2017 Top Available: Big Men (Part 1)
The high school season is over here in Florida, but plenty of talented players have yet to lock down the college program of their choosing.
Here are five 2017 big men in the state that fall into that category (Full 2017 Rankings HERE).
Sandro Mamukelashvili (Montverde)
The 6’10”, 220-pound center shined throughout the season at powerhouse Montverde. A native of Tbilisi, Georgia, length and grittiness are in Mamukelashvili’s blood. Announcers struggle to pronounce his name, but he just does his thing. He’ll commit soon. Louisville, Seton Hall, Boston College, SMU, USC and Vanderbilt represent his top offers.
Simeon Kirkland (The Rock)
Last summer was a big one for the 6’9″, 205-pound forward. Kirkland earned seven offers (Georgia Southern, UNC Wilmington, Winthrop, Jacksonville, La Salle, Stetson and Tennessee Tech). He has also drawn heavy interest from FGCU, Texas Tech and St. Bonaventure as of late. Being able to play the four or five on the court will help him draw looks from various colleges.
Amari Haynes (Mariner)
Haynes brought Mariner into the Class 6A state final late last month, but the Tritons couldn’t pull off the comeback to beat Leesburg. The 6’8″, 185-pounder is a reliable post scorer and someone that can change the game with his long arms. He says Kansas State and Stetson are showing the most interest in him right now. Expect Haynes to find a Division-I spot to play next fall.
C.J. Williams (Kathleen)
Battling through an ankle injury for much of this past season, Williams wasn’t able to do the typical things he does. The 6’5″, 197-pounder towers over most players around the state and would fit in nicely as a four at the next level. Division-III Chicago represents his lone offer while he’s also drawn interest from Daytona State. Williams is a hard worker who will be playing college ball next season.
Bryce Foggin (Gulf Coast)
Bryce Foggin comes from a basketball family where his father Sam was a high school All-American, a four-year starter at Virginia Tech and a 10-year career overseas professionally. Bryce stands at 6’6″, 185 lbs. He’s flying under the radar in the Naples area. He dropped 35 points in a loss to Auburndale at the Turkey Shootout in Lehigh. The day prior, he scored 27 points against LaBelle. Foggin deserves a shot to showcase his abilites.
Photo credit: USA Today