Some of Basketball’s greatest players have one thing in common early in their career; potential. It’s a sticky word for coaches making decisions but their upside is unquestionable. Rather it’s length or athleticism the levels to which they have in…
Some of Basketball’s greatest players have one thing in common early in their career; potential. It’s a sticky word for coaches making decisions but their upside is unquestionable. Rather it’s length or athleticism the levels to which they have in spades. These five young women are going to make a program extremely even if they only scratch their final forms.
Nxerro Maluw South Grand Prairie
This slender six-footer is built for the game. She’s more of a post than a forward but with time and attention, I don’t think it will take much to convert her.
She’s long, limber, and quick. The more comfortable she becomes in her body will make adding the ball skills much easier. Maluw has the frame to be a serious utility player at the D2 level.
Sa’Myah Smith Desoto
Smith will be one of the scariest prospects coming out of Texas in 2022. 6-4 with broad shoulders her frame is just the beginning of her hype. Long arms and guard like coordination combine with a high motor to separate her from others. Equip all those physical tools with the athleticism we’re looking at a can’t miss prospect.
Where her potential lays is somewhere between the perimeter and the paint. She flashes wing skills every time she touches the ball outside of ten feet. Once she gets comfortable facing up her first step will take her past most matchups. Let’s not forget how fluid her jump shot looks even if it rare.
Laila Lawrence Lewisville
Lawrence is a special talent today. The game comes so easy to her she practically smiles every second on the floor. The 5-10 has all the natural gifts you could ask for with a big motor.
What makes her special right now is that even at this point she’ll produce but the next step will be incredible. Flashes of ball skills spot her game and if she can develop that package with her expanding range we’re looking at a very scary two-way guard.
6-3 at only 14 Grays is already a high-level post. Her length makes her a logjam in the paint and with solid feet she has some mobility. She’s as raw as they come but has a promising career ahead of her.
Grays has the potential to be a 2023 crown jewel. She seems to be fast-tracking her development going from scoring over the competition to using post moves.
Thompson is an athlete’s athlete. The physical wing can do practically anything on the court. Her strength is a major advantage at the high school level that translate seamlessly.
Once she gets in the right skill development program her game will elevate immensely. She’ll go from the best athlete on the court to the best ballplayer in a snap. Her physical gifts with an added skill bonus will make her a game-changer before she leaves your program.