Florida Stock Risers: Bigs
Good, experienced guard play tends to be synonymous with success in high school basketball.
It seems there are traditionally more 1,000+ point scorers and four year starters at the guard positions. Big men tend to develop later than guards. Bigs also tend to struggle with scoring the ball between a defender and the basket in high school.
Throughout Florida, a number of both widely known and severely underrated big men have improved their stock this February.
Milan Stakic, NTSI Orlando
Prioritizing fitness and subsequently making it a livelihood has spurred the development of the 7-foot-2, 238-pound mountain man.
When Stakic arrived in the country back during September of 2016, he weighed 285 pounds. Beyond shedding weight and transforming his body, the Bosnian Center has developed a feel for the post game.
Stakic has steadily evolved as a glass eating presence.
Though his offensive game is still purely in its embryonic stages, the Class of 2018 prospect has flashed a soft touch from mid range and beyond. Marshall, which has already ramped up its frontline with 6-foot-11 DePaul transfer Levi Cook, appears to be sold on Stakic’s upside.
David Appelgren, NTSI Orlando
While the 7-foot-1 forward/Center has a European forward’s skill set and high level outside shooting, Appelgren has advanced his game by developing a more reliable back to the rim game.
NTSI Orlando’s coaching staff regards Appelgren as a high-upside prospect. It is more than likely Appelgren winds up at a Division-1 program next season.
JJ Romer, Believe Prep Academy
The Hialeah, Fla. native entered this 2017-18 post-graduate season as highly unsung and unheard of.
At 6-foot-10, Romer brings sneaky athleticism and a sneaky vertical. He’s also become more proficient and crafty around the rim.
The late blooming prospect additionally has a smooth stroke, one he’s extended beyond the confines of the arc. While Romer needs to pack muscle onto a thin frame, he has the attributes to be a versatile source at the Division-1 level.
UNC Asheville, among others, have expressed interest.
Lee Flenor, South Miami
Though he’s 6-foot-6 and constantly tasked with neutralizing the trees upfront, Flenor has been an absolute workhorse this season.
Flenor turned in a 22-point, 20-rebound performance during an 81-73 victory over North Miami earlier this month. Consistency is a weapon for the Class of 2019 combination forward.
Sebastian Guitian, Westwood
Bolstered by his smooth stroke from behind the arc, the 6-foot-8 stretch four has been one of the most underrated seniors in Miami.
His stock has been rising ever since a 37-point eruption earlier on in the season.
Guitian’s knack for reeling off points in a hurry and knocking down heavily contested shots makes him an assett at the ensuing level of play. Palm Beach Atlantic is getting a steal.
Richard Nunez, North Miami Beach
The multi-layered 6-foot-8 Nunez may very well be Miami’s most accurate depiction of “Mr. Everything.”
Jarringly similar to Lamar Odom during the former NBA star’s heyday at Christ The King (N.Y.) high school, Nunez performs like few his size are capable of.
He can stick 3-pointers. He exposes mismatches, backing down smaller defenders and taking them to the rim.
Blocking shots, finishing strong in the open court, picking up steals, crashing, quarterbacking the team and feeding cutters inside, nothing is out of Nunez’ wheelhouse as a player.
Chol Marial, IMG Academy
The 7-foot-3 Marial has been touted as a special prospect since his days as an eighth grader at West Oaks Academy.
While injuries have slowed his progress and coaches have just a small sample size from the well traveled Center’s time at Cheshire Academy, Marial is a no brainer high major player. Marial’s above the rim finishing, agility at 7-foot-3, and coach ability add value.
Balsa Koprivica, Montverde Academy
While the 7-foot-1, 240-pound prospect with offers from Louisville, UCLA, FSU and countless others has the identity of a European sharpshooter, he’s grown tremendously with his post game.
Intriguing prospect for how well he can handle and distribute the ball at his size/position.
Tony Atkinson, Westminster Academy
On a team featuring a pair of 1500+ point scorers (Zach Scott and Chase Johnston) and a burgeoning high major prospect (Dudley Blackwell), Atkinson shoulders more of a rim protecting and rebounding role.
By being physical and consistent, he recently earned an offer from James Madison.