2024 Rankings Roundtable: 10 Prospects We're Betting On

April 11, 2023 by MADE Hoops Staff

The 2024 rankings are now in and finalized. With a jam-packed season coming to a close and a big summer ahead for a class in need of clarity, we pull back the curtain and unveil who our team is placing their respective long-term bets on.

Eric Hampford: Isaiah Evans

It was a monster high school season for Evans, to say the least, averaging 26 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game while racking up a boatload of postseason accolades. Along the way, he picked up an in-state offer from the Duke Blue Devils, paving the way for what should become a bluebood recruitment. A long 6’7”+ shot-maker, his scoring skills put him in rarified air in the 2024 class, and I’m betting on him putting together a strong Nike EYBL season.

Travis Graf: Ace Bailey

There’s a very real argument for Ace Bailey being the number one prospect in the 2024 recruiting class. His combination of length, shooting touch, defensive upside, and evolving skill set makes him the most intriguing player in the class long-term in my eyes. Bailey was hurt most of last year’s grassroots season and since his return, he’s really opened up some eyes. The talented forward debuts at no. 3 in our rankings.

Max Feldman: VJ Edgecombe

The breakout of the 2022-23 season, we are far and away the highest on Edgecombe at this stage but I’m still buying more stock. A lively athlete at 6-5 with long limbs, a lightning quick first step, an accelerated decision-making process and a strong foundation as a shooter.  Compared to his consensus mark around the 40’s, we debuted our 2024 rankings with the Bahamian native 7th overall. It’d be a surprise for me to see him go anywhere but up moving forward. This looks like one the industry will catch up to before long.

Tony McNiff: Liam McNeeley

McNeeley had himself a strong junior season at Montverde Academy (FL). He’s a skilled and versatile wing who possesses an appealing pass, dribble, and shoot skillset, plus he has a strong feel for the game. The strong processing, consistent shooting, and improving defensive versatility gives him the chance to provide an immediate impact at the next level. McNeeley’s mix of his passing acumen and feel allows him to be a capable connector which is a highly valued skill at the next level as well. He currently ranks #8 nationally in our 2024 rankings and he’s a safe long-term bet in my eyes.

Eric: Jalil Bethea

The rumblings out of Philadelphia all winter were that Jalil was setting himself up for a monster grassroots season once people outside of the 215 got their eyes on him. We got a sneak preview in December when Archbishop Wood (PA) played in our Jordan Holiday Classic and he sizzled from the perimeter. Fast forward to last weekend where he blew the roof off Sportika in our East Warmup, showing that he’s one of the most dangerous perimeter scorers in America in his class. Expect EYBL S1 in Atlanta to be his official coming out party in two weekends.

Travis: Kon Knueppel

Shooting is at a premium in today’s basketball, and that’s exactly what Knueppel provides every time he steps on the court. He’s a deadeye shooter off of the catch and off of movement, and can knock down shots consistently from the mid-range to the volleyball line with ease. With a developing handle and floor game from the wing, Knueppel could continue to climb the rankings and have powerhouse college programs get involved.

Max: Kanon Catchings

The outlines popped last summer in a more ancillary role with Indy Heat, since then, Catchings has sprouted both physically and developmentally. With deep basketball bloodlines and real shot-making versatility at near 6-9, the Brownsburg (IN) lands 11th overall in the class for us and will surge into the top 10 with a big summer. After viewing Catchings mid-season, I noted there weren’t 20 better prospects in the nation while he was touted universally outside the top 100. Since, his consensus ranking has risen into the top 30. Painter and company knocked this evaluation out of the park early in the process, seeing what he could evolve into before it materialized. There’s still plenty more to tap into as a highly skilled, multifaceted whose still very much maturing physically.

Tony: Tyler Betsey

Betsey was one of the biggest stockrisers nationwide last year regardless of class, yet he’s only expanded his game in the meantime. The reigning Connecticut Gatorade POY possesses an intriguing physical profile given his blend of positional size, length, and fluidity. To add onto the physical tools, he’s a smooth shooter with extensive range who knocks down three-point shots at a notably high clip. He’s made strides as a playmaker given the growth he’s shown attacking closeouts & putting the ball on the floor. The physical upside, perimeter shotmaking, and consistent development make him a prospect I’m betting on in the 2024 class. He currently ranks #12 nationally in our 2024 rankings and there’s plenty of upside left for him to tap into.

Travis:  Mikey Lewis

Lewis is one of the most underrated prospects in high school basketball regardless of class, in my opinion. He’s got a good, strong build for a guard, and can play both on and off the ball. He led the Grind Session in scoring while playing for Accelerated Prep, a team featuring 2023 McDonald’s All-American Baye Fall, and while he only has mid-major offers at this point, don’t be surprised if high majors start rolling in after EYBL session 1.

Max: Caleb Williams

Every step of the way he’s won games. Between the last two high school seasons with Sidwell Friends (DC) and Team Takeover (EYBL), Williams has a combined record of 68-5 with more banners than losses. With an impressive track record of shooting the ball at 6-7 with connective traits, there’s a scalability and ease in which Williams will fit into a scheme at the next level. He’s taken steps forward in terms of assertiveness offensively and there’s signals for even more. Heady, selfless, hard-nosed and brings value in the margins, I’m betting on Wiliams’ ability to impact winning and accentuate the guys around him long-term.