Best Uncommitted 2019 Centers
With the season winding down, here’s our final look at the unsigned senior 5s who will need to make a college decision in the next six months! Abba Lawal, 6’11”, Withrow Lawal’s name was on the map right away as…
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Continue ReadingWith the season winding down, here’s our final look at the unsigned senior 5s who will need to make a college decision in the next six months!
Abba Lawal, 6’11”, Withrow
Lawal’s name was on the map right away as an underclassman. He was a shot-blocker at the 17U level the summer before his sophomore year. Most importantly, he earned scholarship offers from Toledo, Akron, Stony Brook, Cleveland State, and Miami (OH) — only one coming since the start of his junior season, though.
His buzz has trailed off. Lawal, though, still shows flashes as a mobile 6’11” rim protector. There is still plenty of time for him to morph into an impact player at the Division I level.
Kevin Davet, 6’9”, St. Ignatius
Davet’s coordination and mobility has developed nicely over the last six months or so. He’s become quite a presence around the basket as a rebounder, back-to-the-basket scorer, and defender. Knows how to play. Remarkably strong academic pedigree who will pursue a career in a STEM field.
Damion Williams, 6’7”, Willoughby South
Williams has as much potential as just about everyone on this list. He’s a big body, first of all. Combined with his natural bounce and athleticism, Williams is a force on the glass and when he takes off towards the rim. Active rebounder. Runs the floor very well. Can face-up and put it on the floor or hit a mid-range jumper. Terrfiic shot-blocker. Will likely head JUCO. Averaging 13.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.2 blocks, and 2.2 steals, per the News-Herald.
LaTrace Jackson, 6’7”, VASJ
Jackson is a talented leaper. He’s quick off the ground, even on his second jump, while also being a high-flyer. Endless motor and tries to block every shot, which can get him into foul trouble. Energy guy. Blocking 2.7 shots a game right now. Offensively, he usually catches and goes vertical for finishes without dribbling.
Mario Lacy, 6’7”, Euclid
Lacy has really come alive this season for the Panthers, putting up 16.8 points and 10.7 rebounds a night. Should be a perfect fit for a team that wants to get up and down, considering his fluidity and ability to run the floor. Sets useful screens and is a weapon diving to the rim on pick-and-rolls. His hands and touch inside need improvement, but he might just dunk everything in the next year or so. Explodes off the floor.
Kenny Jackson, 6’8”, Hughes
Although Jackson’s production is hit or miss at Hughes this season, he has the physical tools to have a better college than high school career. Very good touch around the basket going over the shoulder. Uses the glass well. Wins position in the post because of his big body. Moves gracefully and has serviceable hands. Good athlete for his size. Operates around the basket almost exclusively.
Grant Heileman, 6’7”, Sheridan
Heileman has a strong body and the ability to pick-and-pop, an unusual combination. Sets terrific screens and can defend strong post players. Competes on the glass and for position. More than capable outside shooter when he has space. Will force opposing bigs to step out, a nice spacing dynamic for an offense. Nice touch inside, too.
Trevon Wells, 6’4”, Cleveland Central Catholic
Wells is undersized, sure. He’s also very skilled and smart. Makes high-level post moves going over either shoulder. Incorporates a pump- or head-fake every time he touches the ball, which helps him draw contact and get to the line. More than capable outside shooter with space. Makes good decisions with the ball, whether in the post or out of it. Very strong kid.
Michael Berner, 6’8”, Springboro
Berner is an intriguing athlete with a lean build. Runs the floor very well and uses his height to rebound. Ideally would become an energy guy, as he’s not a post-up-and-throw-him-the-ball type of guy. We like his physical tools.
Bryan Warah, 6’5”, Purcell Marian
Waldorf, an NAIA program in Iowa, sent Warah his first scholarship offer a week ago. Well deserved for a kid who excels in the classroom and plays his butt off every night. Chiseled build and is yet to fill out. Warah is strong nonetheless and makes his presence known on the glass by flying after 50-50 balls. Has become more consistent as an interior finisher. Warah’s development has been impressive over the past year-plus.