Free-Throw Shooters: Bigs Edition

Michael Costeines

June 9, 2020 @ 03:58 PM

Foul Shots. In the high tense arena of South Florida basketball, the smallest of things can make a difference. I cannot tell you how many games I have seen won or lost from the free-throw line. Specifically, front-court players that can hit from the stripe are extremely valuable. I am sure you have heard the difficulty of players with large hands shooting free-throws. While that is certainly a factor, the wear and tear some of these athletes go through in the paint makes a seemingly wide-open shot anything from a gimme. Not to mention, the different points of pressure during a four-quarter contest makes this area of the game a true wild card. Lets take a look at the list... [player_tooltip player_id="709232" first="Osmar" last="Garcia Araujo"] - Riviera Prep Already one of the best all-around players in Miami-Dade, Garcia Araujo shot nearly 70% from the free-throw line for Riviera Prep. While you might shrug at that average, consider some of his numbers on a deeper scale. Against powerhouse Dillard, the 6-foot-7 forward shot a perfect 10-for-10 from the line. In a later match-up against Westminster Christian, Garcia Araujo knocked down 9-of-12 from the stripe. In an age where instant gratification can be glorified, it is important to remember some of these kids are not finished products. If Garcia Araujo can tick up his percentage even a mere five points, his overall game will surely flourish. [player_tooltip player_id="953502" first="Bob" last="Stewart"] - Boca Raton At 6-foot-8 and 235 pounds, Stewart is a well oiled machine in the paint for Boca Raton. As a senior, the Bobcat center should average 15 points and 10 rebounds on a low-end night. With his inside productivity lamented, why not make him beat you from the foul line? As a junior, Stewart shot 66% from the free-throw line according to MaxPreps. From that number, it looks to be a smart idea. As Lee Corso says during college football season, not so fast my friend. Stewart got better from the line late in the season. During a stretch from February to January, he shot a perfect 12 for 12 from the line. Against Park Vista, Stewart matched a season-high with eight makes on ten attempts. As powerful as any player in the region, Stewart will punish you on multiple fronts. Tristan Gee - Trinity Christian Academy Call him an unstoppable force, Gee averaged nearly 18 points and ten rebounds for Trinity Christian Academy. The 6-foot-5 forward/center is also a quiet danger from the foul line. As a junior, Gee knocked down a respectable 92 free-throws. In ten such games, the 210-pound star struck at a 75% or better clip. With a loaded roster, stopping anyone like Gee is easier said than done. If the Warriors can continue to connect from the free-throw line, they are going to be a tough out for any opponent. As for Gee, watch out for a monster senior season in Lake Worth. [player_tooltip player_id="712115" first="Justin" last="Abson"] - North Broward Prep 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="712115" first="Justin" last="Abson"] already has the resume to be one of South Florida’s biggest stars. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged nearly 16 points and 13 rebounds last season for the Eagles. From the free-throw line, Abson went a perfect 9-for-9 against Somerset Prep. Over the course of ten games, the rising senior shot 80% or better from the foul-line for North Broward Prep. As a junior, I would like to see him become a little more consistent from this area. Any sort of improvement will make Abson a difficult man to stop. In other words, Abson is on the cusp of becoming a complete player. For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @MungerTown_Mike23.