Class of 2022’s Phones Have Been Ringing: Bigs
With the deadline coming and going, it was an exciting time for players around the state to receive some college attention and get on those college coaches’ radars. In Colorado, while no 2022 player got an offer, it was great…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWith the deadline coming and going, it was an exciting time for players around the state to receive some college attention and get on those college coaches’ radars. In Colorado, while no 2022 player got an offer, it was great to see the hard work pay off as the players and coaches made those connections. Here is a list of bigs that received calls from this class, and I expect the list to grow as well as players pick up offers as the year goes on.
Brock Wisne Brock Wisne 6'9" | PF Colorado Prep | 2022 State CO – Horizon
Wisne is the No.2 ranked player in the class and with good reason. As a sophomore, Wisne was able to showcase the ability to do it all. He gets to the rim for easy dunks, has soft touch and good footwork on the block, and an improving jump-shot. Wisne has excellent size at 6’7 but is not a typical big. He is agile and can create off of the move. Wisne led the class with attention in the last months as he was in contact with seven Division I schools. It is going to be rather interesting to see how much more attention he continues to receive and for the offers to start coming in.
Anthony Harris Jr. Anthony Harris Jr. 6'5" | PF Smoky Hill | 2022 State CO . – Smoky Hill
Harris’ best basketball is ahead of him, and that is saying something as he is undoubtedly the most athletic player in the entire state. I’m not sure it’s close. He floats to the rim for soaring dunks, catches teams/defenders on backdoor cuts, and also is not afraid to go up with anyone. His game is also starting to develop to showcase that he can do a bit more. Harris is putting the ball on the floor more, developing his jumper for free throw extended shots, and also can defend multiple positions. I know that schools are gravitating towards his athleticism, and he is working on his game to be more. So far, two in-state schools as well as a Big Ten school.
Joey Bilello Joey Bilello 6'8" | SF Thunderridge | 2022 State CO – Thunderridge
Bilello is one of the state’s top secrets in my honest opinion and is poised for a breakout year. Bilello is a fierce competitor that can shoot the ball from deep, bangs down low with the bigs, and also defends at a high level. He is 6’7 and skilled with a calm demeanor but is willing to take over when needed. Bilello has a high basketball IQ and is only getting better. Last season, he got his feet wet, but this year I think it is only right that he has a coming-out party. Expect to hear about Bilello as the summer progresses as he is a school that got a couple of in-state schools to turn their head as well as a school in the Mountain West.
Tarrance Austin Tarrance Austin 5'10" | PG Pueblo South | 2022 State CO – Chaparral
Speckman made a pretty big jump last season and is now in our Top-5. Speckman played well to end the year and was the Wolverines inside support. Speckman is a high IQ traditional big that boxes out well, has a few go-to moves, and is an athletic finisher down low as well. Speckman is a big man that can put the ball on the floor and has a good feel around the rim for when the double team is coming for the kick out or easy finish. He is also a defender that can guard multiple positions, so it is not shocking that in-state schools have acquired about the Chaparral big man. I am expecting a big year for him with the offense centered around him.
James Shiers James Shiers 7'1" | C Mead | 2022 State CO – Mead
Shiers is one of the most intriguing big men in the state. He already holds an offer from the Denver Pioneers, and now the 7-footer (grown a couple of inches) is being looked at from six additional schools, including a school in the Pac-12, three in the Mountain West Conference and another in the Summit League. Shiers is size with skill, and he is still a work in progress with all of the coordination still coming along. Shiers is a gym-rat that wants to get better, might be a great fit to step out, and shoot the 3-ball, which would make any school a bit more dangerous, and he also is a rebounding rim protector. Buy Shiers stock while you can as he has one of the highest ceilings in the state, and the list of schools is about to take off soon.
Zach Keller Zach Keller 6'9" | PF ThunderRidge | 2022 State #81 Nation CO – Thunder Ridge
Keller has the potential to be a top-10 player in the entire state, heading into his junior season. Most do not know about him as an injury slowed him down, but for those that have been able to see him play, they know– he is a problem. Keller is a skilled 6’9 big man that is likely still growing. He has a great blend of skill and size as he dominates smaller defenders and goes right at players his size. In a live game setting, there are not many players that can compete with him. He remains on the attack, can step out and hit an open shot, and also moves well for a player that big. Schools have already been in contact with Keller with a couple of offers, but with him now back into the swing of things and healthy, expect his stock to rise even more. Buy high with Keller as this will be the lowest he might ever be. I expect him to jump into the Top-5 and beyond by seasons end. Maybe even by the end of the summer if we can see more of him.