Hustle in the Rockies: 16U Big Guys to keep an eye on
In this article:
The #PHHustleintherockies tournament has been action-packed and continues throughout the afternoon Saturday and into Sunday of this July 4th holiday weekend. I want to take a moment and talk about some of the big fellas that often get overlooked. I’ve…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe #PHHustleintherockies tournament has been action-packed and continues throughout the afternoon Saturday and into Sunday of this July 4th holiday weekend. I want to take a moment and talk about some of the big fellas that often get overlooked. I’ve been really impressed with the quality of the big man play for the class of 2023 at this tournament. Here are my notes:
Kadyn Betts Kadyn Betts 6'7" | PF Huntington Prep | 2023 #90 Nation CO 6’7″ 2023 PLUTO Prospects
This weekend Kadyn has shown he’s got the whole package in his backpack.
Low Post Game: Kadyn made multiple post moves that got him to his right-hand hook shot. With the hook, I saw him score off one foot sweeping across the lane, and then with a drop-step to a hook off two feet. Both of these are moves that NBA big men literally practice EVERY DAY. The fact he has these now, means he’s way ahead of the game.
Face-Up Game: Mid post and elbow area, Kadyn faced his opponent up and used his quick first step to blow by his defender. He’s a monster going to his right hand. As his left hand develops, watch out, it’s scary to think about.
Outside Shooting: His ability to shoot the three means at the next level he will be able to play multiple positions. While he’s a power forward in high school right now, in my mind he’ll transition to wing/forward combo at the next level.
Charlie Dortch Charlie Dortch 6'7" | PF L'anse Creuse North | 2023 State CO 6’7″ 2023 Rocky Mountain Fever
Charlie has excellent footwork and feel in the low block. He has simple, effective moves that put his defender on skates. Let’s make one thing clear, the word simple is not a bad thing, in fact, it’s excellent. Charlie’s low post game is extremely effective and efficient. I also love how he slid up to the elbow and initiated some split-game offense at the high post, letting his guards cut off him for easy scores. I didn’t see him stretch his range out to three, but his coach after the game said he’s encouraging him to look to shoot more from outside, as he’s got a good stroke.
Trei Ginn 6’2″ 2023 Colorado ICE
While he’s listed at 6’2’, he sure doesn’t play like it. He’s a monster on the glass and his points in the paint totals are very impressive. He’s scored 14 and 16 points respectively in two games I’ve seen, and his low center of gravity make his leverage a match-up nightmare. He’s too strong for guards and too quick for bigs and ends up getting easy looks in the paint and short midrange. His best attribute however, he’ll guard any player on the court. He can switch and play guards in pick and roll, which, every college in the nation wants a guy who can do that on their team. His ability to finish way above the rim, and sky to grab rebounds, makes him play much taller than is listed on a roster.
Simon Kibbe 6’8″ 2023 Colorado Chaos
The two main things Simon provides immediately stepping on the floor, are ENERGY and PHYSICALITY. His work ethic on the floor will provide any team he’s on with multiple benefits. His screens are going to open up the offense and make it easier for everyone. His rim protection will alter shots in the paint, even if he doesn’t block it. His dedication to boxing his man out (a lost art if you ask the hoop old heads) might not mean he gets the rebound, but his man sure won’t.
Desmond Marshall 6’5″ 2023 Pro Skills Basketball
Desmond is a hard-nosed, tough player who is willing to go and guard the other team’s best player, and then give them hell all game long. He’s physical in the paint, and won’t back down from anyone. He’s a willing passer, and hit his open teammates multiple times for open threes when the defense collapsed on him in the paint. The term “Inside Out Basketball” certainly applies when Desmond is so willing to hit his teammates for excellent looks from the outside.