Spring Stock Risers: Kansas City ’19 (Bigs)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Several Kansas City area players have stood out this spring and raised their profile as they head into June with their high school teams.
Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several 2019 big men who stood out at the grassroots tournaments we attended.
Kamto Eze, 6’8, F, Grandview, KC Team Rush
Eze has taken his game to another level this spring, showing he is capable of defending the rim, running the floor and throwing down ferocious dunks and making exciting plays. His offensive game is mostly about finishing plays in the paint, but has shown some post up abilities and is terrific on the break.
Darrius Hughes, 6’6, F, 2019, Rockhurst, KC Team Rush
Hughes has taken his game to another level this spring, picking up his first NCAA Division I offer from Abilene Christian and showing a rare combination of toughness, athleticism and skill. He is a strong, physical player, capable of playing above the rim, getting on the boards at both ends of the floor, and has some developing skills outside the paint as well, capable of knocking down outside shots and handling the ball.
AJ White, 6’5, F, 2019, Rockhurst, KC Spurs
White has impressed this spring with his hops, strength and explosiveness and a willingness to get things done in the paint. He’s a tough, physical defender, an elite level rebounder and an underrated perimeter player as well. He’s one of several players who are earning their stripes this spring for the Spurs.
Jermaine Yarborough, 6’6, F, Grandview, KC Magic
Yarborough is a powerful athlete, capable of dominating a game around the basket at both ends of the floor and has thrown down numerous eye opening slams this spring. He plays bigger than his listed 6’6 height due to his length, size and athleticism. Yarborough is a good rebounder and blocks shots at the defensive end, but needs to continue to add elements to his game away from the basket.
Nicolas Zeil, 6’7, F, 2019, Park Hill, KC Pacers
Zeil is a strong, physical player who is tough for most opponents to handle in the paint. He has an old school willingness to bang in the post and get physical around the basket, but is skilled enough to step out to the high post where he has a nice mid-range shot and the ability to make smart, on-time passes.