2021 Top Available Big Men

<p>The Garden State is filled with talented big men in the 2020 and 2021 classes. Gatorade Player of the Year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850316" first="Cliff" last="Omoruyi"]</strong> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">NJ.com</span>’s Player of the Year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="766063" first="Lance" last="Ware"]</strong> were both interior players in the 2020 class. Patrick School’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850516" first="Samson" last="Johnson"]</strong> is the top big guy in the 2021 class and is committed to UConn. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850503" first="Akoldah" last="Gak"] </strong>is headed to Australia to play for the Illawara Hawks in the NBL, creating a hole to fill as the top available post player. Here are the top available big men in the 2021 class.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900333" first="Rafael" last="Castro"], 6’9 PF Dover</strong></p> <p>Castro is the top available big man in the 2021 class after a strong junior campaign. The 6’9 forward led the state in rebounding and is the top available shot-blocker in the class. Castro is a big-time athlete who loves to finish above the rim and also has a nice touch around the basket. He can put the ball on the floor and is working on his range. Castro is down to Miami, Dayton and Providence, so he may not be available for much longer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900303" first="Chris" last="Jiao"], 6’11 C Patrick School</strong></p> <p>Johnson is not the only talented big man on the Patrick School roster as Jiao can make an impact at the next level. The 6’11 big man has a strong frame which he uses to finish around the basket. Jiao has a nice release on his jumper and can knock down jumpers from behind the arc. He is a good rebounder and is a solid post defender. Jiao should have a strong senior season for the Celtics alongside Johnson.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900357" first="Nicolo" last="Nobili"], 6’9 PF Paul VI</strong></p> <p>Nobili had a strong debut season for Paul VI, which should springboard to a big senior season. The Italian native has a good feel for the game and can play on the perimeter. Nobili is a good passer out of the post and can take his defender off the bounce. He has a smooth release on his jumper and knows how to rebound the ball in traffic. Nobili is a skilled big man who should be on the radar of many colleges this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900298" first="Kyle" last="Rhoden"], 6’9 PF Ranney</strong></p> <p>Rhoden had a shortened 2019-20 season due to injury and is ready for a breakout senior season for the Panthers. The 6’9 forward plays with good footwork around the basket and has a nice touch close to the rim. Rhoden is developing his handle and has the ability to knock down three-pointers. He rips down rebounds on both ends of the floor and uses his length to swat shots around the rim. Rhoden is one of the top players in the Shore Conference and should put it on full display in 2020-21.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="945054" first="Ozhell" last="Jackson"], 6’7 PF Olympus Prep</strong></p> <p>Jackson is more of a combo forward, but his ability to play in the post makes him eligible for this list. The Bronx native is tough to contain off the bounce and can finish around the basket. Jackson does not rush when the ball is in his hands and is a good passer. He is an underrated defender and can rip down rebounds on both ends of the floor.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Players to Know:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900335" first="Derrick" last="Bueno"], 6’5 PF Roselle Catholic</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900290" first="DiAri" last="Duncan"], 6’8 PF Bergen Catholic</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="884541" first="Darrius" last="Miles"], 6’11 C Olympus Prep</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900158" first="Cam" last="Tweedy"], 6’6 SF/PF Olympus Prep</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900308" first="Wesley" last="Robinson"], 6’6 PF Life Center</strong></p>