Stock Up: Players who rose their stock Geico Nationals

Fort Myers, Florida – The Geico Nationals are one of the biggest stages of high school basketball. Eight of the top teams from around the country convene in a winner take all championship. ESPN broadcast the games, and national media was courtside to take it all in. 

Anytime that much talent is under one roof, it provides a very telling stage. A stage that can solidify, boost or dwindle a player’s stock. 

On3 was one of the media members courtside for the duration of Geico Nationals. Here are some stock-risers from the event.

6-6 SF Tre White

Class of 2022
Napa (Calif.) Prolific Prep
On3 Consensus: No. 33
Status: Signed with Southern Cal

Tre White was possibly the most infatuating player in the tournament. What stood out the most with the 6-foot-6 wing was his toughness. He played with grit and determination on both ends of the floor. White had the ball in his hands and was forced to create a lot of action with his two five-star teammates out. White showed a crafty handle to touch the paint, vision to make plays and create for others, and he was a tough shot-maker throughout. 

On the defensive end of the floor, it was White who guarded five-star Gradey Dick, holding him to a 1 for 10 night shooting. While On3 is higher than the industry on White, expect White to be in the conversation for a bump during the next 2022 update. 

6-8 PF Jarace Walker

Class of 2022
Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy
On3 Consensus: No. 9
Status: Signed with Houston

Jarace Walker put together eight quarters of excellent basketball in this event. Where things stood out the most for him was on the defensive end. He was a determined team defender, playing well in the passing lanes and getting to his spots on rotations. His shot-blocking was impressive, finishing with 11 blocked shots through his two games. 

Offensively, Walker showed nimble feet with outstanding balance in transition. He also had excellent vision, with some top-of-the-line reads in the half-court and with the ball pushing the break. This has been a dominant senior season for Walker as he solidified why On3 is higher on him than the industry. 

6-5 SG Ryan Mabrey

Class of 2022
La Porte (IN) LaLumiere
On3 Consensus: NA
Status: uncommitted

Ryan Mabrey came into this event without much buzz surrounding him, which was perplexing after watching him. Mabrey is a dead-eye shooter. He has deep range and outstanding balance with a consistent release. Mabrey knocked down 3 of 5 from three in his lone game at Geico Nationals. He also showed he can score the ball in other ways, attacking closeouts and getting to his spots off two and three dribbles. 

In speaking with Mabrey’s coaches afterward, he mentioned an offer from Vermont and that Washington had been messing with him. He has one sister in the WNBA and one sister at Notre Dame. A 6-foot-5 pure shooter who can score in other ways should have a lot more going on at this point. 

6-8 SF Julian Phillips

Class of 2022
Branson (MO) Link Academy
On3 Consensus: No. 16
Status: recently de-committed from LSU

There is something to be said about an elite player who continues getting better. Julian Phillips has continued to get better each year in high school. He was blessed with great length and natural pop. His nose for the basketball made him a good offensive rebounder. His ball skills would get him to spots in the half-court and allow him to push the break. This season, the jump shot has become a weapon. Skill-set-wise, there are no actual holes in Phillips’s game at this point. Sure someone can point to the strength, but that will come with natural maturity and a college weight program. 

In speaking with Phillips at the Geico Nationals, he talked about Auburn, Florida State, Tennessee, South Carolina, Southern Cal, and Gonzaga. The G-League will also be in play here. On3 is currently lower than the industry standard on Phillips. Expect his name to be in the conversation for a bump next 2022 update. 

6-5 SF Scotty Middleton

Class of 2023
Bel Aire (KS) Sunrise Christian
On3 Consensus: No. 33
Status: uncommitted

Scotty Middleton had a breakout summer playing with the NY Rens on Nike’s 16u EYBL Circuit. A transfer to Sunrise Christian and Middleton has carved out his niche as a player. You first notice his energy, both in the huddle and on defense. You like the upside as a wing defender, but he has consistently made shots this season. Looking like a consistent 40-percent shooter off the catch, Middleton used his game here to show he can knock down shots off the bounce. 

The 6-foot-5 wing has a wiry frame, but it is a basketball player’s frame with wide-set shoulders and long arms. He will continue to put on weight, which will pair well with his activity level on the defensive end. If the jump shot sustains, look for Middleton to continue climbing in the 2023 rankings.