Bruce’s Best: Top 10 Undersized Bigs

<p>The game has changed so much in the last few years, that the traditional back to the basket big is almost obsolete, in fact, a lot of coaches are trending more to the 6’7, 6’8 high motor athletic big as opposed to the traditional 7 footer. In this article, we take a look at 10 undersized west coast big men that fit that mold. </p> <ol> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="766848" first="Takai" last="Emerson-Hardy"] <em>6’7 PF Vanden (CA) 2022 (#5PHNC 2022)</em> - May have the most skill of any big on the list. TEH can score with his back to the basket, or off dribble drives. His value comes from his ability to use his quick second jump to rebound the basketball. </li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="748764" first="Jeremiah" last="Nyarko"] <em>6’8 PF St John Bosco (CA) 2022 (#4PHSC 2022)</em> - Big time R&amp;J ability packaged in a solid frame. Easily hedge’s and switches ball screens and can get out in transition and score. </li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="954243" first="Quinton" last="Webb"] 6’7 PF San Ysidro (CA) 2022 (#26PHSC 2022) <em>(featured image)</em> - [player_tooltip player_id="992474" first="Mikey" last="Williams"] teammate at SY, Pogo stick style athlete that has an explosive first jump and quick second jump. </li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="766882" first="Tyus" last="Parrish-Tillman"] <em>6’7 PF Fresno Christian (CA) 2022 (#50PHNC 2022)</em> - Not the same athlete as many on the list, but he is long and has great timing on his shot-blocking. He is also a more advanced offensive player that can score with his back to the basket. </li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="956457" first="Francky" last="Naguidebe"] <em>6’7 PF University City (CA) 2021 (#82PHSC 2021)</em> - Quick leaper that has value with his rim protection ability. Naguidebe is also mobile enough to hedge and switch ball screens.</li> <li>Keba Keita <em>6’8 PF Wasatch (UT) 2022 (#5PHU 2022)</em> - Physical specimens that checks the high motor box. Keita is a legit rim protector that can get to both shots around the rim as well as on the perimeter. </li> <li>Daniel Ameyaw <em>6’7 PF Balboa (CA) 2022</em> - Balboa has a ton of guys like Ameyaw. He’s raw and athletic and adds value with his shot-blocking and defensive rebounding ability. </li> <li>Darius Miles <em>6’8 C UTU (CA) 2021</em> - Post Grad that played for Compton high in 19-20. Good athletic big that can run the floor as well as has good timing on his block attempts. Offensively raw, however, he fits the mold of a guy that can just outwork people. </li> <li>Brayden Carter <em>6’7 SF J.K Mullen (CO) 2021 (#7PHC 2021)</em> - He’s not really a post, but his size, strength, and athleticism will do in a pinch. As you might imagine he would be valuable because of his ability to stretch the floor as well as blow by bigs off the bounce.</li> <li>Lemuel Armstrong <em>6’7 PF Rainier Beach 2021 (WA) (#39PHW 2021)</em> - Transition scorer that has great speed for the position. Type a guy that can get you 2 or 3 extra possessions a game off his effort and energy.  </li> </ol> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">Follow Prep Hoops</a></p>