Non-Public B Big Men with the Most to Prove

<p>Non-Public B has been the most competitive division in New Jersey basketball for years. The last five winners of the Tournament of Champions have hailed from Non-Public B while now-closed St. Anthony’s has the most with 13 Tournament of Champions’ trophies. Some of the Garden State’s top big men reside in Non-Public B, creating a huge hole down low. Here are the top Non-Public B big men with the most to prove.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900303" first="Chris" last="Jiao"], 6’11 C Patrick School 2021</strong></p> <p>The Celtics were one of the top teams in the state all season, but they have to replace <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850500" first="Adama" last="Sanogo"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850498" first="Jonathan" last="Kuminga"]</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850516" first="Samson" last="Johnson"] </strong>was selected to the All Non-Public third team, but he cannot be the only big man for the Patrick School. Jiao is a talented big man with a nice touch around the basket and range that extends past the three-point line. He moves his feet well on the defensive end and is a good rebounder. The Patrick School should be one of the top teams in New Jersey again in 2020-21 with Jiao receiving a more prominent role on offense.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="992524" first="Aaron" last="Bradshaw"], 6’11 PF Roselle Catholic 2023</strong></p> <p>NJ Gatorade Player of the Year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850316" first="Cliff" last="Omoruyi"]</strong> was a rock for the Lions all season long as he helped lead them to their third straight Non-Public B North title. His presence will be sorely missed, but Bradshaw has the talent to make up for his absence. The 6’11 forward has a good face-up game and has a good-looking jump shot. Bradshaw also has a nice touch around the basket and is one of the top shot-blockers in the 2023 class. Roselle Catholic has a good young nucleus in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="787669" first="Corey" last="Floyd Jr"].</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850752" first="Simeon" last="Wilcher"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902756" first="Jadin" last="Collins"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902745" first="Maurice" last="Mcknight"]</strong>, but Bradshaw’s presence down low is the difference maker.</p> <p><strong>Nick Montalbano, 6’7 C Wildwood Catholic Academy 2022</strong></p> <p>The Crusaders warded off their demons from 2018-19 by knocking off top seeded Rutgers Prep 80-67 in the Non-Public B South final. All-State performers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="766090" first="Taj" last="Thweatt"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="896442" first="Jahlil" last="White"]</strong> are both graduating, which creates a big hole down low. Montalbano was used sparingly, but will be asked to step up in a big way. The rugged 6’7 forward works hard down low and scraps for rebounds on every possession. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="927391" first="Martin" last="Anguelov"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900319" first="DaSean" last="Lopez"]</strong> return for Wildwood Catholic Academy, but the Crusaders need Montalbano to elevate his game in 2020-21.</p> <p><strong>Drew Kania, 6’7 PF Gill St. Bernard’s 2022</strong></p> <p>The Knights have been one of the top programs in Somerset County over the past five years, but they will need to replace Princeton commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850327" first="Zach" last="Martini"]</strong> down low. Star freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902732" first="Mackenzie" last="Mgbako"]</strong> is ready for a bigger role on offense, while Kania is ready for a full-time starting job. The 6’7 forward has a nice touch around the basket and moves well off the ball. Kania has range that extends to the three-point line and is not afraid to put the ball on the floor. The Knights should compete for the Somerset County Tournament title again in 2020-21 with their interior duo of Mgbako and Kania.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933735" first="Stefano" last="Faloppa"], 6’8 SF Holy Cross Prep 2021</strong></p> <p>Faloppa is more of a wing player, but he may be thrust into more of an interior role with the graduation of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="896664" first="Giovanni" last="Cessel"]</strong>. The Italian native has a smooth offensive game as he is a good passer and ball-handler. Faloppa can finish through contact and has a nice mid-range game. He is a good defender as he uses his length and instincts to make plays. Holy Cross Prep will sorely miss Cessel and Delaware commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="896450" first="Gianmarco" last="Arletti"]</strong>, but Faloppa is ready for an expanded offensive role in 2020-21.</p>