Easter at the Top of His Class

Jerry Easter Jr.-2024 Toledo

As most basketball fans know, the state of Ohio has become a hotbed for basketball talent, and routinely pumps out top 10 players nationally. We also know that guys like Seth Wilson (2021), Chris Livingston (2022) and LeBron James Jr. (2023) are well known nationally, but you have to add Jerry Easter Jr. (5’5/PG/2024/Toledo) to the list of nationally recognizable names from Ohio.  Currently, Easter is ranked by some as the #1 ranked player in the country in the class of 2024.  Moreover, recently, we gave Easter the edge for the #1 spot in the state.

We’ve recognized Easter’s talent for several years while evaluating him at elite events around the country; however, it was not until his standout performances at our elite showcases did we really start to appreciate Easter’s talent.  In fact, in our elite showcase in September, Easter parlayed a standout performance into an all-star game selection and then a Top 5 Award.  In addition, at our Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament last April, Easter was selected to the All-Tournament Team after leading his team in scoring.  In terms of his consistency, we’ve also seen Easter excel at other elite camps and showcases as well.

Easter is a dynamic PG who is highly skilled; plays with poise, and can get his buckets while also creating offense for teammates.  He has great court vision and is also a willing passer who can deliver the rock on time and on target. Although you might assume that Easter is a ball dominate guard who forces shots in order to get his own numbers, you’d be wrong, as Easter is a distributor who can also score. Easter he can shoot off the bounce or in catch and shoot situations or he can employ a nice little floater.  Not only can he use his ball skills to get in the lane, he’s a threat to shoot it from beyond the arc as well.  We’re most impressed with Easter’s poise under pressure and the fact that he cannot be sped up even when doubled teamed defensively.  We also like Easter’s length for his position, his high basketball IQ and the fact that he’s a great on ball defender.  In our opinion, Easter easily projects as a D-I player with continued growth and development. The highlight video below does a good job of featuring Easter’s many talents.

Easter’s talent is a hot commodity, as he has played for several different programs over the past several years. Last year alone, Easter was seen running with All-Ohio Red, the Western Kentucky Wildcats and North Coast Blue Chips (NCBC).  It’s also worth noting that any team he has suited up for has won on a high level!  According to his father, the younger Easter will play exclusively with the North Coast Blue Chips this upcoming season.  That team was already loaded with guys like Tyler McKinley, Jaiden Arnold and Jonas Nicholas, but with the edition of Easter they are going to be tough to beat!  According to Coach Tuffy Rhodes, Easter “…by far will be my best all around player [this season].” Coach Rhodes also likes Easter’s versatility, “…He can play anywhere; can do anything,” Rhodes said.

We look forward to catching him in action at our march 4^th elite showcase and again when his NCBC squad attends our Buckeye Prep Invitational tournament March 31^st-April 2^nd. We plan to keep an eye on this kid!

Highlight Video