Maranatha Summer Block Party: Saturday Top Big Men
During the month of June, high school basketball players regroup with their high school teams and take a little break from AAU ball. That will start up again in July, but for now, high school coaches get a little more…
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Continue ReadingDuring the month of June, high school basketball players regroup with their high school teams and take a little break from AAU ball. That will start up again in July, but for now, high school coaches get a little more clarity on how their team will look like next season, and players get back into the swing of playing with each other again.
The LA are plays host to multiple high school basketball tournaments this time of year, and one of the bigger ones is the Maranatha Summer Block Party hosted by Maranatha High School. I attended the tournament this past weekend on the last day. The role of the big man is changing in today’s game, but having good bigs is still a recipe for success.
Here’s a look at some of the top bigs I saw at the tournament.
1. Fidelis Okereke – King/Drew 2020
The incoming senior is a big man in every sense of the position. He’s able to establish good position in the paint and once he gets the ball, he makes strong moves in the post towards the basket. He’s already drawing double teams in the paint from the defense. He’s active in transition too, running the break and being able to finish plays. He’s a good rebounder who boxes out and he’s a strong defender in the paint.
2. A’Jahni Levias – Providence 2020
Levias is a versatile big man when it comes to the offensive end. Like many of today’s bigs, he can step out and shoot jumpers from the midrange, but his range also extends to the three-point line. But don’t let his perimeter game fool you, he can establish post position as well and score in the paint. He’s a bit versatile defensively too, and he contests shots well either on the perimeter or in the paint.
3. Christian Moore – Brentwood 2022
Having just completed his freshman season, he’s poised to have a breakout year. He’s actually more of a combo player who can play like a big, but can play on the wing as well. For this Brentwood team, however, he plays in the frontcourt. He’s a walking double-double. Very tough on the glass and is constantly fighting for offensive rebounds. He can stretch the floor to and has range out to the three-point line.
4. Brayden Thomas – Brentwood 2020
An incoming senior, it’s probably going to be a big upcoming season for him. He works hard in the paint to establish position and make himself effective. Once he has position in the post, he has a nice turnaround hook shot. He also is a good rebounder who is constantly attacking the offensive glass for putbacks and second shot opportunities.
5. Ralph Cruz – Long Beach Poly
The ultimate utility big man. He plays with a ton of energy and hustle. He’s constantly outworking everyone else on the floor. He’s a bit slight for a big but he’s long and tall and he makes up for it with his energy. He tries very hard defensively and he’s constantly diving on the floor for loose balls. On the offensive end, he can finish at the rim, or step and shoot jumpers. In a game LB Poly ultimately lost, he hit a go ahead shot that he created for himself with 11 seconds left.