Metro Challenge 60: Hubb shines among crowded, talented field
The Metro Challenge 60 is typically a must-see prior to the beginning of each travel season, and this year's event was no different. The best high school prospects from the loaded Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia and Maryland areas showcased their talent, including a few top-50 recruits from the upcoming classes.
Programs involved: Virginia, Maryland, Notre Dame, Villanova and Arizona
A lefty combo guard that doesn’t have much of a defined position on the floor, Hubb isn’t going to wow you with rim-rattling dunks but he is going to win a lot of games, just as he did on Saturday. Hubb is entering his all-important senior summer with a recruitment that is trending up. He made shots from each level on the floor, facilitated for his team and made the appropriate pass when warranted. Look for a commitment in the fall, though he does have plans in place for publishing a more condensed list by mid-April.
Programs involved: Florida, St. Joe’s, Xavier, Providence and Penn State
One of the top bucket getters on the East Coast, Locke was a late addition to the event but he made up for it with his sharp shooting abilities to end the day. While he is more of a fundamentally-sound ballplayer than explosive athlete, Locke understands how to get to his spot on the floor with various jab step and step back moves prior to the shot attempt. Locke knocked down five three-pointers on his way to 22 points in his first outing on Saturday. Locke, whose stock should soar this summer, recently picked up an offer from Florida.
Programs involved: Syracuse, Miami, Kansas, Villanova, Virginia and Maryland
There aren’t many big men in the 2018 class that boast better upside than Smith. Despite remaining struggles with bouts of inconsistency, the top-50 big man has tons of talent. A 6-foot-9, long bodied and skinny big man that runs the floor with ease, the four star center can knock down the pick and pop jumper but also protect the lane. When his motor is running hot, Smith is superb. His recruitment has been close to vest up until this point.
Programs involved: Virginia Tech, Kansas State and Penn State
Quite possibly the most talented prospect to hit the floor at DeMatha Catholic on Saturday, Timberlake lived up to the billing. Sure, his jumper remains a work in progress but he brings so much else to the table as a freshman -- he can defend the point guard spot down the power forward position and also facilitate a half-court offense. There might be something special in line with the Rock Creek star. Displaying shades of a younger Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the recruitment of the 2020 standout is just beginning. It's safe to assume that once the 2020 Rivals150 rankings are created, Timberlake’s name will be found at or near the top of the list.
Programs involved: Penn State, George Washington, Towson and La Salle
A relative sleeper at this point in time, Tabbs looked the part of a Rivals150 recruit on Saturday thanks to his array of scoring moves. A well put together shooting guard that can convert from each level on the floor, Tabbs has upped his athleticism and quickness in recent months and was nearly unguardable going against some of the top defenders on Saturday. He needs to becoming a better playmaker, but Tabbs' scoring ability is very valuable. It looks like Penn State is heavily in the mix for the Team Takeover product.
Programs involved: Maryland, Kansas State and Virginia Tech
He may not pass an immediate eye test but Price is a deceptively explosive and capable of creating his own shot. Sporting an unconventional basketball body, Price is built in the mold of a Draymond Green-type, which is someone that can play either forward spot depending on the lineup thrown out onto the floor. The Rivals150 prospect is receiving heavy attention from the likes of Maryland, Kansas State and Maryland. Expect for Price’s name to pick up steam this summer playing all of the way up on the 17-under level with the DC Blue Devils program.
Programs involved: Committed to Penn State.
Few prospects in the 2018 class have seen their stock rise as much as Dread's has of late. Saturday Dread threw down impressive dunks on the break, made contested jump shots and defended various positions on the court. Penn State fans need to be excited about the Gonzaga College High standout. Dread has steadily improved throughout his high school career. His physical abilities have progressed tenfold and it looks like Pat Chambers has a ready-made producer in junior commit.
