Impact Transfers Who Will Contribute Immediately (part 2)
By Brandon Blakeney
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.
1.Tripp Greene 6’2
Previous School- FCDS
New School- GDS
Greene will add to a deep backcourt for Coach Freddie Johnson at Greensboro Day, with Jordan Perkins off to NCCU there are big minutes up for grabs. Greene has ran the show all summer for the Bengals and he seems to have a handle on the system.
Coach Johnson’s squad will be participating in the Blue Chip Fall League, it will be a good preseason test before their quest for a national championship begins. Greene’s presence will allow Will Dillard and John Newman to remain in attack mode while all three are on the floor. Greene has a versatile offensive skillset that allows him to play off ball as well, he’s money from deep and a tough finisher off the drive.
Greene is a good bet to lead the Bengals in assists this year, GDS is an experienced bunch that have a chance to be the best in the state and beyond.
2. Corey Rutherford 6-4
Previous School- Atkins High
New School- WS Prep
Rutherford was one of the few bright spots for an Atkins squad that struggled last season in a year they were forced to rebuild. After three years the young gunner decided to take his talents to rival WSPA one of the top programs in the Hoop State.
Last year the Phoenix lacked three point shooting at times and it went on to hurt them in a tough postseason loss to eventual state champion Lincoln Charter. Rutherford will address that issue immediately, his outside marksmanship will open the floor for Davian Williamson and Chaz Gwynn to operate. There is already an established chemistry between the trio and they’ve looked like a legit three headed monster through preseason play.
Williamson and Rutherford are close friends as well as AAU teammates so they’re accustomed to one another’s game. Coach Andre Gould will feature three D1 level guards in his lineup, and for a team that fell just two games short of another state title that’s scary to fathom.
3. Nate Springs 6’10
Previous School- Myers Park
New School- United Faith Christian Academy
After a down year at Myers Park Springs exploded on the travel ball circuit, while suited up for the Carolina Wolves Springs shined against some top level competition during our July Exposure period. In the process the young stretch four picked up several mid major offers and some high major interest.
This season Springs will play for United Faith where he’ll have a chance to produce a breakout senior season. Springs has a unique skillset at 6’10; he can stroke it from deep, take his man off the dribble, or finish with either hand down- low in the paint. Defensively Springs is a natural shot blocker and with his natural length Springs will bother majority of shots that aren’t sent into the stands.
Springs could be a true difference maker for a big time program and by all accounts it appears to be a solid match.
4. Landon Sutton 6’1
Previous School- NW Guilford
New School- HPCA
Sutton is another guy who picked up major confidence during a productive travel ball season while playing with the NC Gators. After a recent reclass and transfer to High Point Christian Sutton is the newest sniper in the 2020 class.
At this stage Sutton is a combo guard, currently the 6-foot guard is more of a scorer but has shown ability to slide into the playmaker role when called upon. Sutton is a capable scorer at all three levels and continues to show improvement handling the rock.
Defensively Sutton is scrappy and refuses to back down from any matchup, he will be a solid rotation player early and a possible star down the road for the Cougars.
5. David Russell
Previous School- Liberty High
New School- Parkland
Possibly the biggest secret in NC David Russell via Frisco TX will be joining a Parkland program generating some buzz thanks to a new, young and hungry head Coach. Parkland will return majority of a young core from last seasons playoff team, they will also have the luxury of adding a handful of talented freshman.
This group is well coached and they play extremely hard for one another, last year although the Mustangs had strong guard play what Coach Holcomb- Faye’s squad lacked was a featured front court player. Russell will address those past concerns immediately, he’s a superb pick -n- pop option and will open the floor for those quick guards to penetrate.
Russell is a versatile player that will be able to play and guard multiple positions. He’s also a beast on the boards, and proved to be a very capable passer out of the post with Team Winston.
Parkland has a chance to make some noise around the triad and shake up some of the rankings/predictions.