Update: First Ever Hoop Vibe 2024 Rankings
AAU season is in full swing and now is a good time to wrap up the senior class in the grad year of 2024.
This is the debut of The Hoop Vibe rankings with the 2025, 2026 and 2027 classes to follow over the next three weeks.
150 players are ranked around the state of Florida in the 2024 class.
2024 Hoop Vibe Rankings: VIEW HERE
Here is a look at the Top 5 list with analysis below.
No. 1: 6-9 F Cooper Flagg – Montverde
There is very little Cooper Flagg can’t do. A point forward at 6-foot-9, the Maine product guided Montverde to back-to-back Chipotle Nationals titles as the Eagles finished the season 33-0. Headed to Duke in the fall, Flagg is a smooth shooter, a steady ballhandler and a super dangerous shot blocker. He has all the tools to be a one-and-done prospect at the next level and adding muscle will only boost that conversation.
No. 2: 6-8 F Asa Newell – Montverde
The progression that Asa Newell has made over the last few seasons has been impressive. The 6-foot-8 Montverde forward packed on muscle, tightened his handle and improved his outside shot. Newell heads back home to Georgia where he was born to play for the Bulldogs. He had all the natural athleticism and length and took advantage of playing against the best competition during the season and during practices daily. Newell showed glimpses of major upside during his underclassmen career at Choctaw. He is well on his way to pro career.
No. 3: 6-8 F Derik Queen – Montverde
Playing an old-school style of hoops, Derik Queen doesn’t shy away from contact nor does he mind battling for loose rebounds and finishing around the rim. The 6-foot-8 Maryland commit was perhaps the most reliable inside presence for Montverde all season long and that is saying something for a team packed with dangerous scorers. Queen has a true two-way game and is another lengthy forward who can do guard-like things when needed.
No. 4: 6-7 F Liam McNeeley – Montverde
Liam McNeeley is the best shooter on the board in the 2024 class after de-committing from Indiana early last month. The 6-foot-7 forward doesn’t need much space to drop floaters and deep jumpers. McNeeley will be an instant impact player at the next level playing on or off the ball. With shooting at a true premium at the next level, he will slide right into a high major program, whoever is lucky enough to convince him to commit here soon.
No. 5: 6-7 F Khani Rooths – IMG
After Juwan Howard was let go by Michigan, Khani Rooths decided to move on from his commitment there. The 6-foot-7 forward is a dynamic wing who thrives downhill as a lay-in artist and mid-range shooter. Rooths has nice range on his jumper and pure speed in transition. He was a steady presence for an IMG team that had some major performances this season before falling at the Chipotle Nationals last week. Rooths will land a high major very soon and that will bode well for everybody involved.
Jake Perper has been a sports writer since 2010 and a basketball scout since 2015. Before launching The Hoop Vibe in August 2022, he was the Southeast Scouting Director for the Prep Hoops Circuit and the lead scout for Prep Hoops’ Florida site for seven years. You can follow him on Twitter @thehoopvibe and Instagram @the_hoopvibe.