Maryland/DC Summer Stock Risers: 2022 Bigs
We’ve wrapped up what has been the most unprecedented summer in AAU basketball history as COVID-19 prohibited any live evaluations periods to occur. Nevertheless, programs and facilities worked together in order to give players a platform as college coaches watched…
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Continue ReadingWe’ve wrapped up what has been the most unprecedented summer in AAU basketball history as COVID-19 prohibited any live evaluations periods to occur. Nevertheless, programs and facilities worked together in order to give players a platform as college coaches watched via live stream. Before May, the chances of having any basketball this summer were very slim, but fortunately that wasn’t the case and players were able to boost their stock along the way.
For this series, we’ll be taking a look at stock risers from the area in various classes.
We continue with the 2022 bigs.
For part one of 2022 guards, click here.
For part two of 2022 guards, click here.
Favour Aire Favour Aire 6'10" | C Bishop McNamara | 2022 State #86 Nation MD | 6’10 | Bishop McNamara/New World
Aire reminded everyone why he’s considered as a top-15 center nationally in the 2022 class. At 6-foot-10, Aire presents tremendous size and when he’s determined he has the ability to completely dominate a game at both ends. Offensively his comfort zone is operating on the left block where he uses his physicality with his back to the basket and his soft touch on his over the shoulder hook shot that has proven to be almost impossible to defend. When he’s not scoring in the post during half court scenarios, he’s rim running in transition where he can finish strong above the rim. Aire is one of those players that want to send a statement every time he gets his hands on the rim. When dialed in he can be an elite defensive presence utilizing his length as a shot blocker while his strength and athleticism come into play locking down the glass as a rebounder. Aire recently received offers from Georgetown and Indiana, which are likely a result from his play in the I-95 League. He also holds offers from UConn, Georgia, IUPUI, Louisville, LSU, Maryland, Rutgers Seton Hall and Virginia Tech.
Dani Dennis-Sutton Dani Dennis-Sutton 6'6" | C McDonogh | 2022 MD | 6’6 | McDonogh/Team Melo
Dennis-Sutton has become a household name in the high school football recruiting world as he’s currently ranked by many national sites as a top-2 defensive end in the country for his class. Make no mistake, that doesn’t mean he can’t bring valuable aspects to the hardwood and he’s shown a continuation of his development this summer with Team Melo. At 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, Dennis-Sutton moves like a wing but brings the physicality as you’d expect with a big time defense end. He’s impossible to move on the block when chesting against opposing bigs who are trying to post him up and is discipline with his box outs when the shot goes up. While he won’t ‘wow’ you offensively, Dennis-Sutton is a capable scorer from 12 feet and in. Furthermore, he sets deadly ball screens and makes sound decisions as a passer for his position. Even though he’s one of the most prized football recruits, Dennis-Sutton is still seeking basketball opportunities at the next level.
Adam Walden Adam Walden 6'9" | C Baltimore Polytechnic | 2022 MD | 6’10 | Poly
Walden took the unique approach of opting not to play AAU this summer and focus on developing his body in preparation for his junior season of high school. While he didn’t suit up for AAU, I got the chance to see Walden in action at the East Coast Bump Summer Runs and also in other workout environments. For starters, he has improved his body by shedding some body fat which ultimately has made him more lean and agile on his feet. He still poses great size at 6-foot-10 and plays with a admirable motor. Once Walden can become more consistent in game action, I believe his recruitment will take off, but the signs I’ve seen this summer point to a center who low to mid major programs will be pursuing. Walden holds offers from Bryant, Coastal Carolina, Hofstra and Mount St. Mary’s.
George Perkins George Perkins 6'8" | PF Sidwell Friends | 2022 State MD | 6’8 | Sidwell Friends/Team Takeover
Perkins was another prospect that I didn’t get to see in an AAU setting, but he certainly made waves on the recruiting trail with the offers he picked up this summer. The 6-foot-8 versatile forward added offers from George Washington, La Salle, Maryland, VCU and Virginia Tech while holding an older offer from Howard. Perkins is likely going to be used as a stretch four option at the college level as he’s continued to develop his perimeter skill set offensively. He possesses great length and gets off the ground quickly when finishing above the rim. He can disrupt shots around the basket and close passing lanes quickly when playing off the ball. Look for Perkins stock to steadily rise as more programs are exposed to his film.
Nick Evans | 6’8 | Gonzaga/District Basketball Club
Evans is one of those bigs that would be considered a late bloomer. At 6-foot-8, he seems to just be getting comfortable with his body and it’s translating into an evident skill set that propels him to a Division I prospect. While I expect him to take a big step in development over the next calendar year, he’s already shown ability to finish with craft when operating around the rim. He’s an above the rim threat hanging out in the dunker’s spot or in the middle of the paint as guard penetrate and dump passes off in his direction. He works on the defensive end and is improving as a rebounder in each game I took in. Howard saw the potential that Evans had an decided to extend an offer, Evans’ first Divsion I offer to date. Expect that list to grow especially with local programs as he continues to progress as a player.