Names to Know: Under the Radar Bigs (Part 1)

<p>Basketball is, and always will be, a big man’s game. There is no substitute for the contributions that post players provide to their teams. Their presence on the floor has value in and of itself. They impact the game in so many ways, especially at the high school level since many schools don’t have a true big man.</p> <p>With that in mind, here are a few bigs that need to be on your radar:</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/Zineddine-Bedri.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1029524 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/Zineddine-Bedri-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="115" height="173" /></a>Zineddine Bedri | 2021 | 6’10’’ Power Forward | TRT Basketball | Spring Creek Academy</strong> - Bedri has great size and length. The 6-foot-10-inch forward moves incredibly well for someone his size, running the floor in transition and getting back on defense. He does an outstanding job of making himself available in the post on offense, both in the high and low post. His touch around the rim is solid. He can occasionally stretch out to the mid-range and knock down shots. Beyond that, Bedri is a force on the boards at both ends as well as a sneaky good passer. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Shakiru Odunewu | 2021 | 6’9’’ Power Forward/Center | Team F.O.E. Elite 17U | Universal Academy</strong> - Odunewu was an animal on the glass during the PH Circuit Southwest Slam earlier this year. His activity as a rebounder at both ends is something you simply can’t teach. He is just one of those guys who wants it more than everyone elsse. He knows how to establish himself down low on offense and has soft hands. The Universal Academy big man finishes above the rim when he has the opportunity, but he has also shown that he can score with touch near the basket. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/IMG_3242.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1041581 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/IMG_3242-140x300.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="214" /></a></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1047580" first="Kenny" last="Hardy"] | 2021 | 6’6’’ Power Forward | HG Elite Chad | MacArthur HS</strong> - Hardy may be a tad undersized to play at the four, but he more than makes up for the height he gives up with his extensive offensive arsenal. I love the way he gets to his spots and executes. Hardy scores in a variety of ways. He can square up defenders and beat them off the dribble, or score with one of his many impressive back-to-the-basket moves. Furthermore, the Irving MacArthur forward plays with great energy and physicality. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1041910" first="Petia" last="Dogale"] | 2021 | 6’7’’ Power Forward | THP Elite White 17U | Austin HS</strong> - Dogale was another standout from the Southwest Slam. He absolutely punishes the rim when given the chance. His rebounding is excellent, especially on the offensive glass. You can tell that he does not undervalue the importance of boxing out. He is a disruptive defender who does a great job of deflecting passes and poking balls loose. Additionally, the senior forward is one of the better screeners I’ve seen in his class. He dives hard in pick-and-roll scenarios and isn’t afraid to take some punishment on his way to the hoop. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/09/17U-TexasSwish-TulsaHawksBlue-3810.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-1052306 " src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/09/17U-TexasSwish-TulsaHawksBlue-3810-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="115" height="173" /></a>Alex Tsynkevich | 2021 | 6’10’’ Power Forward/Center | TRT Basketball | Spring Creek Academy</strong> - Tsynkevich is an athletic big-bodied post. His experience as an international player is evident. He understands spacing and knows how to contribute without the ball. While I’ve admittedly only seen him play a few times, I have yet to see anybody truly challenge him on the boards. He is an explosive leaper who can elevate off two feet. He utilizes that skill when he gets a touch in the interior, as well as when he is protecting the rim on defense. This is an already talented prospect who still has a lot of upside. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Terrance Sanders | 2021 | 6’7’’ Power Forward/Center | Team United Texas 17U White | Plano West HS</strong> - My favorite part about Sanders’s game is the way he attacks mismatches. If an undersized defender switches on to him, you can guarantee he is going to exploit them and utilize his size advantage to get a high-percentage look. The senior big man torments opponents as the screener in the pick-and-roll. He hustles back on defense and has a knack for blocking shots in transition. He is a really solid two-way player who is probably best suited to play at the four rather than at the five. </p>