Names to Know: 2022 Big Men

<p>With AAU season just underway, college coaches are starting to add names to their 2022 recruiting lists. With big men being in high demand, I decided to highlight some of the better post players I have seen this past year.</p> <p>C [player_tooltip player_id="814902" first="Ernest" last="Udeh"] 6-10 Dr. Phillips AAU: Southeast Elite (CP25)</p> <p>There are few big men that have progressed over the past year as much as [player_tooltip player_id="814902" first="Ernest" last="Udeh"]. The shot swatting rim running center was the last line of defense for the class 7A state champion Panthers. On the season, he averaged a solid 9.7 PPG and 9.6 RPG but those numbers were with at least two other Division I prospects in the starting lineup. What Udeh does best is block, and alter shots which he did plenty of in the state Final 4 games with five blocks against Oak Ridge in the semifinal and six against Dwyer in the championship. Offensively, most of his points come from catching lobs and put back dunks, but he has began to seal a lot more and uses the rim to shield himself from defenders well. In the early playoffs, Udeh had perhaps the most noteworthy moment of the year when he went up for a put back dunk and shattered the glass backboard. Recruiting wise the Dr. Phillips center holds offers from Florida, South Florida, Louisiana, Georgia State, FAU, FGCU, and Stetson.</p> <p>PF Fitzalbert “ Tre” Martin 6-8 Speights Academy AAU: Team Speights</p> <p>After a big senior year at Brooks DeBartolo, Martin decided to do a post grad year to help boost his recruitment. With season averages of 16.1 PPG, 11.1 RPG and 4.7 BPG he dominated the Tampa Bay area with his diverse skill set in the post. While Martin is more than capable of mixing it up underneath the basket, he can also face up and hit a mid-range jumper or do a quick 1 or 2 dribble move and attack. Off the court Martin, holds a 4.0 GPA and has a 1290 SAT. Recruiting wise Division II schools have offered with Division I schools showing Interest.</p> <p>PF [player_tooltip player_id="1065947" first="Jeremy" last="Foumena"] 6-10 Central Pointe Christian Academy AAU: Southeast Elite CP25</p> <p>This past season Central Pointe Christian was fortunate enough to gain 6-10 transfer [player_tooltip player_id="1065947" first="Jeremy" last="Foumena"] from Canada. Over the past few years, our neighbors to the north have produced all kinds of Division I talent and the 6-10 big will certainly be added to that list. A starter at CPCA, Foumena had some big games for the White Tigers most notably 21 point, eight rebound performance against Compass Prep (AZ) in which he shot 4/7 from 3-point land. While he has range out to the 3-point line, Foumena can also withstand contact and finish in close and has great footwork that allows him to score in the post. Division I schools are just beginning to learn his name and it’s only a matter of time before he will be well known</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>PF [player_tooltip player_id="829386" first="Brenen" last="Lorient"] 6-8 Forest (Ocala) AAU: Team Florida</p> <p>This past season, Lorient just about doubled his production since his sophomore year. His averages of 17 PPG, 10 RPG and 2.0 BPG were enough for him to be named Marion County Player of the year as he led Forest to a State Final 4 appearance. An accomplishment that is infrequent for Ocala area teams. Athletically, Lorient is incredible with exceptional straight-line speed, a quick second jump not to mention he has a wingspan that is longer than seven feet. The big man handles the ball well for his size and he can knock down the mid-range jumper and occasional 3-pointer as well as make his presence in the paint well known. Recruiting wise Illinois- Chicago, Stetson, FGCU, and Murray State  all have offered.</p> <p>C [player_tooltip player_id="1065445" first="Clarens" last="Pierre"] 6-8 Central Florida Christian AAU: Team Judah Nation</p> <p>After transferring to CFCA from Ocoee, Pierre made a solid impact in his first season as a varsity player. Sharing the middle with another college level big man in 6-10 senior Immanuel Zorgval, Pierre showed flashes of the player that he could become averaging 3.3 PPG 6.7 RPG and 1.4 BPG. While those numbers may not jump off the page, CFCA went 21-8 playing a tough schedule before losing a competitive game against undefeated eventual state champion Orlando Christian Prep in what many considered the true Class 2 A State Championship. While most of Pierre’s offense comes from put backs and dunks, his ability as a shot blocker is the most intriguing part of his game. My first time ever watching Pierre last summer he had eight blocks in an AAU game. With another AAU and High school season left [player_tooltip player_id="1065445" first="Clarens" last="Pierre"] is a name college coaches should monitor closely.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>