonville, Nicholls State, California, Wake Forest, UCF, Charleston, Ohio State, NC State, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Boston College, and USF.
And in speaking with him shortly after the John Wall, he had mentioned that he was able to talk a lot more with NC State and Ohio State at the event. And it seems that those two, along with Clemson, South Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Alabama, have been strong in recruiting him. And Georgetown and Stanford have also been in touch recently as well.
What Has Been Said:
“There is something unique about Leonard’s game when you watch him. There are times when he isn’t flashy but just productive, and then there are times when you simply say “wow” at what he shows. Leonard checks off so many boxes with his 6’6 body, college-ready frame, overall strength, versatility, and impact on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he looks fully in control and understands how to operate, whether it is using his body to attack downhill and get to the rim, create off the bounce and physically dominate opponents, or get to his spots inside and mid-range. Then you can see that he has continued to put work into his game in expanding out to the perimeter with his scoring, comfortably knocking down threes with fluidity and comfort. Leonard looks comfortable in so many areas on the court, as he continues to excel with his decision-making, playmaking, and scoring impact. But what may have impressed me the most this weekend was not his offense, but his impact on the defensive end. Leonard doesn’t get the attention he deserves with his defensive presence, as he should. Sitting baseline and watching his impact, whether it is walling up defenders, creating havoc with his on-ball defense, altering shots inside and out with his size and athleticism, or simply attacking the defensive glass, Leonard excels as one of the better two-way prospects in the region, and I believe there is STILL more potential left in the tank.”