Iowa Top 250 Expo: 2017 and 2018’s Top Big Men
As part of a series of posts profiling standout performances from this past weekend’s Top 250 Expo in Ames, we take a look at some of the top performers among the big men from the 2017 and 2018 classes.
Kyle Arrington (6-10, Lewis Central, 2017)
The biggest big in Ames on Saturday, Arrington is a huge interior presence. He showed mobility, running the floor well and establishing position during game play, as well as soft hands and solid touch around the rim. On the defensive end, he could be a force due to his sheer size, but he also moves his feet fairly well and has solid defensive awareness. He’s a good rebounder who does a nice job keeping the ball high after pulling down boards. He should have a solid senior year for a Lewis Central team that should be improved.
Carter Bachman (6-6, Ankeny Centennial, 2018)
A well-built post, Bachman was at his best during game play when operating in the pick-and-roll with Ben Lyon. He sets good, hard screens. He’s got good hands and the ability to finish with either one in traffic with touch around the rim. On the defensive end, he moves well, is capable of switching on pick-and-rolls, and is a decent shot blocker.
Max Campbell (6-6, Cedar Rapids Washington, 2018)
Campbell may have been the standout big man of the evening session. He showed off some great, quick footwork during post drills, and it transitioned into game play. He was dunking everything throughout the session, proving to be a powerful force in the paint. He’s got the ability to handle the ball a bit, can stretch the defense out to about 15 feet comfortably, and is solid on the glass. He’s a mobile big who runs the floor well, is physically strong and won’t get bumped off his spot on either end of the floor, and he can defend the pick-and-roll effectively.
Cole Eischeid (6-7, Carroll Kuemper, 2018)
Eischeid is a kid who has flashed big-time potential whenever I’ve seen him, but also disappears at times. He was sensational during the drills portion of the Expo, showing the ability to handle the ball, knock down mid-range jumpers, dunk everything in sight and defend on the perimeter in one-on-one and two-on-two drills. There is a lot of talent here, to go with a big, athletic frame, but he needs to put it together consistently. If he does, he’ll be a force.
Luke Empen (6-6, Northeast Goose Lake, 2018)
Empen has always been a solid body on the interior, whether playing for his high school team or the Barnstormers, providing a physical presence on the defensive end and on the glass. He’s working to expand his game, and that work showed itself during game play on Saturday. He’s becoming a solid shooter from about 15 feet and in, showing good form on his jumper and routinely knocking them down after floating down to the baseline following dribble penetration by his guards. As he continues to add this range to his game, it should open up more of his post work as well. He’s a strong young big who doesn’t shy away from contact, and he’s a high-level rebounder.
Joseph Evans (6-8, Dowling Catholic, 2018)
Evans is probably the most intriguing prospect of this bunch. My colleague T.J. Rushing talked to him, and Evans says that he sees himself as a wing, but for now, we’ll count him as a big man. He’s long and athletic, runs the floor very well and can stretch out to the arc comfortably. He was dynamic in defensive drills, showing the ability to switch on to any guard in pick-and-roll situations without being lost, and he moves his feet guarding on the perimeter. He’s got a huge wingspan that allows him to play even bigger than the 6-8 he’s listed as, and he’s a good shot blocker. As he continues to expand his offensive skill set, he could become a matchup problem as a wing, but I think he may be better suited as a stretch-four, an area he could excel in.
Mitch Gehling (6-6, Dyersville Beckman, 2018)
A solid athlete, Gehling runs the floor well and does a nice job establishing position on the interior. He’s got good hands and touch around the rim, and an improving array of post moves. He’s a solid rebounder on both ends of the floor, and does a nice job as a help defender, rotating over and blocking or contesting a number of shots throughout the course of the four games he played in. More than any other player on this list, he may be most comfortable playing closer to the rim. He’s a high-energy guy that will win extra possessions for your team.
Grant Johnson (6-7, Van Meter, 2018)
Johnson may have been the most impressive big with his post touches during game play. He establishes good position, has solid footwork and showed great touch with little baby hooks going over either shoulder. He does a nice job feeling out the defender and making a counter move. He’s got very good hands, a decent array of post moves and runs the floor well.