2020 Breakout Candidates: Bigs
The sophomore season for players is often a time where we can really evaluate kids. Typically, talented freshman are held back by new systems and the speed of the game, but after a year they’re typically ready to make more of a statement their sophomore year. With that being said, here’s a look at five bigs across the state who could have a big sophomore season and make a name for themselves.
Dowar Jioklow | 6’8” | Flint Hill
A long and skilled 6’8” big that’s on the verge of breaking out, Jiokolo debuted at #10 in the 2020 rankings and playing alongside 2019 Qudus Wahab they could have one of the top front courts in the NOVA area. Jiokolo is athletic in transition, can score it out to 18 feet and he has the size and quickness to be a mismatch offensively while still being versatile defensively. He definitely needs to fill out more moving forward but the skill set is there and his potential is through the roof.
Burke Smith | 6’9” | Trinity Episcopal
He didn’t play much last season on their state championship team, but with four of their top seven graduating Smith may find himself in the starting lineup moving forward. He has great size and a unique skill set, and while he’s a little slow footed he can stretch the defense and anchor the paint as he continues to grow into his body. This fall he showed a lot of improvement with the speed of the game and he’s someone with good touch from all over the floor and he has a high basketball IQ.
Mitchell Burns | 6’6” | Patrick Henry (Roanoke)
This summer Burns looked stellar with the VA All Stars, and he’s looking at a breakout year at Patrick Henry along with fellow sophomore Tee Bryan. Burns is a stretch four to the fullest, with deep range off the catch and the ability to put it on the floor a couple times to get to the midrange and attack the basket. He competes on both ends, and isn’t afraid to bang in the block despite being mostly a perimeter oriented big man. His efficiency is what sets him apart, and if he gets the touches this season he could be a solid contributor or more.
Logan Washington | 6’5” | Woodside
With a high motor and good basketball IQ, Washington is part of a young group of Woodside big men that new Head Coach Stef Welsh is going to lean on heavily for paint presence this year. He gets up and down the floor with ease, he has strong hands and good feet and he competes on every play. He eats up the glass, has good touch with both hands and can score out to 15 feet, and since he never stops playing hard double-doubles aren’t hard to come by for him.
Kendrick Robinson | 6’4” | Fredericksburg Christian
Robinson’s athleticism and frame sets him apart from other prospects, and it should give him a big advantage in VISAA Division 3 ball where there won’t be many that can match him. He’s a hybrid forward that can guard on the perimeter and in the post, he attacks the rim hard and he can put it on the floor a little bit. He still has a ways to go offensively if he wants to transition to being a three man, but he has a chance to be very good and if he plays hard this could be a coming out year for him.