Arizona's 2019 Class is now taking center stage for college coaches across the country, as coaches now begin to contact top-rated prospects in the class and prepare for the busy recruiting month of July to evaluate the nation's top prospects in the class. One prospect in Arizona's 2019 class that made the biggest jump in our recent player rankings (Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report) is Mountain Pointe High School's talented 6-foot-9, 210-pound rising senior post Jalen Graham. After a strong junior season where he helped lead his high school program to a 6A State Championship runner-up finish, Graham is definitely one prospect on the rise in the class.
This high school season I was as impressed with Graham as a college prospect as much or more than any other prospect in the class. Graham really helped himself this junior season as much as any other 2019 prospect. Graham's sheer size, length and athleticism for a low-post prospect are glaring attributes for him, and make him a very intriguing prospect for the future.
This past high school season, Graham helped lead the Pride to one of the best overall seasons in the state - regardless of classification. Mountain Pointe would get off to an amazing start on the season, almost posting an undefeated record for much of the season, and then finishing with a strong 26-4 overall record - falling to state champion Pinnacle HS in the 6A state's final game. In the final contest of the season, Graham did all he could to keep his team in the hunt, but the Pride would fall short of their state title hopes. In the process, Graham would post strong numbers - averaging almost a double-double with 11 points, 9.1 rebounds and an amazing 3.4 blocks per/game.
Graham is still one of the state's most unheralded prospects from a recruiting standpoint though. Graham had a very good spring performance for himself, but he has continued to soar below the recruiting radar. Many college programs are beginning to take notice of the talented post player, so he should see his recruiting stock begin to soar this July.
Graham will begin his July campaign with a performance in this year's up-and-coming Southwest All-American Camp (June 30 - July 1), which will feature loads of talent and the majority of top prospects from the state and many prospects from the Southwest. With many top-rated scouts in attendance for this year's event, a likely strong performance for Graham should considerably boost his college recruitment and regional recruiting attention.
Graham is a rare find in the state of Arizona as he has excellent length of body, a nice ability to run the floor, great timing as a shotblocker and an ability to finish strong around the rim. While he is still developing as an offensive talent, Graham brings tremendous value to any team, as he is a defensive stopper in the low post that rebounds well and is an excellent finisher.
I have become a big fan of Graham's potential for the future, and am looking forward to watching this young man continue to develop this summer and next high school season. Graham is one of the top overall sleeper prospects in the state, regardless of class, and I expect him to have a big summer for himself. Graham does still have some work to do in the classroom over the next year to make himself an academic qualifier, so it will be very important for him just how much he continues to work off the court, as much as he does on the court.
I will continue to follow the development and recruitment of Graham closely, and bring you any updates regarding him as they continue to develop.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Graham is a rare find in the state of Arizona as he has excellent length of body, a nice ability to run the floor, great timing as a shotblocker and an ability to finish strong around the rim. While he is still developing as an offensive talent, Graham brings tremendous value to any team, as he is a defensive stopper in the low post that rebounds well and is an excellent finisher. He is a good low post scorer with a nice jump hook and an ability to get off the floor quite well and finish strong at and around the rim. He has an ability to step outside and shoot the basketball out to 15 feet, but is at his best from closer ranges on the floor. An active rebounder and shotblocker - one of the best in the West. Graham runs the floor hard and also outlets the basketball quie well to guards then fills the lane on the break. I have become a big fan of Graham's potential for the future, and am looking forward to watching this young man continue to develop this summer and next high school season. Graham is one of the top overall sleeper prospects in the state, regardless of class, and I expect him to have a big summer for himself. A prospect with a bright future.
