LAS VEGAS -- The Tarkanian Classic continued through day two on the campus of Bishop Gorman High School with several players stepping up. From the class of 2017, four-star combo forward
Tyler Polley presented a compelling case for a move up the board.
I have always liked
Tyler Polley because the smooth shooting 6-foot-7 combo forward is an ideal fit for what many programs want out of a four man in a an era where teams want floor spacers and to play with four perimeter players around a big man.
However, based on the way he has played in Las Vegas, he might be a bit undervalued at No. 99 nationally. Yes, he is quite skinny and has to get stronger, but his skill set and feel for things on the offensive end is built to travel to a pretty high level. Also, while his shooting from between 12 and 21 feet stand out, Polley is willing and able to go in and rebound, score around the rim and he's a pretty slick passer.
Polley said he has offers from
Tennessee,
Texas A&M,
UAB,
USC and
LSU. Keeping close tabs are
Florida State,
Indiana,
Georgia,
Xavier and
Wake Forest. Of that group, Polley said that the Seminoles, Bulldogs, Blazers and Demon Decons have been standing out lately with their level of effort to recruit him.
2017 Tyler Polley has the face up combo forward shooting/skill that so many colleges crave in the day of four out, one in ball.— Eric Bossi (@ebosshoops)
December 18, 2015I touched on him in Wednesday's coverage, but I'd like to spend a little more time on the overall development of 2017 combo forward
P.J. Washington of Henderson (Nev.) Findlay Prep. Though his 6-foot-9 height listing on the roster seems a bit on the generous side, there isn't any disputing his productivity.
No stranger to the national scene since breaking out as a freshman at this same event, Washington is a volume rebounder who plays with a physical edge. But, he is also a pretty high IQ player who has greatly expanded his perimeter game. Like almost any kid who is a bit of a 'tweener, he wants to prove that he can play on the perimeter and there is little doubt that his jumper has improved and that he's become much more dangerous off the dribble. But, what is important is that he's not lost sight of the motor, rebounding and defense that made him so effective to begin with. In many ways, he reminds me of current Toronto Raptor DeMarre Carroll.
Washington's No. 27 overall national ranking in the junior class is both earned and deserved and he may be earning a bit of a bump.
California and
Texas look to be taking extra interest in him while others like
Kentucky,
Michigan State,
Duke,
Kansas and
Florida are among others with interest at one level or another.
Thought PJ Washington looked outstanding tonight. He's really expanded all-around game. When he gets grown man strength gonna be a problem— Eric Bossi (@ebosshoops)
December 18, 2015