2018 Rankings Breakdown: Rim Protectors/Rebounders
In this day and age where “small-ball” is dominating, it is still quite clear that every contending team must have a rim protector–The Class of 2018 has a number of high-level players in this category led by the ubiquitous Fred Odihambo as well as the freakish talents of Bol Bol.
Top Five: Rim Protectors/Rebounders
5. Mehkel Harvey (Ocean View/Branchwest Elite)
The least known player on this list is Harvey, but this slowly evolving “Big” has a promising upside. When scouting big men, two intangibles that are highly thought of are good feet and length. Harvey not only shows excellent timing, but he also shows signs of hedging out on the perimeter while defending the high screen and roll–a must in today’s game.
4. Jacob Eyman (Los Alamitos/Cali Stars)
If it wasn’t for Bol Bol, the 6-foot-8 Eyman would be considered the No. 1 shot blocker/rebounder in Orange County. Slowly, but assuredly, he is evolving into a terrific all-around player.
3. Joel Mensah (JSerra/NY Lightning)
Mensah has excellent timing to go along with very long arms and a nasty demeanor at times. He gets off the floor very quickly and shows a desire to protect the paint on a consistent basis. While on the EYBL circuit he showed the potential to snatch the rebound, outlet it quickly, fill the lane and finish with a nice dose of ferocity.
2. Bol Bol (Mater Dei /California Supreme)
Bol Bol is best described as an anomaly. This 7-foot-2 ultra-quick athlete with pterodactyl-type length can block shots with ridiculous ease. If he falls in love with the game and dominates the paint in the areas of shot blocking and rebounding, he could be special.
1. Fred Odihambo (Alemany/Gamepoint Pump N Run)
Arguably the best shot blocker in the west. Incredible length, uncanny explosiveness, and instinctual timing describes this 6-foot-11 rim protector. In addition, when it comes to rebounding, he is one of the few that rebounds in and out of his area with relentless passion.
On the Cusp
* Josh Phillips (Edison/Belmont Shore)
Arguably the most raw prospect on this list, but when you are blessed with the physical tools of Phillips it will be worth it to be patient. Broad shoulders, long arms, exceptional timing, and as bouncy as it gets when it comes to rim protectors.
* Jeremiah Martin (San Bernadino Cajon/IEBP)
Martin is undersized at 6-foot-5ish, but he’s a straight beast. This two-sport athlete is a menace on the glass as he rebounds equally well inside and out of his area.