Top 250 Expo: Top Bigs in Skill Sessions
The bigs were a surprise. The Top 250 Expo in Sioux Falls had a lot more talent up front than we were expected. Here are the standout names.
Emmanuel Akot (6-8, SF Washington, 2018). Akot’s footwork, his ability to finish on both sides of the rim, and Akot’s extension off each shoulder turn with each post move really stood out. Akot has a chance to be an excellent prospect.
Nate Brecht (6-6, SF Lincoln, 2019). One of the smartest posts we saw this weekend. Brecht needs to add some core strength but when he does his quality plays of each pivot will be even better. Excellent passer out of the post, sets good screens, and his touch off the post move is quality.
Connor Crane (6-4, Sturgis Brown, 2018). The only reasons I include Connor here is because he has to play post for his school, because he has great footwork inside, and he’s really long for his height. More of a face-up guy who has the potential to be a three later in life, but right now is a big.
Jake Friedrich (6-5, Tea Area, 2018). Jake showed us two things on Saturday that really stood out: 1) his high rate of effort in everything in the drills caught attention, and 2) he sought out screens in the halfcourt work clearing space for all. Finished around the rim at a high percent.
Joshua Kihle (6-8, Burke Central, 2018). Josh blew us away with how he moved block to block, and with each step after facing up inside. He’s got a nice touch, is a legit 6-foot-8 now, and more importantly Josh showed agility we didn’t know he had.
Carter Kosiak (6-7, SF O’Gorman, 2017). Loved how he used his length to extend and touch in shots after the pivot and with a one dribble face-up attack. Kosiak is quite mobile, very long, and we think he’s on the verge of a quality season. Looked really good before he hurt his ankle.
Jagger Miller (6-5, Devils Lake, 2018). His ability to rebound in the halfcourt work, his high rate of finishing over bigger players, and his 3 on 3 and 4 on 4 off ball movement were excellent. We think he will help the Firebirds a lot as a senior.
Tyrell Setness (6-6, Fargo Davies, 2017). Setness sets a strong screen but even better is how he moves rolling off the pick and then catches to make plays. Strong and very agile undersized big that is more mobile than most bigs so he’s consistently productive. Very bright future looks to be ahead of him.
Teddy Taylor (6-7, Flandreau, 2017). Let’s not sugarcoat this or beat around the bush. Teddy Taylor is one of the hardest workers and aggressive frontcourt players you will see. The skill sessions showed us that he will catch and go hard no matter if it’s practice or games. A big year is ahead because Taylor brings a high work rate.
Matt Thompson (6-4, West Fargo, 2017). His up and under finish was memorable early in the halfcourt live work and he played hard at all times. There was stretches of play where Matt was finishing at a higher rate than any other guy out there. Definitely a guy West Fargo can count on for scoring around the rim if he plays like this.
Owen Wheeler (6-5, Minot, 2018). The definition of a worker. Minot has size to replace from last year’s team and this junior will be on the court if he continues to fight and battle like he did this past Saturday.