Best Available: Skilled Big Men
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.
We continue as we look at six skilled big men throughout the state who can fit multiple systems. 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.)
Miles Gibson | 6’5” | Millwood
Gibson can play multiple positions, but he thrives by pulling slower four men away from the basket and take them off the bounce. He has an above average handle for a player of his size and he can shoot it from deep both off the catch and off the bounce. He’s one of those stat sheet stuffers that’s undersized and doesn’t have a specialty, which has made him go under the radar, but wherever Gibson lands he’ll work to make sure he has to be on the floor.
Ameer Bennett | 6’8” | St. Chris
Bennett wouldn’t have been on this list last season, but his improvement in his middle game gives him the “skilled” label. At 6’8”, he can catch and finish inside, but is also great in the middle of the zone or in pick-and-pop situations. His improvement over the past few years also bolds well for him moving forward, showing that he could possibly reach his upside.
Michael Barfield-Owens | 6’5” | Bishop Sullivan
He was almost listed as a utility player, but he’s best in situations where he can use his versatility against slower, more traditional bigs. Barfield-Owens can shoot it from deep, put it on the floor in transition and finish above the rim making him a tough guard already offensively, but his motor sets him apart from other skilled bigs. If he can keep that motor running throughout the game, he’s one of the hardest guys to matchup with on the floor.
Darius Bell | 6’9” | Southampton
It’s hard to find many available 6’9” kids with the skill set of Bell. In the right system, Bell can almost run the offense from the perimeter. He can shoot it from deep, put it on the floor to start the break, create his own shot off the bounce or be in either role in pick-and-pop scenarios. He has to get tougher inside, but a college weight program should help him get better defensively down low.
Ben Davis | 6’5” | Oak Hill
The Utah native is a little undersized as a four man, but he can shoot it from deep. He has a wide frame and strong lower body that keeps him from being pushed around in the paint, and when he’s stretching the floor well he opens a lot of driving lanes for his guards. He can also face up and score from the midrange as well.
Shonari Street | 6’6” | Battlefield
Street isn’t one of those athletic or bully kind of undersized bigs, instead he’s a savvy and skilled one that causes mismatches for opposition. He has a great face up game that stems off his ability to hit the midrange and perimeter jump shot, but he also can put it on the floor and attack his man in the post. He has good hands and finishing ability, and he can get lost in transition where he can finish at the the rim or attack the offensive glass.