Player Spotlight: Maximus VanLaningham

Next up is a player from Roseville, California. Roseville is a suburb of Sacramento and it is home to Maximus VanLaningham. Maximus is currently an 8th grader that isn’t hard to miss, as he is already 6’7 and still growing. He is smooth around the rim and can get up and down the floor in a hurry. Max covers a lot of ground defensively and he is already a big time shot blocker.

6’7 PF Maximus VanLaningham || Roseville, California || Class of 2026 ||

Club Teams: YBA Elite, Oakland Soldiers & D5 Global

Projected High School: Woodcreek High School, CA

We caught up with Maximus and had a great conversation:

What have you been doing to get ready for the High School season?

I will be playing in a few local tournaments and I hope to do another camp shortly. But the biggest thing that I am looking forward to is the Made Hoops West Coast Circuit.

What style of play do you prefer?

I like to be everywhere on the floor. I enjoy playing both ends of the floor. I like to put myself in positions where I can score. Defensively I try to be the first one back so I could deliver some devastating blocks.

What are some aspects of your game that you are working on?

This summer I really worked on my shot and handling. As a big I usually don’t get a lot of opportunities to handle the ball as much as guards do, but I have been working on that and having fun with it.

I have also been working with Hoop Skills Factory on my handles and footwork. I have also had the opportunity to work with older players as well as bigger players which has been challenging but fun.

Who do you pattern your game after?

I don’t try to model my game after anyone specifically. I just try to make sure that I am a well rounded player and that I am consistently improving.

Does he have any offers or interest?

No, but I hope to work hard and get on the radar and hopefully have some Division 1 opportunities  

Highlights

Max has been playing all summer across the country with D5 Global. He has been playing up 2 grades locally and working on skills with juniors and senior.  He  has also spent some time at the CP3 Camp and the Made Hoops Midwest Camp where he performed really well. Max was selected for the  Top 20 game and won the game.

Additionally 

I think what sets me apart is my mobility. I might be tall but I am fast and I can get up and down the floor. I like to be more than just a big man that camps on the blocks or is always under the basket. I consider myself a stat stuffer because I want to fill up the entire stat line. I feel like I can effect the game in ways that you don’t always find in the stat book.

Off the Radar

It is just a matter of time before someone notices Big Max and his skills as a young prospect. There is one thing for sure and that is, that Max has plenty of time to wow the recruits and on-lookers. Keep an eye on the small town just north of Sacramento. Lastly, D1 coaches need to jump on Big Max quick, he’s going to be a problem.