The NBA continues to have influence on all levels of the game and the latest trend going viral is free agency.
Analysts have compared the collegiate transfer market to free agency and that system has trickled down to AAU and high school ball. Transfers are apart of the game now more than ever and this year will feature some big time talents switching jerseys.
Rechon Black 6’7
Previous School- Montverde Academy
New School- Cox Mill
Class- 2018
After a year in Florida hooping with 2018’s top prospect RJ Barrett at Montverde Academy Leaky will return home to the hoop state for his senior year. Black is a 6’7 point guard with a full scoring arsenal and elite court vision.
Black will be joining Cox Mill in their quest to defend the program’s first state title, paired with Wendell Moore a top national recruit in his own right this tandem could be the best backcourt in the entire state. Black’s presence automatically catapults an already loaded team to favorites for a repeat. The Chargers will play a national schedule this year before jumping into conference play so this squad will be battle tested early.
Leaky will bring a different dynamic he’s arguably the top point guard prospect in the state, his combination of length and athleticism makes it extremely hard to stay in front of Black. This kid has potential to be a star for coach Roy Williams at the next level.
Josh Nickleberry 6’4
Previous School- Trinity Christian
New School- Oak Hill
Class- 2019
Nickleberry is an elite scoring wing who posses the ability and mentality to completely take over games. He’s a deadly shooter from anywhere on the floor, Nickleberry has a specific skill that can’t be coached the ability to make tough shots.
After blowing up over the last two years Nickleberry decided to take his talents to the biggest stage in high school hoops. Lots of pro’s have made their names in Mouth of Wilson and Nickleberry has the upside to be next in line. Nickleberry shoots well off the dribble and proved all travel season he could get his shot off at any time. At 6’4 he has decent size for the position but there is a possibility Nickleberry could grow a few more inches.
This kid should continue to rise in the national rankings, Nickleberry is in a position to get big time exposure with a prestigious Warriors program that travel all over the country. Don’t be surprised if he leads this unit in scoring come winter Nickleberry is the definition of a walking bucket.
Ian Steere, 6’9
Previous School- Wesleyan Christian
New School- NorthWood Temple
Class- 2018
Steere is one of the biggest risers in the class of 2018 after a breakout Junior year and travel ball season with Team Charlotte. Even on a roster with five star recruits Jaylen Hoard and Devin Dotson, Steere managed to steal the show and racked up some major offers over the last 5 months.
This guy is in a class of his own athletically, Steere is a big physical presence and is almost guaranteed to put at least one defender on a poster whenever he laces up. The Fayetteville product is currently committed to Creighton but that hasn’t stopped bigger programs from calling and attempting to poach him away. Steere recently transferred back home to local powerhouse NorthWood Temple where he’ll join an already talented frontcourt featuring ESPN top 100 recruit Manny Bates. With Bates serving as the primary rim protector Steere will be able to slide into the four position and focus on what he does best which is scoring the ball.
With Steere joining a talented group of transfers the Eagles are considered one of the top teams in the state. Steere will bring a tenacious rebounding presence, a go to post scorer, and will be able to guard multiple position on D. Look for Steere to have a major senior season this group has potential to make some serious noise nationally.
Keyshaun/ Kobe Langley
Previous School – SW Guilford
New School- Wesleyan Christian
Class- 2019
The most popular twins in the Hoop State will take their talents to the jewel of High Point and join Wesleyan Christian. Coach Gatlin lost a star big man but he did secure the Trojans backcourt for at least two more seasons.
Keyshaun and Kobe are fresh off a state title run in the cut throat 4A division, these are two of the most accomplished 2019’s you’ll find. The Langley bro’s will bring a winning pedigree they’ve won on every level thus far. After racking up hardware during school ball they continued to dominate with Team CP3 on the travel circuit and were a crucial part to the 16U Nike Peach Jam Championship.
Keyshaun a four star point guard prospect will have the keys to Wesleyan’s offense, he’s a gifted pass first lead guard. Keyshaun will come in from day one and look to make teammates better. The V- Tech commit is also a capable shot creator on offense and defensively Keyshaun will cause havoc with long arms and quick hands.
Kobe also a V-Tech commit will be a viable off ball scoring option heads an explosive wing prospect and a streaky shooter. Kobe could share some ball handling duties as well, the youngster is a very capable combo guard. Kobe is extremely dangerous in the open floor and on fast breaks watch out for the lob. Defensively Kobe is solid at pressuring the basketball in transition and causing problems for opposing ball handlers.
Hoard and Aaron Wiggins are two of the top players in the country, add the Langley’s to an already star studded lineup it doesn’t really matter who the fifth guy is running with this big four.
Kobe also a V-Tech commit will be a viable off ball scoring option he’s an explosive wing prospect and a streaky shooter. Kobe could share some ball handling duties as well, the youngster is a very capable combo guard. Kobe is extremely dangerous in the open floor and on fast breaks watch out for the lob. Defensively Kobe is solid at pressuring the basketball in transition and causing problems for opposing ball handlers.
Hoard and Aaron Wiggins are two of the top players in the country, add the Langley’s to an already star studded lineup it doesn’t really matter who the fifth guy is running with this big four.
BJ Mack 6’9
Previous School- Charlotte Christian
New School- Oak Hill
Class- 2019
Mack was one of the top big men in NC before he decided to take his talents to Virginia and join national powerhouse Oak Hill. Mack had a big sophomore campaign down in the Queen City and picked up several ACC offers.
In the end Mack decided to join his CP3 teammates the Langley brothers and head to Blacksburg to join Coach Buzz Williams revamped Hokies program. Mack is a polished low post scorer and recently he’s added range on his jumper. Mack has transformed himself into a capable three point threat as well as a valuable pick- n- pop forward. On the boards the Charlotte product is an absolute beast. Mack is accustomed to facing double teams and proved to be a capable passer out of the post.
Coach Steve Smith will have to replace some serious talent from last year but a pair of NC transfers will ease the transition. Mack will come in and provide a valuable low post scoring option, he’ll compete on the boards and help open the floor for some talented guards. Mack has a chance to take his game to the next level at a place that constantly produces stars on the hardwood.