#HardworkSZNKickoff: Mason’s Top Centers
This past weekend was the #HardworkSZNKickoff and there was talent all over the gym. In this article, I’ll look at the top five centers that I saw, regardless of class. This is performance based off of the games that I saw, not a talent based list.
Max Murrell – 6’9 – 2020 – Team Factory Gold 2020 (NE)
Murrell might have been the best player that I saw all weekend. He’s a super agile post who can pretty much do it all. He rebounds, scores, shoots, and passes it well. Most surprisingly he was able to step out and knock down perimeter jumpers. He’s a guy who can get you in the air with a pump fake and drive right by you for a dunk. With only a UMKC offer to date, Murrell’s recruitment is going to ramp up quickly.
Alex Vankalsbeek – 6’6 – 2020 – SD Attack 2020 (IA)
Vankalsbeek had an excellent weekend running with SD Attack. He was continuously all over the floor and was able to do a lot of different things really well. He’s a fairly mobile center but is just so strong he can over power other players on the floor. Vankalsbeek is a guy who really set the tone for SD Attack when Mors was off the floor. I really like his upside and he’s still getting even better.
Karl Jones – 6’9 – 2019 – Team RWA 2020 (IL)
While Jones might not have been the best player on the Team RWA team this weekend, he’s full of intrigue. He’s a big man in the middle with a ton of inside scoring ability and shot blocking ability. Fairly mobile with the ability to play some solid rotational defense. Jones is one of those uncommitted seniors who should be able to find a landing spot rather quickly.
Ater Louis – 6’8 – 2021 – Team Factory Gold 2021 (NE)
Louis was the other 2021 Team Factory Gold big man who has shown the ability to go out and get buckets. He’s a little less mobile than Jengmar, but just as effective. A really solid rebounder with length around the basket is never a bad thing. Louis is a really heady player with a high basketball IQ and his game will translate over to the next level really well.
Colin Crothers – 6’8 – 2020 – HIT 2020 (IL)
Crothers might have been a bit under the radar this weekend in regards to performances, but when I saw him he impressed me. A big bodied post player Crothers has a ton of touch around the basket and a knack for just getting the ball in the basket. Really liked his motor on the offensive end, but he doesn’t slack on the other end either. Such a competitor and complete player, I am sure we will be seeing him at the next level.