2023 Top Bigs
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The class of 2023 still has 2 more full years of prep basketball to play, which also means all of these players still have two more full years of growing, maturing, and filling-out to do. This leaves us in a…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2023 still has 2 more full years of prep basketball to play, which also means all of these players still have two more full years of growing, maturing, and filling-out to do. This leaves us in a tough position as it is likely that a couple of players will sprout up before they graduate and could become contenders as quality bigs. However, for the time being we will analyze the bigs that are at the head of their classes and have hit the coveted (yet sometimes deadly) early growth spurt. Continue reading for a look at the best bigs from the class of 2023 rankings update.
Blake Buchanan Blake Buchanan 6'10" | PF Lake City | 2023 State #172 Nation ID , Lake City: At 6’9″, Blake already has the skill set of a guard/forward and he is looking to continue refining and honing his craft. Buchanan was the center of a talented, young Lake City team that lost in the state championship game this season. Blake is very mobile for his size and does a great job of protecting the rim on defense. On offense, he can step back and knock down the three and also has excellent footwork in the paint.
AJ LaBeau AJ LaBeau 7'0" | C Timberline | 2023 State ID , Timberline: Closing in on 6’10″, AJ will be a difficult matchup for many teams in the coming years. AJ has already shown an ability to hit the outside jumper from time to time and will continue to expand his range in the upcoming seasons. LaBeau is at home in the post and loves to work out of a face up from 15-feet or so before using a variety of ball fakes and foot fakes until he can catch his defender off balance. AJ is patient in the post and will thrive with the right rotation around him.
Ryan Willoughby Ryan Willoughby 6'4" | SF Borah | 2023 State ID , Borah: Though the shortest on this list at 6’4″, Ryan plays with a lot of heart and energy on both ends of the floor. Ryan already has a polished game and is looking to expand his resume to include more ball handling skills and a bigger variety of post moves. Ryan is agile and can guard 1-5 with his level of physicality as well. In the next two seasons, I expect Willoughby to find his rhythm in the Borah offense as he continues to wear a hideous green jacket to all of their games.