Colorado Spring Stock Risers: Big Men
A little while ago we started breaking down some of the biggest stock risers in the Centennial State by position, beginning with the point guard spot. Today, we are going to the opposite end of the spectrum. With spring wrapping…
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Continue ReadingA little while ago we started breaking down some of the biggest stock risers in the Centennial State by position, beginning with the point guard spot.
Today, we are going to the opposite end of the spectrum. With spring wrapping up, let’s take a look at the big men who have either stormed onto the radar or elevated already strong games over the last two months:
Brendan LaRose, 6-8 2018 forward, Colorado Hawks 16U Red
LaRose is a fluid big man who can step out and stretch the floor. He was really stroking it from the 3-point line last week as the Hawks won the title at the KC Classic in Lawrence, Kan. He also was displayed big-time toughness during the Top of the Rockies two weeks ago, owning the glass and creating extra possessions. He’s got good bounce and high upside. A very intriguing player to watch as he heads into his junior season at Rampart.
Dawson Carper, 6-11 2018 center, Colorado Miners 16U
It can be tough, when you grow as fast as early as Carper has, for your coordination to be in lockstep with your size, but the Rampart big man seems to be getting there. He played with good confidence during the Prep Hoops Spring Kick Off in early April, throwing his size around and finding success on the glass. As he continues to gain confidence and improves his agility, he will certainly become a prospect to watch. He has already begun garnering attention from D-I Cal Irvine, according to the Miners.
Luke Martin, 6-7 2018 forward, The Force 16U
Martin profiles as a prototypical small-college stretch 4. He runs to the corners well in transition and really has a smooth release, and he has improved his mechanics a great deal this spring. He also has a little bit of an edge to his game that has been enjoyable to watch this spring. Averaged 11.1 points per game as a sophomore at Cheyenne Mountain last season, and he looks like he’ll be in for a breakout junior season.
Jax Wilke, 6-7 2019 forward, Colorado Anarchy
Wilke moves well for a young big his size and has already displayed really solid passing ability, an underrated skill that will prove valuable as he continues to develop offensively and forces defenses to collapse. Like a lot of tall sophomores-to-be, Wilke could stand to stronger, but that should come. And he already displays good touch around the basket and an ability to use both hands.
Tray Pierce, 6-8 2018 forward, Colorado Connect 17U
Pierce had a monster spring playing up a division for Connect. He has quickly transformed himself into one of the state’s premier rim protectors. He can flat out snuff out shots on the defensive end. Pierce’s game, the offensive side of which is also making big strides, is directly tied to his confidence. As that continues to grow within him, watch out.
Will Becker, 6-8 2018 forward, Colorado Hawks 16U Red
Becker’s coaches have long seen in him an ability in him to be dominant forward. Now that Becker himself is starting to believe the same thing, we are seeing the results. Becker’s D-I level athleticism is now melding with confidence, a rapidly improving skill set and an unending work ethic that is helping quickly soar up list of prospects in the 2018 class. He has mid-major potential.