2016 Best Available: Bigs/Forwards (Part 1)
As the playoffs come around, we’ve been breaking down some of the best available seniors in the state of Virginia. We continue that by taking a look at the best available post players in the state. In part one, we…
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Continue ReadingAs the playoffs come around, we’ve been breaking down some of the best available seniors in the state of Virginia. We continue that by taking a look at the best available post players in the state. In part one, we look at 7 scholarship level big men who are still on the market. Stay tuned for part two, which will be our final piece of the series.
Jahnathan Maxwell; 6’6; Genesis Academy
Possibly the best prospect left in the state, Maxwell is an immensely talented post with wing abilities. He can shoot the three, rebounds and defends well against bigger players, and has a terrific understanding of positional and help side defense. He’s not an overly great athlete, but he’s strong and mobile for his size, and his understanding of the game allows him to play against more athletic fours. He holds multiple offers, but may have to go high JUCO if he doesn’t qualify.
Dusan Vicentic; 6’7; Walsingham Academy
A serbian exchange student, Vicentic is the classic european big man. He is extremely skilled, but is more finessse than brute strength and athleticism. He can work on the block or from the high post, can hit the outside shot, handles well in transition and is an excellent passer. He has great feel in the post, and is a division one talent. With some weight training, he’ll be a force at the next level.
Musah Sackor; 6’6; Eastern View
A long and athletic 4, Sackor is an impact player in transition on both ends of the floor. He’s capable of bringing the crowd to their feet with a big dunk in transition, or a chase down block or big swat coming over in help side. His length and frame makes him an intriguing prospect, because he should be able to transition to the wing with some tightening of his handle, as he can already hit the 18 foot jump shot.
Edwin Ebube; 6’6; Episcopal
A former player for the Puerto Rico U16 FIBA national team, Ebube has a nice blend of touch and strength in the post that makes him a tough guard. He can step out and shoot the set shot, can finish with either hand at the rim and is patient on the block, using the pump fake to earn easy trips to the line. He shines in big games, and has played a high level of competition his whole life.
Imrane Amadou; 6’5; Amelia Academy
When you get a combination of strength and precise technician in a post player, it makes for a big paint presence. That’s what Amelia Academy’s Imrane Amadou brings to his team. An old-school back to the basket player, you can throw it to him in the post and let him get you 15-20 a game. He can score it over either shoulder, he protects the paint and can finish at the rim on duck ins.
Yesid Antonio-Perera; 6’4; Carlisle
He may be undersized, but Perera is a dog in the post that lays it all on the floor. The Colombian product is still a bit raw, but he’s capable of hitting the offensive glass, finishing above the rim in transition and hitting the set shot from deep. He’s shown flashes where you think he could transition out to the wing, and his frame and motor is a plus for developing him as a player.
Robbie Osbourn; 6’4; Hermitage
It’s no exaggeration to say that Osbourn has perhaps one of the best motors in the state of Virginia. An undersized four, he bangs and plays with players much bigger than him, and his motor and physical nature gets under the skin of players that are used to bullying those smaller than them. He has a knack for finding the free throw line, runs the floor well and hits the glass with the best of them. He earned offers from D2 Virginia Union and Livingstone this year.