As we get deeper into the season and approach the late signing period for the 2018 cycle coaches at every level will be on the lookout for late gems to boost incomplete recruiting classes.
With so much unsigned talent to cover we're gonna go a little more in depth in part three and look at some seniors really hooping as we near the holidays.
1. Kyron Gray 6'7
Position: Forward
School: Hartsville (SC)
College Interest Level: HM- MM
Gray is an absolute beast and his potential long term is off the charts, he currently averages a double- double, with 18 points and 16 rebounds per game respectively.
Offensively Gray has the length and athletically ability to play on the wing or in the paint with the big boys. Gray can finish over smaller defenders or blow by slower defenders off the dribble; at the cup Gray is explosive he is liable to put his man on a poster upon take off, Gray can knock down spot up jumpers and he continues to add range. On the boards Gray utilizes that length and explosiveness to snag any board within reach.
This guy really gets after it on both ends, Gray averages almost two swats a game on the defensive side. Gray is far from a finished product his best basketball is ahead of him, coaches are starting to take serious interest it won't be long before the high major offers come.
2. Anthony Hicks 6'5
Position: Guard
School: North Forsyth (NC)
College Interest Level: MM- Low D1
Ant Hicks has been a star at one of the top 3A programs in NC for almost four years and he has improved every season.
Hicks was always been known as a talented scorer but over the last year he has shaped his overall game and transformed himself into a potential walking triple- double. Before the season Hicks spoke about wanting to be more of a vocal leader, that has materialized into career highs in almost every major statistical category including assists. At 6'5 Hicks is extremely versatile but his true position is at point guard, he is most effective in the open floor with the rock making decisions.
North Carolina A&T is his lone offer but with his combination of size and skill, more offers are on the horizon. At the guard position Hicks is one of the best rebounders in the Hoop State, he is an unselfish star and his jumper has come a very long way if you've seen him lately.
3. Stephen Edoka
Position: Guard
School: Concord First Assembly (NC)
College Interest Level: MM- Low D1
Edoka may be the most polished player on the entire list, the big 6'5 guard is the epitome of versatility for the Eagles.
Naturally Edoka is a wing but he plays all over the floor and he's averaged 20 points per game so far through 12 contests. Edoka has become a knockdown shooter; he can create off the dribble and get defenses off balance, Edoka posses a stocky frame and off the drive he is extremely hard to keep out of the lane.
This is a prospect who is a buy now, Edoka is the type of guy you have to see live to appreciate because his entire game can't be appreciated solely based off a boxscore. Motor can't be measured and Edoka is a dog on the boards he averages nine rebounds a game. Edoka also takes pride in the defensive end and embraces guarding the opponents top scorer.
Currently Edoka plays one through four for the Eagles but at the next level he may be most effective off ball on the wing. If need be Edoka is capable of running the point for stretches, ultimately though he's a natural scorer.
4. Chris Barnette 6'1
Position: Guard
School: Ravenscroft
Interest: Low D1- D2
Barnette has always been known as a straight sniper, but now the crafty floor general has put it all together senior year.
Slotted in as the primary ball handler for one of the most prestigious programs in the Hoop State, Barnette has flourished this year with the balance of scoring the rock and distributing to others. The question closing out 2017 is why hasn't Barnetter picked up any D1 offers' The Raleigh product is averaging 14 points per game on the season against some big time competition; Barnette competes against Division 1 level guards virtually every night and never looks out of place, what shines is the decision making because Barnette is a maestro in pick N roll situations.
It has been obvious this season Barnette is playing like a man with something to prove, he has been more aggressive attacking the cup consistently instead of settling for contested jumpers like in the past. Barnette has a game that will transition perfectly at the next level, like Coach Rick Lewis says ' shooting translates at any level.' Barnette definitely still has the sweet shooting stroke and he is smart with the basketball.
Barnette is one of the top floor generals still available this late and he should see his stock continue to rise over conference play.