Season Preview: Breakout Bigs
With the grassroots season, concluded, we turn our attention to H.S basketball. Several players used AAU play to boost their stock and plant themselves firmly on the radar of several college coaches. During the summer, I was impressed with the…
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Continue ReadingWith the grassroots season, concluded, we turn our attention to H.S basketball. Several players used AAU play to boost their stock and plant themselves firmly on the radar of several college coaches. During the summer, I was impressed with the sheer number of talented bigs throughout the state. These players look to parlay their strong summers into breakout High School Campaigns. In this article, we take a look at some big men, ready for breakout seasons.
Bowen Davies Bowen Davies 6'8" | PF Murray | 2022 State UT 6’8 C Murray 2022 (#38PHU 2022) – Davies put together an impressive Junior campaign while hanging his hat on his signature skill. The Big man is an elite rim protector, who averaged nearly 4 blocks per game last season. When people see his improved offensive ability, expect his stock to rise. Davies should be a key part of a Murray squad, looking to improve from a 7 win season.
Keba Keita Keba Keita 6'9" | C Wasatch Academy | 2022 State #157 Nation UT 6’9 C Wasatch 2022 (#5PHU 2022) (featured image) – Keita is fairly well known for his ferocious shot-blocking and rebounding. The athletic center is expected to play an even bigger role this season for Wasatch. If he produces at the rate he did last year, in increased minutes against stiff competition, expect him to be a big-time breakout performer.
Daishaun Buie Daishaun Buie 6'6" | C Jordan | 2023 State UT 6’6 C Jordan (#27PHU 2023) – I expect big things from DWB. When he was at his best during the summer, the 6’6 5 man was an elite rim runner, with the speed to beat defenders down the floor. He’s got good athleticism and his ability to hedge and switch ball screens helps his defensive versatility. He averaged a little over 6ppg last season. If Buie does nothing more than play to his strengths, I expect that number to rise.
Chamberlain Burgess Chamberlain Burgess 6'9" | PF Lone Peak | 2025 State #214 Nation UT 6’4 C Lone Peak 2025 (#15PHU 2025) – Burgess is an intriguing freshman with good size. I got to see some of him in Middle School play while competing with his Utah Drive squad. He has good length and size, but perhaps even more impressive is his developing ball skills. The skilled 5 is not afraid to put the ball on the ground, to create for himself.
Lukas Sorensen 6’6 PF Ridgeline 2023 – Sorensen is a two-sport athlete, with an emphasis on athlete. When he comes off the gridiron and joins the squad, expect him to instantly provide energy, effort, and a couple of highlight dunks per game. The high flying forward averaged just under 2ppg last season, but I expect that number to rise.
Colson Madruga Colson Madruga 6'6" | C Dixie | 2022 State UT 6’7 PF Dixie 2022 (#182PHU 2022) – Rooting hard for Madruga this year. After battling back from some nagging injuries, the post looks to contribute to a deep Dixie squad. Madruga is a rugged forward with a nice touch out to around 15 feet. If he stays healthy, expect him to provide front-court depth, as well as rebounding and interior defense for the team.