Bigs Turning Heads
In this article:
Summer isn’t over. But tournaments are winding down. A lot of action has taken place, and a lot of development has occurred. Here are a few bigs who have turned heads this summer: Jordan Fudge Jordan Fudge 6'8" | PF…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSummer isn’t over. But tournaments are winding down. A lot of action has taken place, and a lot of development has occurred.
Here are a few bigs who have turned heads this summer:
Jordan Fudge Jordan Fudge 6'8" | PF Frontenac | 2022 State KS , 6-foot-9 forward, 2022, Victory Ministry, Frontenac HS (pictured in blue and orange):
A lot of attention was going to be paid to Fudge after the type of season he turned in as a junior, coupled with his impressive physical gifts. It’s a lot to live up to when everyone is watching. Fudge has played hard and worked to develop the skills he needs for the next level. He does things others just can’t do. He’s huge, moves effortlessly and plays with tenacity.
Fernando Gracia Fernando Gracia 6'6" | PF Olathe North | 2023 KS , 6-foot-5 forward, 2023, 816 – Burch, Olathe North HS:
Here’s a guy who might just take off this high school season. He didn’t get much attention prior to this summer, but he’s catching eyes now. He’s long and swats a ton of shots. He lurks around and leaves his man with excellent anticipation. Not only is he a difference-maker around the rim, he floats out to catch and knock down threes with regularity.
Sylvester Jackson, 6-foot-3 forward, 2024, SSA Hoops Elite, Junction City HS:
A young guy who’s playing at a high level with SSA, Jackson has handled things well. He plays with a calm demeanor, learning all the time how to play as a big in a fast-tempo, highly physical club scene. He has a knack for moving through traffic to get after rebounds. He has good hands and some nice moves in the lane. Though he’ll be just a sophomore, he may make a difference at the varsity level soon.
George Nikolov, 6-foot-7 post, 2022, Midwest Magic Elite, Derby HS:
Sort of like Gracia, Nikolov is hoping to make a big jump at the varsity level next year. He’s a huge post who works hard to gain position and do damage on the block. He is long and has fundamental moves around the goal. He can step out for midrange jumpers and 3-point attempts. Nikolov is strong and tough in traffic. Watch for him to make an impact in the paint for the guard-oriented Derby team.
Caleb Wiese Caleb Wiese 6'4" | SF Garden City | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-4 forward, 2023, Western Kansas Elite, Garden City HS:
Wiese is no revelation, because he’s been a starter and big contributor for a while now. This multi-sport athlete is a workhorse in the lane. He runs the court, pounds the glass, and does all the dirty work needed. He is a gifted physical specimen who can do things most big men can’t. But best of all, he plays hard with a leadership, team-first approach.