Chi-Town Tip Off: 15U Bigs
Some of the best talent at the Chi-Town Tip Off were the versatile big men listed below. These five players have varying levels of athleticism and explosiveness, but all showed versatility on both ends of the floor. It was my…
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Continue ReadingSome of the best talent at the Chi-Town Tip Off were the versatile big men listed below. These five players have varying levels of athleticism and explosiveness, but all showed versatility on both ends of the floor. It was my first look at most of these players, and I came away extremely impressed with the group in Chicago this past weekend.
Quentin Mccafferty | Sal Elite
When it comes to running the floor, getting early position, and keeping the feet moving, the 6’9″ Sal Elite 2024 center excels. His size is a mismatch against most other centers at 15U, but he makes life easier on himself by hustling in transition. He gets to the block immediately, and in those transition scenarios, many times the defense is scrambled and a smaller player is forced to pick up Mccafferty. He creates the mismatch, and doesn’t waste any time in exploiting it, not letting the help arrive.
Will Hornseth Will Hornseth 6'8" | PF De Pere | 2024 State #208 Nation WI | Wisconsin Blizzards Norgaard
The 6’7″ Hornseth popped as much as anyone in the 15U group. He passes the airport test with his height and frame, but he will really suck you in when you see him run the floor and drive the lane. In one of their Saturday games, Hornseth was at the top of the key when the ball was swung to him. He got his defender off balance with a jab, and blew past him with a drive right. He took it all the way to the rim and exploded up for a two-handed flush. There is loads of upside in this prospect.
Bryant Moore | Rush Academy
It was comical at times watching Bryant clear out opposing players so easily. There were times he was so preoccupied boxing out his man that he let the rebound bounce once before scooping it up. He uses his size and physicality effectively without fouling. The touch around the rim needs some work, but half the time it seemed, he would rebound his own miss anyway and get it on the second try.
Mannie Brown | Illinois HoopStars Dale
Brown was one of the more athletic bigs over the weekend who made difficult plays look effortless. He had several dribble drives to the rim which required a hesitation, spin move, or some other dribble move to get there. He did it all and made it look clean. He has great touch around the rim, especially with the left hand.
Darion Johnson | Code 313 Basketball
Johnson was a problem on the glass for opposing teams. He doesn’t possess the athleticism or quickness of a few of the other guys on this list, but he seals and uses angles at a very high level. The hard work gets done early, so when the rebound falls there is nobody in the area to truly challenge Johnson for it. He knocks down clean looks, but when the contest comes he is a bit erratic. He is not comfortable yet with a hand in his face, but the touch is there.