Arizona Fall Shootout Recap: Skilled Bigs

<p>The Arizona Fall Shootout took place last weekend at Williamsfield High School in Gilbert. Hosted by recruiting legend Gerry Freitas, the event featured teams from Washington, California, Arizona and Idaho. With the game changing so rapidly, it’s not enough for 4’s and 5’s to just be able to stretch the floor. To be considered a top prospect, they have to posses a variety of skills. In this article, PH takes a look at the top skilled big men from the event. </p> <p>Aiden Von Buchwaldt <em>6’5 PF 509 Elite 2021</em> - The first game I saw AVB play he buried 5 straight 3’s. From there it was just a matter of bearing witness to his low post mastery and soft touch around the rim. While undersized, he has a muscular frame that allowed him to bang with larger bigs all weekend. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="554729" first="Brody" last="Rowbury"] <em>6’11 PF Idaho Premier (#5PHI 2021)</em> - Rowburry is a massive man with nimble feet. He legitimately stretches the floor and can score the basketball with either hand around the rim. His ceiling is directly tied to his ability to increase his stamina. He doesn’t have to be Mr universe, but if he can shed a couple of lbs’s and stay on the floor for longer stretches of time, you’re looking at a D1 stretch 5. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="970252" first="Otto" last="Landrum"] <em>6’9 PF Gamepoint Elite 2022 (#49PHSC 2022)</em> - Landrum plays the game with terrific enthusiasm and passion. He also plays it with an underrated skill set. Don’t be surprised if you see the 6’9 post grab it off the glass, start the break, and deliver an on time on target pass to a teammate. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="919665" first="Noah" last="Haaland"] <em>6’8 PF 509 Elite 2021 (#8PHI 2021)</em> - Halland’s best skill is his ability to rebound the ball, however much like Von Buchwaldt, he also has a strap. The big man was one of the better shooters on the weekend showing a nice touch from both behind the line and on his baseline mid range jumpers. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="951231" first="Alex" last="Crawford"] <em>6’7 PF Coastal Slayers Elite 2021 (#83PHSC 2021)</em> <em>(featured image)</em> - I cheated a bit, as Crawford is probably more of a 3 than a 4. With that said, he defended enough post players this past weekend to be classified as a 4. It was almost unfair for 4 men try to guard him. Crawford knocked down open jumpers when they laid off and showed a quick <a href="https://twitter.com/aalexcrawford/status/1313575290556223489">first step and explosive finishing ability when crowded</a>. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="747090" first="Caleb" last="Nelson"] <em>6’7 PF Coastal Slayers Elite 2021 (#58PHSC 2022)</em> - Crawford wasn’t the only skilled big on CSE. Nelson showed why he is one of the top sleepers on the West Coast. Offensively there is not one skill that you can criticize of his. He can put it on the ground, makes plays for teammates and is an above average 3 point shooter. He’s more of a 3 but he gamely battled larger post guys in the paint all weekend.  </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">Follow Prep Hoops</a> </p>