Naasir Cunningham No. 1 as On3 debuts 2024 rankings
On3 debuted its Full 2024 On3 basketball rankings on Monday, and Gladstone (NJ) Gill St. Bernard Naasir Cunningham is the No. 1 player in the class.
The conversation came down to two players. A quick look at Cunningham’s frame and athleticism put him in the conversation. Then his consistent performances on the big stages this season had him in tier one. And his overall skill set, with his ability to shoot, finish at the rim, and attack off the bounce with upside for continued growth, landed him in the top spot.
The Conversation
There was a conversation about who would be number one. The national recruiting panel at On3 did feel there was a two-man tier so that discussion did not take long. But Cunningham and New York (NY) Cardinal Hayes guard Ian Jackson were the two. Jackson had a big season with Hayes; he showcased on the big stage and showed all the tools of a top-quality guard.
Coupled with his current production, Cunningham’s upside was too much to ignore. This season, the 6-foot-7 wing led his Gill St. Bernard team to a 20 and 7 record while averaging 13.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 30 made threes. His team was loaded with talent, and the schedule had some premier matchups all over the country.
Cunningham’s recruitment
Naasir Cunningham’s recruitment is what you would expect of a top player. Even as a sophomore, he already claims over a dozen offers, Nebraska was his first offer in February of 2020, and blue bloods Duke and UCLA were his last two.
Cunningham has been on the move, visiting schools this season. UConn, Rutgers, and Duke have all received unofficials. He is not able to start official visits until his junior season.
Cunningham and the NBA
Anytime we rank at the top of a class, we look at the player’s NBA profile. A quick glance at Cunningham’s NBA profile, and it makes sense. The rangy and explosive wing, with length, creation, and three-point range. At 6-foot-7, pushing 6-foot-8, the archetype is apparent.
Cunningham’s ball skills are developing; he can attack the rim, from the wing, off two and three dribbles. While he will need to continue developing his strength, he is an explosive athlete at the basket. He can make some acrobatic finishes in the half-court and some rim-rattling ones in transition.
The jump shot is smooth, and he has the handle and footwork to create the necessary space and get his shot off. With any young player, there is still a lot of tightening to do. There is a clear path to the next level with Cunningham’s player archetype.