Vantage Hoops 2017 Rankings: Bigs (Part 1)
The Vantage Hoops Virginia 2017 Top 150 Rankings were updated earlier this week, and now it’s time to take a closer look. Below is part one of our breakdown of the top bigs in the class. Stay tuned for more content, including additional position-by-position…
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Continue ReadingThe Vantage Hoops Virginia 2017 Top 150 Rankings were updated earlier this week, and now it’s time to take a closer look. Below is part one of our breakdown of the top bigs in the class. Stay tuned for more content, including additional position-by-position break-downs, biggest stock boosters, and more.
Nate Watson | 6’8” | Bishop O’Connell (#4 Overall)
Watson has solidified himself as arguably the best big man in the WCAC, and he’s done it with old school brute strength and athleticism. A load in the paint, Watson has out battled the best of the best, including a terrific showing at the NBPA Top 100 Camp this summer. He’s a walking double-double that can finish with either hand, has good feel in the post and holds the paint down like a man amongst boys. The big man has committed to play in the Big East with Providence next season.
Aamir Simms | 6’9” | Blue Ridge (#6 Overall)
He’s come a long way in the past two seasons, and the Clemson commit looks every bit like an ACC big man now. He’s always had a lot of upside, and now he’s put it together to where he’s a mixture of skilled, versatile and productive. He’s extremely long at 6’9”, where he uses his length to dominate the glass and alter shots at the rim. He can now shoot it consistently out to the three-point line, has good vision and can start the break himself after grabbing a rebound. Blue Ridge has a completely new look this year, but they still have the luxury of having one of the best bigs in the state roaming the paint for them.
Ejike Obinna | 6’9” | VA Academy (#8 Overall)
He’s steadily developed, but his best attributes were always there with him. Obinna is a warrior in the paint, where he sends shots back and battles on the glass for all 32 minutes of the game. His motor never stops, as he’ll bang on the defensive glass then sprint in transition to beat everyone down the floor for an easy finish or to clean up the offensive glass. He’s developed a jump hook over both shoulders, and whether or not it shows in the stat book his presence in the paint forces a lot of problems for opposing offenses. He’ll be heading to the SEC to play for Vanderbilt next season.
Dajour Dickens | 6’11” | Bethel (#12 Overall)
Another get for Providence, Dickens will be banging with Watson the next four seasons which should only make the both of them better. Dickens is very athletic for his size, and when he’s engaged he’s a walking double-double that will protect the rim as well. He’s shown in the past that he’s capable of knocking down the set shot out to 18 feet and that he can put the ball on the floor in limited dribbles. However, his biggest impact will always be defensively with his ability to alter shots in the paint, something he’ll do a lot of this year for the Bruins.
Zach Jacobs | 6’7” | Trinity Episcopal (#15 Overall)
Jacobs has developed into a combo forward that can take slower bigs out to the perimeter or use his size to finish in the paint. He’s become a consistent shooter from deep, but he doesn’t just float around the perimeter as he’s also one of the best offensive rebounders in the class. He’s displayed a high motor in the past, is very good in transition and causes mismatch problems for whoever he’s matched up with. While he hasn’t made his decision yet, he currently holds double digit offers.
Greg Jones | 6’6” | John Marshall (#18 Overall)
Can’t talk about Jones without first mentioning his toughness and willingness to compete. Whether it’s open gym, a fall league game or the state championship, he plays to win and will do whatever it takes for that to happen. He’s a very strong post that loves contact and loves to rebound, yet he’s also athletic enough to run the floor and skilled enough to step outside and hit the open jumper. His grit and intensity will be very welcome next season when he attends James Madison.
Brendan Newton | 7’2” | Faith Christian (#24 Overall)
They say you can’t teach height, and Newton is the tallest player in the state at 7’2”. His size causes a lot of problems for penetrating guards (as you could imagine), and Newton’s worked hard on his game in the post. He can score with both hands in the paint, is able to see over double teams to deliver passes and has shown good hands and improved footwork in the past. The Roanoke native decided to stay close to home, as he’ll attend Liberty University in Lynchburg next season.