Underrated Frontcourts
You ever show up at open gym or pick-up hoops and get stuck guarding someone who is bigger than you? Someone, let’s say, 3+ inches taller. The guy knows it, too. So he just posts up on the block every…
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Continue ReadingYou ever show up at open gym or pick-up hoops and get stuck guarding someone who is bigger than you? Someone, let’s say, 3+ inches taller.
The guy knows it, too. So he just posts up on the block every time and drop steps you to death. It doesn’t stop there. Your box out is useless because he just out-reaches you. Everyone on your team is ticked off at your inability to finish the defensive possession after they forced a missed shot, so you’re getting the side-eye.
It’s horrible. I’d go as far to say that size mismatches are the most demoralizing disadvantage on a basketball court. It brings on a feeling of helplessness and weakness — it sucks the pride straight out of your chest. The six teams below are going to have that affect on opponents this season.
Note: Programs mentioned in our series of Top Duos, Trios, Quartets, and Super Teams aren’t included here.
Chaminade Julienne
Brandon Gibson (2020), 6-4 small forward: Gibson has guard skills and may play the 2 in college. As a high school senior, though, expect him to overwhelm fellow 3s with his combination of athleticism and changes of speeds. Talented slasher who can defend big and rebound.
Dan Nauseef (2021), 6-6 center: Nauseef is an active rebounder who energetically pursues the ball and scores constantly on put-backs. Good touch inside. Shows promise as a back-to-the-basket scorer, an area that could see major improvements in 2019-20.
Dayton Carroll
Jaden Dahm (2020), 6-5 power forward: Dahm’s over the shoulder touch and ability to score from the block could be a focal point for Carroll’s offense. He’s a skilled kid with size that wants to hang out on the block and rebound.
Maro Egodotaye (2021), 6-8 center: Bouncy and active rebounding presence. Although Egodotaye is probably too raw to have offense ran for him, he can create second chances, screen, and control space. Rim protection should be his calling card.
Findlay
Brock Makrancy (2022), 6-5 small forward: More than anything, Makrancy spreads the floor as a shooter. He should also bother shorter guards on defense and even disrupt passing lanes with length.
AJ Adams (2021), 6-4 small forward: Adams plays like he’s 6-foot-6. He’s incredibly active around the basket as an out-of-area rebounder and disruptor — constantly gets his hands on the ball. Skilled mid-post package that has become more dangerous as his athleticism improves. At this point, if he catches in the mid- to low-post, defenses may need to send a second defender. Adams can blow by from the arch, too, if you want to throw a center on him.
Chris Strzempka (2021), 6-5 power forward: Strzempka’s athleticism around the basket is an asset. He out-leaps guys for rebounds and finishes over the top. He combines verticality with the ability to defend in space and challenge shots with length. Like Adams, he can defend several positions.
Garfield Heights
Javion Moore (2023), 6-5 small forward: Moore may start on day one. A gifted athlete who can score around the rim or on pull-up jumpers. Truthfully, we haven’t seen enough of Moore to provide the whole picture on his skill-set. But, know this, he’s athletic and skilled enough to score and rebound at the varsity level.
Tavian Tatum (2022), 6-4 power forward: Bouncy, high-motor rebounder who flashes the ability to create out of the face-up. Runs the floor. May be a spark plug off the bench.
Brent Darby Jr. (2020), 6-5 power forward: Darby is a pretty well-rounded player with a strong frame. He flashes spot-up shooting ability while being an effective rebounder and finisher at the rim.
Gilbert Davis (2020), 6-7 center: Davis provides size to matchup with opposing tall, low-post centers. He can protect the rim and control the glass for stretches.
GlenOak
Christian Parker (2020), 6-5 power forward: Parker is an active screener and defender. His energy pays off on the glass and in transition when he runs the floor. He’s also a skilled scorer who can stretch the floor and take slow-footed guys off the bounce.
Joe Miller (2020), 6-5 power forward: Miller is both physically capable of dominating a mismatch inside or spacing the floor as a shooter. He shares traits with Parker and their chemistry will be vital to GlenOak’s success.
Toledo St. Francis
Martin Beredo (2022), 6-7 forward: Intriguing prospect with great size and mobility. Beredo will either play a role off the bench or the Knights could go gigantic with him, Mayes, and Hornbeak all playing together. He shoots it and defends in space better than their other bigs.
Carsten Mayes (2021), 6-7 center: Mayes has light feet and runs the floor extremely well. Finishes above the rim and may be able to defend away from the rim, even if he hasn’t shown a ton of scoring ability outside of the low-post.
Cliron Hornbeak (2021), 6-9 center: Extremely tall kid with broad shoulders and a thick body. Hornbeak can score over the top and is developing a post game that will cause fits. May end up operating around the elbow and short corner — while Mayes roams block-to-block — because of his capable mid-range jumper. Side note: Hornbeak turned 16 years old last week and is still growing.