Names to Know: Under the Radar Bigs (Part 2)
Basketball is, and always will be, a big man’s game. There is no substitute for the contributions that post players provide to their teams. Their presence on the floor has value in and of itself. They impact the game in…
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Continue ReadingBasketball is, and always will be, a big man’s game. There is no substitute for the contributions that post players provide to their teams. Their presence on the floor has value in and of itself. They impact the game in so many ways, especially at the high school level since many schools don’t have a true big man.
With that in mind, here are a few bigs that need to be on your radar:
Kamryn Waites | 2021 | 6’11” Center | Team F.O.E. Elite 17U | Universal Academy – Waites has relocated from Utah to the Lone Star State. While we have not yet switched him over to the Texas rankings, it is worth noting that he was the No. 15 ranked prospect in the Prep Hoops Utah 2021 rankings. It’s virtually impossible to keep this dude off the defensive glass due to his massive build. He is a productive rebounder with a thick frame. Additionally, his short area quickness is impressive for someone his size, and he utilizes that skill in the low post. It makes him tricky to matchup with. Waites isn’t an unknown by any means, but I believe he deserves more attention than he’s been getting.
Preston Clark | 2022 | 6’6” Power Forward | THP Elite Blue 17U | Austin Westlake HS – Clark has numerous ways to put the ball in the basket. He is an excellent screener who can get you a bucket from deep in pick-and-pop scenarios. He also displays nice touch inside when he dives to the hoop in the pick-and-roll. The Austin Westlake forward isn’t going to wow anyone with his vertical, but he boxes out, tracks the ball well, and works hard on the offensive glass to secure extra possessions for his team. He could be positioned for a breakout season as a junior.
Kelvin Tamakloe | 2022 | 6’8” Power Forward | TRT Basketball | Spring Creek Academy – Tamakloe is a menace on defense. His long and wiry frame pairs well with his athleticism. He was blocking shots left and right at the PH Circuit Southwest Slam earlier this year. The 6-foot-8-inch rim protector is a stud in the paint defensively, but he is a serviceable perimeter defender as well. At the other end, Tamakloe is an effective finisher at the rim and a sneaky good passer both inside and outside the three-point line. There are a couple of senior bigs ahead of him on SCA. However, he should still be able to contribute and be impactful during his upcoming junior campaign.
Russell Paul | 2023 | 6’5” Power Forward | Higher Goals Les | Grapevine HS – Paul’s length alone caught my attention when I first spotted him at a tournament in Dallas this past summer. I don’t know what his wingspan is, but I’d be willing to bet it is larger than that of the average 6-foot-5-inch human. The Grapevine power forward is still a bit rough around the edges, but he is a promising young prospect. The way he high-points rebounds is exceptional. His instincts on the boards are noticeable too. Beyond that, Paul is willing to hustle up and down the court and trails in transition for easy putbacks. He could be a real problem on both sides of the floor if he continues to develop his game.
You can check out Part 1 here.