Best Available: Blue Collar Bigs NOVA 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…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
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.
We continue as we look at five big men in the NOVA area that are still available. Stay tuned for more best available pieces moving forward. (Note: This list is in no particular order and in no way represents any rankings of any kind.)
Jordan James | 6’7” | George C. Marshall
He not only continues to grow, but he continues to get better as well. James has great length and above average athleticism, and as he’s grown into his body his skill set is coming along with it. He has good hands, can finish around the basket and he isn’t afraid to get physical in the paint either. His upside is high, and his improvement already shows that he has a chance of reaching it with time.
Antoine Nunnally | 6’4” | Freedom
Nunnally isn’t that big for a post, but he has a toughness about him that makes him very productive in the paint. He has the athleticism to run the floor and finish in transition, and his quickness allows him to be a mismatch on the block or from 15 feet and in. He also rebounds hard on both ends.
James Shellington | 6’5” | Colonial Forge
His size seems like a problem, but it makes him a tough guard for four men. He’s big enough to finish in the paint over smaller posts, but he can also step out and pull them away from the basket where they’re uncomfortable and work off the bounce from there. He’s athletic, runs the floor and can defend multiple positions as well.
Arminas Kleisys | 6’7” | Bishop Ireton
Kleisys is still pretty raw, but his strength and high motor make him a productive player on the low block. He has good fundamentals in the paint, such as seals well, boxes out, screens well, and he takes up a lot of space on the defensive end. He rebounds well on the offensive end, and he can finish around the basket with both hands as well.
Elijah Ford | 6’7” | Chantilly
Looking for a defensive stopper? Ford needs a look then. The reigning Conference 5 Defensive POY has great timing when challenging shots, and he’s a really good rim protector when coming over in help side. He shows well on pick-and-rolls, isn’t afraid to take charges and he has surprisingly quick hands. Offensively, he has a jump hook in the lane, hits the offensive glass and makes good decisions at the high post.