Summer Stock Boosters: 2017 Bigs (Part 1)
With the final live periods coming to a close a couple weeks ago, it’s now time to take an in depth look at some of the biggest stock boosters in Virginia throughout the entire AAU season. The lists compiled will…
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Continue ReadingWith the final live periods coming to a close a couple weeks ago, it’s now time to take an in depth look at some of the biggest stock boosters in Virginia throughout the entire AAU season. The lists compiled will be organized based on year and position, and will only include players that have open recruitments and have yet to make a verbal commitment. It’s impossible for us to mention every kid that boosted their stock throughout the summer, but we’ve narrowed down some of the players that took the biggest jumps in improvement and interest from colleges. Here’s part one of the 2017 bigs.
Nate Watson | 6’8” | Bishop O’Connell/DC Premier
New Offers: Miami, Maryland, Kansas, Florida State, Marquette, NC State, Wake Forest
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #4
Brute force, high motor and explosive athleticism is what made Nate Watson one of the most productive bigs in the WCAC last season, and he continued it on the UAA Circuit with DC Premier. His ability to fight through box outs, impose his will in the paint and get a double-double without having a play run for him is as good as anyone in the state. He’ll have his choice of high major programs to choose from when the time comes.
Aamir Simms | 6’9” | Blue Ridge/Team Loaded VA
New Offers: Georgia Tech, SMU, Florida, Georgia, Notre Dame, Iowa State, Pittsburgh
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #6
Simms has always shown a good skill set and high upside over the past two seasons, the questions have been on his production. However, he showed this summer at multiple camps and on the Adidas Gauntlet that he can be a double-double producer and impact the game by stepping out to hit the midrange or pass from the high post. Perhaps his best showing came at the NBPA Top 100 camp, in which he led the camp in rebounding and had a game of 14 points and 22 rebounds against some of the best bigs in the country.
Zach Jacobs | 6’7” | Trinity Episcopal/River City Reign
New Offers: Florida International, Air Force, ETSU, NJIT, Furman
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #17
While his summer was spent bouncing between circuit teams and Reign, Jacobs had good showings in a number of camps, including Hoop Group Elite Session 2 where he was named to the Top 20 team. His size and motor make him an effective four for mid majors, but he’s starting to consistently step out and hit the three ball and his work in triple threat situations is coming along too. High academic kid that could see a good amount of options during his senior season.
Greg Jones | 6’6” | John Marshall/Team Loaded VA
New Offers: Northeastern, Marshall, ECU, Hofstra, Towson, JMU
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #24
There’s a reason that Jones started for a Loaded VA team with three high major big men on it, and that’s because his team feeds off his toughness and energy when he’s on the floor. A relentless rebounder with long arms and a strong upper body, Jones never gives up on the glass and will run through a brick wall to help his team win. Coaches are starting to see it, as he now sits with double digit division one offers.
Ameer Bennett | 6’9” | St. Christopher’s/River City Reign
New Offers: VMI, Bryant
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #36
His length and improvement have really opened eyes, as Bennett went from a rebounder and defensive presence in the paint to a multifaceted big that impacts the game in a number of ways. He isn’t a back to the basket big, but Bennett can step out and face his man up, shoot the jumper out to 18 feet and is an unselfish big that looks out on offensive rebounds for easy shots for his guards. His work ethic and improvement rate means that some low to mid major school could get a steal with him.
Nana Opoku | 6’6” | Potomac/Team Loaded VA 16U
New Offers: JMU
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #48
If there’s anyone you can say has improved more than Bennett on this list, it would have to be Opoku, who played well enough at Hoop Group Elite 2 to be named to the Top 20 team. He will most likely prep after the season, but Opoku brings length, motor and a unique skill set that includes his ability to start the break with the ball in his hands or hit the trail jumper in transition. Another blue collar guy, expect Opoku’s recruitment to continue to climb, especially with a prep year.