Updated 2021 Rankings: Top Bigs (Part 2)
With the release of our updated 2021 rankings comes the opportunity for in depth breakdowns of our rankings. We’ll start by looking at our positional breakdowns, ranking the players by position. To continue here’s a look at the bigs rankings,…
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Continue ReadingWith the release of our updated 2021 rankings comes the opportunity for in depth breakdowns of our rankings. We’ll start by looking at our positional breakdowns, ranking the players by position. To continue here’s a look at the bigs rankings, going from 8-1.
8) Bryson Spell | 6’7” | Cape Henry (#19 Overall)
A traditional stretch four kind of big, Spell has a unique skill set that changes the whole way teams game plan for his teams. At 6’7”, he can score in the post but he’s best on the perimeter where he can make shots from deep and pull the defense out, giving his guards the opportunity to attack the paint without defenders. He’s a good passer and a solid rebounder, and arguably one of the most skilled guys on this list.
7) IJ Ezuma | 6’8” | Hargrave (#18 Overall)
From a physical perspective, Ezuma is a guy that has surpassed what you would usually expect from a guy his age. Not only is he 6’8” and looks like he’s still growing, but he has a lot of upper body strength and bounce to go along with it. He’s active on the defensive end where he can block shots and clean up on the glass, he has a good motor and solid hands. He has a nice touch now and should continue to develop on the offensive end which will make him a scary guy to matchup with.
6) Houston Emory | 6’9” | Blue Ridge (#16 Overall)
The Pennsylvania native is on the verge of breaking out in a big way when he gets his opportunity. He’s a legit 6’9” kid who is mobile and can run the floor and finish above the rim, as well as protect the rim on the defensive end. He has good touch around the basket, he’s a strong and tough kid who will bang in the post and he’s chock full of potential to be a two-way star moving forward.
5) Matt Nunez | 6’10” | Woodside (#15 Overall)
When you talk about upside, Nunez has as much or more than almost anyone on this list and he’s steadily improving toward what he could be. Another guy who’s legit taller than everyone else he plays against, he’s a guy who you can play through in the post with his ability to score it on the block as well as pass out of double teams. He has a great jump hook, he can shoot the midrange jumper and as he gets stronger he should become a better finisher through contact.
4) Avery Ford | 6’8” | Paul VI (#11 Overall)
A two sport star who also shines on the football field, it’s easy to tell that because he plays with such a gritty, blue-collar attitude in the post. He isn’t the biggest or most athletic guy in the post, but he has a toughness and physicality about him that makes him a force, especially on the defensive end. He can run the floor and catch and finish and gets a lot of his point on the glass with his relentless motor as well.
3) Oluwasegan Durosinmi | 6’9” | VA Academy (#6 Overall)
Physically Durosinmi is well beyond most of the class and most kids his age. He’s a mobile 6’9” big man who can run the floor, gets off his feet well and can physically overpower guys in the post. He plays with a toughness to him on both ends, and he’s a guy who can frustrate other big men with his ability to bully them and make everything difficult for them. He’s a guy who needs to just stay the course and continue to develop and he should be able to develop into a very good prospect.
2) Roosevelt Wheeler | 6’10” | John Marshall (#3 Overall)
At this point in his career, Wheeler is looking every bit like a high major prospect, the question is going to be how good of one he can be. He has things you can’t teach a big man including great length and bounce, a high motor and the ability to alter shots and block shots without fouling. Just his presence in the middle makes teams have to alter what they want to do on both ends, and he’s shown the ability to score in traffic and even shoot it from the midrange. Some injuries have stunted his development but if he continues on the right track he’ll be a very highly touted guy.
1) Efton Reid | 6’11” | Steward School (#1 Overall)
When it comes to a skill set that translates to the next level, 6’11” Reid has all of the offensive ability to be a kid who makes an impact at the highest level of college basketball. He has an understanding of the game that’s hard to teach point guards, let alone a center, and his ability to play both with the ball in his hands and without is something that is natural for him. He can make shots from all three levels, he’s a good passer both on the perimeter and out of the post and he’s able to seal and finish with both hands over almost anybody. He’s improved vastly in his ability to get up and down the floor and move laterally, and he’s started to turn baby fat into muscle with his training regiment. Playing with one of the most skilled bigs in the country in Hunter Dickinson this season, expect Reid to come back from AAU with Team Takeover with even more tricks in his bag to dominate the area with.