Garden State Big Men to Watch

The spring AAU circuit is in full swing with teams across the country jockeying for position to compete in major summer tournaments. Prospects are looking to make an impact during the AAU season, especially the big men. Here are the top Garden State big men to watch this AAU season. Aaron Bradshaw Aaron Bradshaw 7'0" | PF Camden | 2023 State #32 Nation NJ , 7’0 PF Camden 2023 Bradshaw has been vital on the interior for the NJ Scholars with his ability to impact the game at both ends of the floor. The 7-footer runs the floor hard, creating easy dunks and baskets for himself. Bradshaw can also play on the perimeter as he can put the ball on the knock and has a nice release on his jumper. He swats almost everything around the basket and fights for rebounds at both ends of the floor. Bradshaw is one of the top rim-protectors in his class and should continue to open up eyes throughout the summer. Terry Copeland, 6’8 PF Bergen Catholic 2024 Copeland is set for a strong summer with the PSA Cardinals as he anchors the post. The 6’8 forward has a strong frame, which he uses to draw and finish through contact around the basket. Copeland is a good passer out of the post as he is able to find open teammates out of the double team. He is tough to box out on both ends of the floor and holds his ground on the defensive end. Copeland is a physical forward prospect whose ability to make plays on the interior will help his stock in a big way this summer. Ifaola Tacko Ifaola Tacko 6'11" | C Patrick School | 2025 State NJ , 6’11 C Patrick School 2025 Tacko is an intriguing prospect in the 2025 class as he is a difference-maker down low. The 6’11 post player is a big-time shot-blocker as he uses his combination of length and timing to disrupt shots around the basket. Tacko is tough to box out and runs the floor hard. He is developing more confidence in his offensive game and is capable of finishing around the basket. Tacko is getting better with every game he plays, which will help him throughout the summer with the NJ Scholars. Ladji Dembele Ladji Dembele 6'8" | PF St. Benedict's | 2023 State NJ , 6’8 PF St. Benedict’s 2023 Dembele has the potential to also play on the wing, making him one of the more interesting prospects in the 2023 class. The 6’8 forward has a good face-up game as he can beat his defender off the bounce or knock down jumpers from behind the arc. Dembele finishes with authority above the rim and is capable of drawing contact. He skies for rebounds on both ends of the court and can swat shots around the basket. Dembele’s ability to impact the game at both ends is something that will be key for him this summer with the NY Jayhawks. James Moore James Moore 6'9" | PF Patrick School | 2024 State NJ , 6’9 PF Patrick School 2024 Moore is a combo forward who should have a big summer with the NY Rens. The lanky 6’9 forward is comfortable playing on the perimeter as he can get to the rim and knock down open jumpers from distance. Moore is a solid finisher around the rim and is able to draw contact in the paint. He has the length and athleticism to defend multiple positions and influences shots around the basket with his length. Moore is a talented forward prospect who should see his stock rise this summer. Other Prospects to Watch: David Munro David Munro 6'7" | PF Bergen Catholic | 2025 State NJ , 6’7 PF Bergen Catholic 2025 Babacar Mbengue Babacar Mbengue 7'0" | C Olympus Prep | 2023 State NJ , 7’0 C Olympus Prep 2023 Richard Brisco Richard Brisco 6'8" | PF Roselle Catholic | 2024 State NJ , 6’8 PF Roselle Catholic 2024 Emile Johnson Emile Johnson 6'10" | C Quality Academy Prep | 2023 State NJ , 6’10 C Quality Academy Prep 2023 Maurice Vassel, 6’8 PF St. Benedict’s 2024