2018 Rankings Breakdown: Bigs (Part 2)
It’s that time of the year again! With our new and updated comes new names, new recruitment and more! Over the next few weeks we’ll be breaking down all of our rankings, today we’ll be featuring seven of the best rising senior bigs in Virginia. Stay tuned to Vantage Hoops for positional breakdowns across each class, and more content on our updated rankings!
Nate Spurlock | 6’7” | WT Woodson (#34 Overall)
A pick-and-pop four man, Spurlock can really light it up from deep when he gets it going. The lefty can shoot it off the catch or off of one or two dribbles, can he’s a crafty finisher in the middle and at the basket. He’s surprisingly strong on the glass, and he’s an unselfish passer that creates shots for shooters on kick outs from the block and reversals from the top of the key.
Dimitri Georgiadis | 6’8” | Benedictine/Team Charlotte (#39 Overall)
Georgiadis has the physical tools and work ethic to be a dominant post player, but some things just haven’t clicked as we expected resulting in him being inconsistent at times. He rebounds well and plays hard on both ends, has touch out to 18 and is a willing passer, but he isn’t the toughest or strongest kid to be able to bang in the block. If he can find a nice niche roll for him he should be more effective.
Eric Rustin | 6’11” | Huguenot/Team Richmond (#43 Overall)
There aren’t many almost 7 footers you find anywhere, and Rustin is pushing 6’11”-7’0″. He’s extremely long, allowing him to protect the rim in help situations, and he can run the floor and finish on the offensive glass as well. He’s extremely slight of frame, and if his body fills out he’ll become much more of a true inside presence.
Malik Jefferson | 6’8” | Hopewell/Team Richmond (#44 Overall)
One of the biggest jumps any prospect took this season was Jefferson, who went from a kid lacking confidence to averaging a double-double this season. At 6’8″, he can play inside-out, rebounds well on both ends and can protect the rim, which he showed with almost two blocks per game this season. His ranking, and recruitment, will definitely go up this summer.
Jarvis Vaughan | 6’8” | Robert E. Lee/VA Blaze (#47 Overall)
Vaughan came out of nowhere this year to help lead Robert E. Lee to the VHSL 2A State Championship, and capped the run with an impressive 34 point performance in the championship game. He has a strong upper body, and he thrives when the offense is run through him at the high post. He can make the 18 footer and hits his free throws, and he can also run the floor and finish in the middle. If he can become a double-double guy every day he could see some division one interest start coming his way.
Emmanuel Aghayere | 6’5” | South Lakes/TTO Grey (#51 Overall)
An undersized but stocky big man, Aghayere is as productive a big man in the Northern Virginia area, and it’s all due to his mentality. He’s relentless on the glass, and has a never ending motor that allows him to outwork everyone. With his strength in the block, along with a soft touch with both hands, it’s no wonder that he’s able to overcome his physical limitations with heart and hard work.
Devon Flowers | 6’8” | Potomac School (#55 Overall)
After transferring to Potomac School from Gonzaga, Flowers was thrust into a big role this season for the Panthers and did not disappoint. He was a monster in the paint, leading them in points, rebounds and blocks. He’s a versatile offensive player that can score on the block or in the midrange, and he knows how to keep plays alive and get to the free throw line where he shoots a good percentage. With a big summer, there’s a chance he’ll see more division one interest and offers.