Big, versatile wings are always valued at the college level. Today, we look at a handful of multifaceted wings in the 2021 class.
Troy D’Amico (6-7 SF, Notre Dame College Prep)
D’Amico is a big, all-around wing that acts as a juiced-up Swiss-army knife. He can initiate the offense and take slower defenders off the dribble or use his strength to post up undersized wings. With a few dribbles, he can lull a defender to sleep before making a move to get to the rim. A threat to score from all three levels, D’Amico averaged 15.6 points on less than 10 shots a game. For a 6-foot-7 player, he can really pass the ball on the move. D’Amico is also a terrific three-point shooter that has good bounce around the rim. With his length, he should be able to guard either forward spot at the next level. He projects as a do-it-all wing in college, with mid-major offers expected to continue to mount up.
Connor Davis (6-5 SF, Neuqua Valley)
This was set to be a big summer for the versatile, efficient forward. Davis was quietly one of the most consistent performers in his role, shooting 45 percent from three and over 50 percent overall. With the size and strength to play either forward spot, Davis brings a solid package of skills. He is a capable playmaker that understands how to move when he doesn’t have the ball. Davis is a strong athlete that defends with toughness. At the college level, his ability to space the floor as a knockdown shooter and be a defensive asset should be invaluable to some D2 and D3 schools looking for versatile wings.
Walt Mattingly (6-7 SF, Deerfield)
At 6-foot-7, Mattingly is a tall wing that handles the ball on the break and can shoot from the outside. He uses his long strides well to get into the teeth of the defense where he likes to be a playmaker. In catch-and-shoot situations, he is going to convert more often than not. A willing passer, I would expect Mattingly to see more possessions as a pick-and-roll ball-handler. Finding players with this much size and length that are as comfortable on the perimeter is tough. Mattingly will have an increased role for Deerfield in his senior season.
Quani Rudd (6-6 SF, Mt. Vernon)
Rudd has the prototypical length and body of a college wing. He is a long-armed slasher that plays through contact and finishes above the rim with regularity. His perimeter shot-making continues to progress while he focuses on getting paint touches off of penetration, cutting, and fast break opportunities. The touch is there for Rudd to develop into a more consistent outside shooter. The scary part is that he can dominate games without taking jumpers. Rudd is also a good wing defender that is able to use his quickness and size to take away openings. Southeast Missouri State and Southern Illinois have offered Rudd so far.
Bennie Slater (6-6 SF, Springfield)
Slater capped off a huge season with All-State honors. He can realistically play all three positions on the perimeter with his handling ability and frame. Slater takes his time when he is on the offensive end, feeling out the best course of action before he picks up speed. He averaged nearly four assists a game and ten rebounds as a natural wing. A lot of his game revolves around his instincts and nose for the ball. Defensively, Slater is a ball hawk that can guard in space or invert to protect the rim. He is going to see a nice uptick in recruiting activity.