UC Irvine Elite Camp: Best Big Men
Saturday’s UC Irvine Elite Camp was attended by 114 prospects of varying skill levels and projected collegiate ability.
Prep Hoops So-Cal was in attendance at the Bren Events Center and, in this piece, describes the five best big men that made the trip to Orange County. The prospects are listed in alphabetical order.
Chibuzo Agbo (St. Augustine – 2020)
Agbo was a dominant force on Saturday, and as we depicted in the class of 2020 rankings breakdown report on the most versatile players in the class, the 6-foot-7 forward had is full repertoire on display. Agbo was cleaning the defensive glass, leading the break and finishing strong around the basket. The sophomore-to-be stepped out and knocked down a number of face-up jump shots, as well.
Jakob Alamudun (Marina – 2019)
Alamudun has produced at a high level on varsity since his freshman year. The 6-foot-5 power forward is a bit undersized for his position, but he knows how to use his strength to best smaller defenders and footwork to nullify a bigger, more athletic foe. Alamudun has a nice feel 15-feet and in where he can face up and hit a set shot or blow-by a slower defender for an easy deuce.
Dean Keeler (Marina – 2019)
Keeler is an intriguing long-term prospect with good size at 6-feet-8 and imposing length. The rising junior is just beginning to scratch the surface of his abilities, but he does something that not all young big men can do and that’s pass out of the post. Keeler draws double teams and finds open shooters with skip passes and cutters with touch passes. Another thing he does that isn’t normal for young big men is he knows his role and doesn’t stray from it. Keeler sets solid screens, rolls hard to the basket and works hard to establish deep post position.
Christian Rose (Bishop’s – 2019)
Rose is a high motor and fundamental player who, like Keeler above, understands his role and does the little things to help his team win. The 6-foot-7 forward is very effective as a trail screen-roll guy when transition opportunities don’t present themselves. Rose gets a wide base when setting his screens and can finish a roll either with a 15-foot mid-range shot or with power around the basket.
Frank Staine (St. Anthony – 2019)
Staine has a ton of ability and is really starting to put things together. The 6-foot-5 rising junior is of the power forward variety at this point, but did show flashes of perimeter game that could help him mold into a small forward role. Staine has improved his ball skills and jump shot since the high school season ended and is still as fiery of a competitor.