Updated 2019 Rankings: Power Forwards/Centers, Part II
We recently updated the new rankings for the Class of 2019, a group we believe has the chance to be really special in Colorado from top to bottom.
Over the next couple weeks, we will be taking closer look at the class by position. We continue today with the second of a three-part look at the power forwards/centers in the class
Note: A player being on a list for a certain position does not mean it’s the only position they can or will play. It’s simply an observation of where we’ve seen them most:
Bryson Becker, 6-8, Platte Valley. 2019 Overall Rank: 25.
We recently chronicled Bryson’s growth in our Prospect Spotlight series. His physical tools alone make him an intriguing small-college prospect. He’s got good touch and is becoming more and more consistent while shooting a higher volume from 3-point range. He could be the prototypical pick-and-pop big man. He needs to add strength and explosiveness, but his ceiling his high and he’s coming off a strong spring.
Malik Patton, 6-7, George Washington. 2019 Overall Rank: 34.
Patton didn’t see a lot of varsity minutes as a sophomore on a loaded G-Dub team that reached the Class 5A state championship game, but he’s shown during an impressive spring that he has the tools to be an impact player. He’s quick, strong and athletic and plays with power near the rim. He also has a decent mid-range jump shot, particularly along the baseline. Patton had eight points and five rebounds in a playoff victory over Chaparral back in March, which was perhaps just a glimpse of what he’ll be bringing to the table for the title-hungry Patriots the next two seasons.
Blake Whitelaw, 6-7, Regis Jesuit. 2019 Overall Rank: 35.
Whitelaw’s strength is protecting the paint. He has a long wingspan and is able to effectively challenge shots from primary and help positions. He’s got a strong nose for the ball and decent defensive awareness. We saw Whitelaw expand his game a bit on the offensive side this spring with the Colorado Miners, able to knock down mid-range shots and finish with some good strength around the rim. Whitelaw still needs to make gains with his strength and agility, but you can’t teach some of the natural tools he has, particularly on the defensive end. D-II, D-III and NAIA schools should jot the name down.
Jax Wilke (pictured), 6-8, Mead. 2019 Overall Rank: 36.
Wilke has a strong natural feel for that game that is most often exhibited in how well he passes the basketball. When he rebounds the ball, he’s quickly got his head up to see where he can make a play. He’s an effective distributor in the high post as well, taking advantage of an ability to see over defenders and deliver the ball. In his first taste of varsity action last season, Wilke averaged 6.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, the second of which was the second-best mark on the team. After a spring building his game with the Colorado Titans, Wilke’s stock is rising.