On the surface, many would say that North Carolina’s 2017 is down. However, as we take a deeper look, that may not be the case. Coming off a 2016 class that had four (4) players in the top 10 nationally, of course anything would look down. However, this class does have top end talent, that will go along with a depth of Division 1 players to suffice for all.
North Carolina’s 2017 Rankings
The Top 4
While this class may be down, it is not void of top level talent. Still possessing multiple high major recruits and Top 100 national talents, 2017 is led by four (4) players at the top. 6’3” Lavar Batts of JM Robinson is a lengthy and quick point guard. He possesses similar traits and frame to John Wall, and his jump shot is rounding itself out. 6’7” JP Moorman of Greensboro Day is a walking mismatch. With a game similar to Georges Niang, he is explosive, has great vision, and shoots with good range. 6’3” Blake Harris of Word of God may just be the best passer in the country. He has good length, great athletic genes, and that vision is real. 6’9” Brandon Huffman of Word of God is a long paint protecting big. His motor runs non-stop and his wing span is around 7’4”, huge upside on him.
The Next Tier: Full of a Skilled Variety of Perimeter Players
If you are in the need for some high level skill along the perimeter and recruit North Carolina, 2017 is a good class for you. You can have your pick of high scoring guards, sweet shooting wings, or bigger point guards. 6’6” David Caraher of Wesleyan Christian has opened his recruitment up since being committed to Butler. He has handle, deep range, and battles on the boards. 6’1” Thomas Allen of Garner may be the most prolific that no one is talking about. The leader of the NCHSAA 4A state champions last year, he can handle, pass and shoot with range. 5’9” Darius McGhee of Roxboro Community may be the best scoring in the state (if not the entire region). He is crazy explosive and should average 35 or more points per game this year. 6’5” Marquis Godwin of Christ School is a smooth, old school, shooting guard. He is good for 1-2 dribbles on the wing and is great in catch and shoot situations. 6’4” Mike Okauru of Ravenscroft is a downhill type lead guard. He is tough, has a great frame, and is making shots now. As profiled below, 6’6” Ryan Schwieger of Weddington High School is a deep shooting, deft passing point guard that fills stat sheets and the win column.
From Seemingly Nowhere
Size and skill seem to be what really propels players to the next level. A high level success doesn’t come from the ultra-athletic, it comes from those that can pass, handle and shoot. 6’6” Ryan Schwiger of Weddington High School, will not wow you with athleticism (although he is more athletic than you think). However, he is a 6’6” point guard, who is a walking triple double each time he steps on the floor.
Still baby-faced, Schwieger is just entering his growth as a player. You most likely haven’t heard of him yet, he probably won’t put up huge numbers for a shoe company AAU program, and he most likely won’t be a highly sought after recruit, across the country. However, he is the player that succeeds above all else and that you will be hearing about as an all-league player throughout college. Think Texas A&Ms Alex Caruso or BYUs Kyle Collingsworth. Schwieger is now ranked number 6 in the 2017 class.
The Bigs
While this class is predicated around its wings and guards, it is not void of very talented bigs. Led by Brandon Huffman, these are ones that schools should start tracking now, and offering soon. 6’9” Brandon Huffman of Word of God carries offers from Buffalo and Charlotte, but the Goldsboro native (by way of Alaska) is one high majors should be on hard. 6’8” Jack Hemphill of Broughton is rounding out his game. He develop a mean streak to go along with his size, hands, and footwork. The intrigue is surrounding 6’9” Justyn Hamilton of Independence. He is long and many are calling similarities between he and Hasaan Whiteside at the same stage. Hamilton, though very slender, is skilled and long. All three bigs are looking to take major jumps this season in both their development and recruitment.