Rankings Update: 2019’s Top 15 Posts
The post section of our 2019 Top 15s may be the least dazzling. But that’s not to say there’s no D-I and D-II prospect in the list! In fact, there’s quite a few high-upside prospect at all levels included here.
More than usual, we see several prospects in this group who are going to sink or swim this spring/summer.
[10] Brison Waller, 6’9”, Garfield Heights / All Ohio Red EYBL
Waller jumped ship with this high school teammate Alonzo Gaffney to join Ohio’s Nike affiliate. The wiry big man has good range as a defensive player. We like his ability to switch and protect the rim. As an offensive player, Waller has the ability to be effective inside 12-feet and as an offensive rebounder.
[11] Abba Lawal, 6’11”, Withrow / All Ohio Red EYBL
Lawal has some untapped potential as an interior scorer. At the moment, he uses his height advantage to change shots at the basket. Continuing to gain skill and basketball awareness would really help.
[21] Ben Wight, 6’8”, Thomas Worthington / Nova (James)
Wight is a high-upside big man who finishes above the rim on quick post moves. He also rebounds and blocks shots as well as pretty much anyone. Wight carries an offer from Ohio into a crucial summer with Nova, where he’ll consistently be challenged by players who can matchup with his size.
[34] Keshawn Heard, 6’7”, Newark / All Ohio Red EYBL
Heard is a more powerful athlete than the centers above him, as the other prospects boast length. Heard likes to finish with two-hands with his shoulder squared at the rim. Although he’s not dynamic with the ball in his hands, Heard does the little things and provides toughness.
[38] Jarod Schulze, 6’9”, Marion Local / Northwest Ohio Basketball Club
Schulze is the largest human being in the 2019 class. He’s legitimate pushing 6’10” and is massive. He was hampered last grassroots season with an ankle issue. If he can stay healthy and on the floor for long stretches of time, Schulze could possibly open up low-major options. As a prospect, his floor is as a D-II stud.
[44] Drew Bench, 6’5”, Genoa / All Ohio Gold
Bench can stroke it with his feet set in the mid-range and runs the floor extremely well. We classified him as a post because he does all of that stuff while being able to defend bigs. His strength is crucial. Bench is a big-time athlete who is being recruited at the D-I level as a linebacker/defensive end.
[45] Justin Stephens, 6’7”, Trotwood / C2K Elite
Stephens will likely go the football route as a D-I tight end. However, he doesn’t appear completely opposed to the basketball path. Regardless, he’ll provide physicality, rebounding, and interior length for C2K this summer.
[50] Tommy Sala, 6’8”, Lakewood
Sala jumped on our radar this season. He gathered an offer from Notre Dame (OH), the program his older brother Jacob will play at next season. The younger Sala uses his size to win position and finish over the shoulder.
[58] Owen Hazelbaker, 6’6”, Johnstown-Monroe / Nova (Russell)
Hazelbaker is a high-IQ post player with some versatility. Although he defends the 4 and 5, he can step out and hit a midrange jumper and switch onto wings. Hazelbaker rebounds well and should be a good fit at the D-II level. Tough kid.
[61] Coleton Landis, 6’6”, Pickerington Central
It’s hard to place Landis as a prospect, making this summer an interesting one. Some colleges may seem him as a stretch 4, as he can pop off a pick and shoot it okay. Others may evaluate him as a center with a tough back to the basket game. Either way, we see Landis as a solid D-II/NAIA recruit. He plays hard.