Top 250 Expo: Power Forward/Center Standouts
In my opinion, this position class was the best overall in terms of collegiate talent, as many of these prospects have a legitimate chance of playing at the next level. As you read through this list, you will notice that…
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Continue ReadingIn my opinion, this position class was the best overall in terms of collegiate talent, as many of these prospects have a legitimate chance of playing at the next level. As you read through this list, you will notice that the common theme is physicality and rebounding. These are two key factors in PFs and Centers and should be focused on and I specifically enjoy watching. Take a look below as I breakdown the top interior players from the Expo on Saturday.
Beau Bridges (2022) Mount Vernon 6’5 PF- Solid handle for a 4. Can bring the ball up and keep the dribble alive on the perimeter. Backs down defenders on the block with his strength. Solid frame and uses it to finish through contact. Under the radar prospect due to where he is from but could be a target for D3s looking for a solid PF.
David Gentry (2021) Hudson 6’6 PF- One of the better defensive players at the PF position. Vocal on the defensive end and overall defends both the interior and wings. Long arms and uses to be a disruptive presence. I like his overall feel for the game and the intensity he brings on the defensive end of the floor. Will be intriguing to watch as he further develops his offensive game.
Sean Craig Sean Craig 6'6" | PF Sylvania Northview | 2022 State OH (2022) Northview 6’6 PF- Craig was one of the prospects I was really looking forward to seeing Saturday. Lengthy interior threat. Positions himself on the block and posts up hard. Creates opportunities for himself as he is persistent on the glass. Finishes with both hands and can attack either sides of the rim. Will continue to attract attention as he further develops his playmaking on the perimeter.
Ayden Schneider Ayden Schneider 6'5" | PF La Salle | 2021 State OH (2021) LaSalle 6’4 PF- Schneider is smaller than the other PFs on this list but he is by far the most physical of them all. Fundamentally gets his shoulders squared to the rim and finishes through contact. Tough nosed guy not afraid to be pushed around and will push right back. Already has interest from NAIA schools and could find himself a D2 target if he adds some more height before the season starts up.
Jacob Pleiman Jacob Pleiman 6'6" | PF Botkins | 2022 State OH (2022) Botkins 6’6 PF- One of the better finishers on display Saturday, Pleiman showed his physical toughness battling on the blocks with the other bigs. Fantastic finisher through traffic and showed he was unafraid to compete with anyone in the paint. Gets his hands on boards and was really good when it came to second chance opportunities to score.
Maro Egodotaye Maro Egodotaye 6'10" | C Dayton Caroll | 2022 State OH (2021) Carroll 6’10 C- By far the tallest player on display at the event. Rebounds the ball with two hands and with a purpose. Long arms but more specifically, a great perimeter defender. A little raw in terms of his offensive play on the blocks, but showed he could defend his position which is most important and showing promise as a interior offensive weapon.
Javan Simmons Javan Simmons 6'7" | C Gahanna | 2022 State OH (2022) Gahanna Lincoln 6’6 C- Overpowering on the block. Breaks down defenders on the perimeter and really utilizes his frame and dribble capabilities to be a mismatch. Shown he can be a finisher on the blocks as well and is truly one of the more versatile players you will find. Could transition to a PF as the collegiate level with his ability to play on the perimeter.
Jagger Landers Jagger Landers 6'7" | PF Antwerp | 2022 State OH (2022) Antwerp 6’7 C- Landers plays like a fundamental Center. Keeps the ball high when he receives a post entry pass as well as on put backs. Keeps his shoulders squared and showed he could finish with either hands and with his back to the basket. Really good rebounding threat and competes on the offensive glass.