The Hub's Top 10: Future Prospects
In case you didn’t know, we here at The Hub have ESP. We can literally predict the future. Well, not really. But we have a pretty, pretty good knack for analyzing high school basketball players and seeing pure talent for what they're worth.
While we wave goodbye to the beauty seniors from this past season (Tomley, Woods, Sarai, Sehic, Mihaila, and the list goes on and on…), we have our sights on the champs of tomorrow, aka the 2018/2019 season.
It’s undeniably hard to pick just 10 dudes for this list; however, these names have come up in convo more than a few times. We’ve debated in the office. We’ve hummed and hawed. And alas, we chose our Top 10 Futures—the boys who will make our jaws drop and our hearts stop.
Just kidding on the latter.
Check it:
# 10 – Sasha Vujisic – Burnaby South Rebels
Vujisic helped take his team to the Provincial finals this past season. His defense is on point. He’s a natural on the court and considering the Rebels will lose some of their top guys next season, we predict that Vujisic will step into a more dominant leadership role.
The fans say he’ll be “unstoppable down-low next year” and that as soon as he grows into his body, he’ll be a powerful force. And we agree.
Oh, and don't forget that iconic finger wag.
# 9 – Callum Chow-White – Vancouver College Fighting Irish
Without VC’s star Jack Cruz-Dumont next year, we predict Chow-White to continue his basketball glow up. This kid’s got some crazy range and fights relentlessly for the ball every moment he’s on the court.
Dude was only in Grade 10 this past year and claimed 1st Team All-Star at the Lower Mainlands.
Best fan’s reasoning:
“Because.”
# 8 – Jarrett Jacobs – Walnut Grove Gators
Who are the Gators without James Woods? They’re actually a great team, but it’s always hard to see one of the best walk off the court.
Enter Jarrett Jacobs.
His mentality is second to none. His long-range shots are insane. And he’s had the chance to play in the big games at a young age.
Pair that with his hard work and dedication, and Jacobs will definitely be a leader for Grove next season.
“Pure bucket.”
“He has so much more to prove. He’s an unreal player and has a massive future ahead of him.”
# 7 – Jacob Mand – Terry Fox Ravens
Jacob Mand has a hell of a lot of talent it’s straight ridiculous. This kid is a total baller. He may even be the glue of the Ravens next season (calling it here first). Not saying the rest of the youngins aren't good, Mand just does not quit.
Some fans say he’s got a bright future; we say he already is bright and will only continue to shine.
Not only that, “he’s a stud.”
One fan says he’s the “most committed guy, always putting in work even through injury he puts in the most work.”
Moral of Mand’s story? “This dude is going places.”
# 6 – Victor Radocaj – R.A. McMath Wildcats
Not many high school ballers can say that they’ve played for Team Canada, but Victor can cross that off his to-do list.
The Wildcats have found a diamond in the rough—at 6’7, it’s no surprise why he made our Top 10.
Fans say he can literally do it all and we’re certain that momentum will continue next season.
He’s a “total baller with great length and athleticism.”
# 5 – Uyi Ologhola – Holy Cross Crusaders
I’m still completely shocked this guy was only in Grade 10. Uyi could pass as a friggin’ NBA rookie, I swear.
He’s got grit and undeniable skills on both ends of the court. Pair that with the fact he will be completely stepping up to a leadership role, and it’s easy to see why Ologhola comes in at number five.
The Crusaders may be losing some key players, but it’s just the beginning for this star guard. And the fans agree:
“He’s already a first team all-star when he is in Grade 10.”
“Legend.”
And the best fan response…”YEET!”
# 4 – Bithow Wan – Byrne Creek Bulldogs
Have you had a chance to watch our Beyond the Mixtape featuring Bithow? Check that out ASAP Rocky. This guy plays a mean game, yet is so damn humble. It’s inspiring af.
Wan taught us that he is so much more than just a dude on the court. He says he’d rather be “the best person he can be, not even in basketball, but in life.”
The fans had some pretty great responses to why they chose him, aside from his sheer talent.
“Skinnier than a stick.”
“So smooth.”
And you can’t forget the sick headband, too.
# 3 – Jerric Palma – St. George’s Saints
Despite the team name, Jerric Palma is a devil on the court. I seriously thought he was in Grade 12, so you can imagine my excitement when I realized he’s got one more year of high school ballin’ left in him.
Don’t believe me? Just watch.
He plays on a wet team that is still quite young, so next year may just be his chance to truly showcase his skills from beyond the arc. And some say he’s also a pretty great role model, as well.
Y’all had this to say about the Palma:
“He’s legit.”
“Pure shooter.”
“He’s money.”
$$$
# 2 – Suraj Gahir – North Delta Huskies
North Delta hit the jackpot with this dawg. Suraj Gahir defines what it means to be a playmaker. When he’s on the court, his teammates seem to naturally match his style and play better just by sharing the paint space.
He’s probably one of the least selfish players in high school basketball. And we ain’t seen nothing yet.
“Dude, this guy is a legend. I know him from elementary school and he is an awesome ball player. Suraj gives the ‘wow’ factor.”
Some fans even claim him to be an all-around God.
Makes sense since his plays are pretty heavenly.
# 1 – Diego Maffia – Oak Bay Bays
You already know your boy Diego was taking the top spot on this list. Do I need to repeat how many 3s he hit in one game? *Cough...14...cough*.
With one more year left to play with the Bays, Maffia is bound to break more records and continue his hot streak on the court.
Not to pump his tires or anything, but this kid is the high school equivalent to Kevin Durant. He plays extremely well with a solid team surrounding him, yet he also can carry the team completely on his own (if need be).
He’s the walking bucket. Just flashback to last season’s game against Kitsilano where he scored a whopping 50 POINTS! Some say he’s the next Tomley, minus the attitude (jk, we love you Miguel).
Seriously though, he’s the GOAT at Grade 11 and we just know next season is going to be lit for Diego.
Here’s what you guys said about our number one pick:
“Easily one of the best players in the league.”
“Rain maker.”
And my personal favourite:
“Diego is the future.” Man, that is hella deep.
Fans Choice: Diego Maffia - Oak Bay Bays
There was zero competition in this category. The fans and players agreed that Maffia is the top future prospect for next season. Refer to our lovely pie chart for the rest of the fan’s choices.