PREVIEW: Kansas’ underrated senior big men (2019)
As part of its 2018-19 preview series, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at some of the state’s top players in a variety of positions in the senior class.
Below are some of the state’s most underrated senior bigs in the 2019 class.
Charlie Bell, 6’5, PF, 2018, Olathe East
Bell combines skill and size for East as he is capable of playing inside-out basketball with the best of them. He is strong in the post, and a terrific rebounder, but can also step out to the perimeter and do some things as well. He is at his best in the high post where he is a good passer, can put the ball on the floor and drive to the hoop or shoot the mid-range jumper.
Grant Cooney, 6’5, F, Topeka, SSA Elite
One of the Topeka area’s emerging players, Topeka big man Grant Cooney is poised for a breakout season. Also a football standout, Cooney brings tough, physical play to the hardwood. He is a willing post defender and rebounder and can finish tough chances around the basket. He sets solid screens and has a good feel for how to get his guards open on the perimeter.
Trenton Driskill, 6’7, F, 2019, Valley Center, NLHA
Driskill has a lot of upside thanks to an emerging perimeter game. He has good size and length at 6’7, can finish chances in the paint and around the basket, but has the skill set to step out and shoot from the perimeter where he showed a smooth looking 3-point stroke this summer with NLHA.
Tucker Flory, 6’5, F, 2019, Veritas Christian
Flory is a big man who brings terrific bounce and combines his athleticism with a well-rounded skill set. He rebounds at a high level, blocks shots, has a good feel for putting the ball on the floor and getting to the basket along the baseline and is a terrific passer. Right now he does much of his work in the paint or on the baseline, but he has an emerging skill set and could transition to a wing in the future.
Damarius Peterson, 6’7, F, 2019, Newton, Kansas Hoggs
Peterson is a strong, physical presence in the paint and combines size, strength and a well-rounded skill set for a big man. He likes to play on the perimeter where he can operate as a point forward of sorts, showcasing good court vision and passing skills as well as the ability to make open shots. However he is at his best in the high school game in the paint where teams have a tough time matching up with his size.