The best underclassman I've seen so far this season is...
We’ve been on the road and been to a lot of events so far this early high school season. We’ve seen a lot of great action. We asked our staff to roll out the top underclassmen they saw at some of these top events. Meet the next wave of players from across the nation.
Top Underclassmen I saw at the Lighthouse Classic
I have made it known over the past few years that I’m one of the biggest Daeshun Ruffin fans around. Each time I see him play, I am wowed but some of the things he can do at his size. Despite his small size and stature at 5-foot-9, the junior is one of the most entertaining players in the country. He’s also one of the most productive. Ruffin can put up points in a hurry and makes tough shots and plays like ordinary. Not only is he one of the best underclassmen in the country, but he’s also one of the best guards nationally regardless of class. I would definitely buy a ticket to watch him play. - Garrett Tucker
Top Underclassman I saw at Holiday Hoopsgiving
As if his showing against Grayson the week before wasn’t enough, Thornton continued his solid play through both games at Hoopsgiving.Thornton lined up opposite of two other nationally ranked prospects and used the occasion to make a statement. Without including any dominant shot blockers, Thornton would take my vote for defensive player of the year. Not only does his play touch multiple parts of a box score, there are a ton of other valuable things that he brings to the table. - Tai Young
Top Underclassman I saw at National High School Hoops Festival
There weren't too many more players in the building that made me routinely say "wow this kid is good". My intrigue grew even more when I realized that Bullis(MD) guard Rodney Rice was a member of the 2022 class. Being advanced beyond his classification may be a slight understatement. Between his shot-making, craftiness, and ridiculous ability to score at the rim, the chase for Rice's services at the power 5 level seems like a near certainty. - Tai Young
Top Underclassmen I saw at HoopHall West
The Henderson (NV) Coronado guard was awesome at the event. Just awesome. Stop you in your tracks awesome. He pumped in 40 of his team’s 96 points, recorded 11 assists and grabbed nine rebounds in the win. Hardy’s total game effort was the most impressive of all of the star-power performances in Scottsdale. He’s a no-brainer top 10 guy in the 2021 class. He’s already at No. 8 overall in our junior rankings. That probably needs to change a spot or two. Truthfully, he needs to move up. Hardy is one of the best guards in the country, regardless of class. His showing at this event justified such a thought. - Justin Young
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