Undersized Gems
Some of my favorite players to watch on the circuit are those who are considered to be “undersized” but are still very effective players and sometimes quite dominant in the paint. Despite being smaller than their opponents, these youngsters are still big producers by either being athletic, strong, versatile, crafty or with an endless motor. Some of them can bring their games to the perimeter while others continue to make things happen inside. They may not be 6’7″ or 6’8″ but they can still kick your butt around the basket. Here is a look at some of those players:
Fred Thatch, Jr. 6’3″ Brad Beal Elite (Sikeston ’18): The physical wing player was a key player in BBE’s run to the Final Four of the Nike EYBL Peach Jam. He has gradually improved his play on the perimeter, but he has been a beast in the lane throughout his entire prep career with his ability to get buckets and rebound at a high level. He has already committed to Saint Louis U.
Dominic Mitchell 6’3″ St. Louis Bearcats (St. Mary’s ’18): A crafty wing forward who can handle the ball on the perimeter, but can also score in the paint almost at will with his crafty, old-school game around the basket. He has good footwork and he keeps defenders off balance with his shifty moves, head and shoulder fakes and shots from different angles.
Quinan Rieves 6’4″ NdaGym 17U (Lincoln Prep ’18): A highly productive combo forward who was very good this summer with his ability to score around the basket. He showcased good moves, nice footwork and an excellent shooting touch to get many buckets. He’s a solid athlete who works hard and runs the court well.
Dominique Hardimon 6’3″ SEMO Bulls 16U (Poplar Bluff ’19): A physical beast who gets results by playing with a lot of intensity and outworking bigger opponents around the basket. He is an outstanding offensive rebounder who gets great position and goes after the ball. He also runs the court and gets a lot of transition baskets with his hustle.
Dawson Dohogne 6’4″ SEMO Storm 17U (Cape Notre Dame ’18): A fundamentally sound low post scorer who really knows how to operate around the basket. He knows how to seal his man and hold his position. He can catch the ball in traffic and can score in a variety of ways.
Tycen Gray 6’3″ STL Express (Farmington ’19): A strong, physical post player who plays with an endless motor around the basket. He is one of the best rebounders around because he will go out of his area to get the ball. He has a strong body and he’s very tough.
Darian Smith 6’2″ Missouri Impact 17U (MICDS ’20): The youngest player on this list, Smith plays much bigger than 6’2″ because his motor never stops. He played two years up, but that didn’t bother him because he went at everyone at full tilt. He can score around the basket, but he proved to be an excellent rebounder and surprisingly good shot blocker for his size.