Best Available: Blue Collar Bigs 757 Edition
With the end of the 2017 high school basketball season right around the corner, there are still plenty of talented collegiate prospects that are available to fit a number of different systems. Over the next week or so, we will…
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Continue ReadingWith the end of the 2017 high school basketball season right around the corner, there are still plenty of talented collegiate prospects that are available to fit a number of different systems. Over the next week or so, we will be doing a “Best Available” series, giving coaches an idea of what kids are available and what kind of style they play in.
To get started, we will look at five available big men in the 757 area. Stay tuned for more best available pieces moving forward. (Note, these lists are in no particular order and are in no way rankings.)
Adrian Beasley | 6’4” | Tallwood
His frame is the most impressive part of his game, then you see him play and see why. Although he’s a little undersized, he has broad shoulders that allow him to carve out space and rebound, but he also has a soft touch from all three levels. His ability to step outside and shoot it makes him a mismatch, and he can put it on the floor or hit the offensive glass too. He’s a versatile offensive scorer with a physical mindset.
Emonni Wood | 6’6” | Green Run
His toughness used to be questioned, but he’s shown that even if he isn’t playing particularly well he’s still going to give good effort for his team. He has a good mix of strength and athleticism, which allows him to run the floor and finish in transition at and above the rim. He’s one of the guys who gives effort defensively too, and when he can stay out of foul trouble he’s a big asset when on the floor.
Brandon Mitchell | 6’5” | Salem
Mitchell has quietly had a nice career at Salem the past three years. He has tremendous length and he’s an above average athlete, so he can hit the glass on both ends and he can protect the rim defensively. He can score in a number of ways from 15 feet and in, and even though his laid back personality can fool some people into thinking he doesn’t compete, he’ll try to put you on a poster given the opportunity.
Lual Rahama | 6’4” | Warwick
Talk about under the radar, Rahama competes with the best and can do a lot of different things to help his team win. He’s an all out hustle guy, which is great because his teammates follow his energy during the game. He can shoot it from deep, makes good decisions with the basketball and is great in transition. His versatility also allows him to make plays on the defensive end and on the glass.
Leland Richardson | 6’5” | Heritage (NN)
He could be considered a wing, but he’s best used as a mismatch with slower big men. Richardson came on strong this past summer, and his athleticism and frame has landed him a couple of division two offers. He thrives in an uptempo system, and he can push the basketball in transition and finish above the rim. His ability to put it on the floor like a guard, all while still guarding and rebounding like a big man gives him team an added element when he’s on the floor.