2022 Rankings Update: Centers
The big man takes longer to develop and it’s difficult to fully understand their skill-set in an up-and-down AAU environment, where the frequency of dump-downs inside pale in comparison to that of pull-up triples. Heck, I’d even go as far…
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Continue ReadingThe big man takes longer to develop and it’s difficult to fully understand their skill-set in an up-and-down AAU environment, where the frequency of dump-downs inside pale in comparison to that of pull-up triples. Heck, I’d even go as far to bet that most guards tallied more turnovers than post entry passes this summer.
Anyways, despite all of that, these centers showed us a thing or two over the past several months:
[no. 4] Shawn Phillips | 6-10 C | Belmont / Team Flyght
Nimble rim protector who eats up space with size and a massive wingspan. Phillips flashes over the shoulder scoring inside and converts at a high percentage in the low-post. Moves gracefully. Communicates on the back-end of a defense.
DePaul, Ohio, and Xavier offered.
[no. 10] AJ Clayton | 6-6 C | Philo / All Ohio Red
Versatile post player who flashes ball skills and an outside jumper. Clayton possesses a strong frame that could bulk up and make him more dominate inside. Good hands and feet. He can stretch bigs out and go by them on face-ups. High ceiling and potential to grow.
Ohio offered.
[no. 26] Brody Gowen | 6-7 C | Hoban / TNBA Elite
Gowen’s place in the rankings comes via recommendation of Fred Andrews, the newest Prep Hoops Ohio writer and a former college coach. Andrews sees Gowen as a D-I prospect and wrote this in late-July:
“Did not see a lot, but what I saw of Brody caught my eye. Brody is big with a good frame and is a decent athlete. The major skill he possess right now is that he is a very active rebound that can go get rebounds both in his area and outside of it. Did not see him get much touches on the offensive side, but he is a young big that needs to be monitored.”
[no. 39] Javan Simmons | 6-5 C | Hartley / Nova (Reese)
Bruising post player with a strong, thick body and a good second jump. Simmons truly dominated the glass for Nova in July. He rebounds outside of his area and brings an edge to the game — goes after boards with a fervor comparable to Walnut Ridge senior forward Kaveon Ross. The lefty has a soft touch off the glass. Productive.
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[no. 45] Antwone Woolfork | 6-5 C | Brush / Ohio Basketball Club
Athletic kid with a great build. Woolfork is effective around the basket on simple post moves like a drop step. Rebounds well. Good feet. Blocks shots.
[no. 58] Collin Nutter | 6-6 C | Old Fort / Hopson Elite
While Nutter flashes post moves from time to time, it’s his physical tools that cause more intrigue. Very coordinated post player with mobility and strength. He should develop into a impactful rebounder and rim protector.
[no. 64] Jagger Landers | 6-6 C | Antwerp / NW Ohio
Promising mobility, height, and size. Landers would benefit from being more confident and decisive with the ball, as he has the touch to score it inside. Rebounds by out-muscling guys.
[no. 69] AJ Jump | 6-6 C | Southview / Indy Heat Black
Jump is a pick-and-pop threat and the best shooter in this collection of sophomore centers. Good build and soft hands. Jump often impresses as a rebounder in traffic.