After nearly six months of summer basketball, the travel season has ended and the yearly shift towards high school hoops has finally begun. Although there is still a lot of basketball going on between camps, fall leagues, and other preseason jamborees, this is typically the quietest time of the year for the grassroots community. Which, in turn, means there’s no better time to start highlighting individuals who have the tools and ability to be breakout players over the next eight months. While this notion could certainly apply to a variety of prospects, the emphasis is primarily on younger guys with an increased role, new school situation, or those who simply take the next step in their progression. Jeremiah Fredlaw (Chambers/CSF) is certainly one of those candidates, as he has the toolkit, blossoming identity, and expectation be a key piece for the Cougars. Let’s take a closer look…
Easily one of the most tantalizing, high-upside prospects we’ve discussed over the past few weeks, the appeal surrounding Fredlaw is obvious. However, unlike most of these guys, he has very little varsity experience under his belt. Though young, this upcoming season will be critical for his growth and overall development as a two-way piece. Fredlaw possesses an incredibly array of tools. He’s an extremely fluid athlete with length, explosiveness, positional size, and a wiry frame that should only get stronger. Right now, every game is an opportunity for Fredlaw to progress. His handle and overall creation sense continues to improve, as he’s able to utilize his craftiness to generate clean looks off the bounce and mix it up as a scorer in various ways. Fredlaw is able to overwhelm opponents with his size and athleticism, yet also has the shot-making ability to fill it up along the perimeter. That being said, he’s arguably at his best when getting downhill and putting pressure on the rim.
On the other end, Fredlaw displays natural feel with the activity and physicality to cause problems for opponents. He rebounds his position very well and knows how to push the break effectively in transition, where he’s able to finish or set up others in scoring positions. Fredlaw is a rangy defender who positions himself well to force turnovers. Obviously, so much of his appeal is rooted in long-term potential, but it’s simply rare for guys to possess such a unique array of skills and physical tools. Expect Fredlaw to take the next step this upcoming season.