Each of the past couple weeks we’ve looked at some of the young up and coming prospects to pay close attention to over the next few years. Today we continue more of the same with a look at a handful of freshmen who look and feel like talented prospects who could develop and grow into quality Division 1 caliber prospects in the coming years.
Note – Listed in alphabetical order
Blessed Barhayiga – 2022 – F/C – Osseo HS (MN)
A young up and coming interior prospect with size, length, and a high ceiling. The talented young freshman like most young bigs is raw skill wise but he’s shown an ability to finish with either hand around the basket and with his back to the basket. Defensively his length and size combines with his instincts to alter shots. Collectively he has solid instincts and the potential to become a double double force and a potential high major impact prospect if he continues to grow and develop.
Kam Craft – 2022 – SG – Buffalo Grove (IL)
A pure scoring guard in the purest sense, Craft can fill it up and he does so in highly efficient and consistent fashion. A long wiry wing with an ability to finish at multiple levels, Craft is solid spotting up on the break or in a catch and shoot capacity coming off screens in half court sets. Physically he needs to continue to develop as all young prospects but when it comes down to getting a buck and flipping the scoreboard the talented young prospect from Illinois has some really nice potential. Another potential Division 1 prospect with continued physical grown and development who should be watched closely.
Jaylen Drane – 2022 – G – Simeon HS (IL)
A quality young guard who makes an impact on both ends, Drane can knock down the jumper at multiple levels and has the ability to create off the bounce as well. Defensively he’s got instincts and he combines that with athleticism and length to creative positive chaos on the defensive end of the floor. Drane was one of the standouts during the middle school years as he performed in the Generation Next Basketball Association. Expect more of the same at the high school level in one of the powerhouse programs nationally.
Jordan Jahnke – 2022 – F – Hortonville (WI)
A big strong instinctive young interior prospect, Jahnke has already grabbed the attention of in-state programs and the talented young big is really just getting started. His physical tools are advanced for a young big and his ability to elevate combined with his length and strength give him the potential to develop into a strong prospect on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Jordy has shown an ability to finish with either hand around the basket, run the floor well, and serve as a solid force on the glass. One to pay very close attention to moving forward.
Kellen Thames – 2022 – PG – Pattonville HS (MO)
An ultra-quick multi-skilled young floor general who checks a lot of boxes on both ends of the floor, Thames is a highly intriguing up and coming prospect with a nice ceiling. He handles the ball well, he’s shown an ability to score at multiple levels, his perimeter stroke is smooth with range, and defensively his instincts and quickness give him solid on the ball potential and the ability to impact the court on both ends. Really like his upside if he continues to grow and develop into a quality Division 1 prospect over the next few years.