Playing in Point Guard Paradise – Meet Top National Floor Generals

When you speak about top players in the country in the class of 2020; the name Jalen Suggs must be mentioned.  When you speak about top PG’s in the class of 2020 he is on the short list.  With a year of varsity ball under his beat as a 7^th grader; where he not only started and logged heavy minutes but was extremely productive.  The only 6^th grader in the country at the well-known CP3 camp Suggs resume is certified and includes back-to-back national championships at the AAU level.  He has done everything on the court to prove he is that guy; he has hit the big shot, he has won the big game, and he continues to show new aspects to his game which speaks to high level development.   

Some scouts like Suggs as a two guard; we like him with the rock in his hand – so the most accurate description of what you expect when you Suggs in action is a attacking combination guard that is long, wiry, athletic and welcomes contact.  He can score by getting to the rim, as well as shooting mid-range pull ups and knocks down threes, especially in crucial situations. Jalen has great offensive confidence and easily creates separation and his own shot and can get it done in transition as a finisher or facilitator.   

See his latest work below at the 17U level and realize the kid is next level special: 

Name the #1 player in the country earlier this summer after a stellar showing at the Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom Camp “Killer” Khoi Thurmon has quietly continued his meteoric rise claiming the converted duel title of top player and top pg.  Out of Chicago the 2023 class member falls into the category where many say they are two young to be evaluated.  Spend 5 minutes watching Khoi and you will feel like the child has been playing the game for a decade at the highest level.  Displaying great natural strength Khoi’s vision and feel is a gift that keeps on giving; to his teammates and to his opponents – highly confident he is able to get to anywhere he wants to on the floor. 

From a scoring perspective, he is able to put the ball in the hole and frankly could dominate the game from a scoring standpoint – but his instincts and training at this young age already have him respecting the game and making the right basketball play.  We have years to enjoy Khoi but for those that haven’t seen him take a look at the future below: 

2022 PG Sonny Johnson (Ohio) is quickly becoming one of the toughest covers in the class.  He is wired and built to score the rock, great size and length his is already built like your prototypical two guard.  The luxury with his scoring ability to play him as the DOT has him operating as the new age 21^st century scoring lead.  He does it from distance and has some of the best mechanics you will see; nice release point, quick and consistent – hi is shooting the same shot every time.  Of course he has the advantage of being the son of one of the most prolific scorer in the history of Ohio; Sonny Johnson Sr. name by Sports Illustrated as the #7 best ever Mr. Ohio Basketball. 

A certified gym rat, Johnson’s game possesses the little things, the extra pass, holding the follow through, stepping on the sideline on a trap.  Sonny thinks the game and his knowledge and basketball IQ translates to the floor not just as a PG but as a basketball player.   He is just as likely to drop 30-points as he is to dish out 10 assist and will often do both in the same game.   The one point especially when you are referencing guard play at the younger age group; isn’t the actual scoring numbers but how those numbers are being accumulated.  The way Johnson scores translates period and is done situationally at the next levels.  We look for Sonny Johnson to remain in the conversation and potentially via for top national honors with continued hard work; national scout are holding their breath to see him on the national circuit as soon as possible giving validity to everything we believe he is.

What does it mean when you travel the country on the most elite camp circuit; Lucas, Spotlight, CP3, Buckeye Prep and at every stop your name and your game is recognized with accolades and all-star appearances.  Previously featured in the class of 2019 as a scoring two Jordan Hairston or of Virginia, the most difficult transition in basketball began last summer on the camp circuit – the move to the lead guard position.  With so many aspects to developing at this positions timing and spacing, pace and reads, push and pull Hairston has bought in while still maintaining his scoring prowess.  

Headed to play for one of the elite high school coaches in the country Joe Wooten at Bishop O’Connell the school that recently produced UMD star Melo Trimble; Hairston will benefit greatly from his toot ledge.  One of the toughest hardnosed defenders you will see; he plays the game baseline to baseline – great on the ball he also plays the passing lanes like a free safety and is able to covert and makes plays on the other end of the court.  We have seen immense improvement in the analytical approach to his point guard development but Hairston remains a terror when put into his natural scoring roll; he knows how to put the ball in the hole.  Recently Hairston played a solid floor game at the lead guard position while leading his team in scoring exemplifying his long term ability to get it done on multiple levels as a top combo guard.