With the 2021-22 Texas UIL season fast approaching, Prep Hoops Network previews several players in Region 2 of the 6A conference for this next season. This article focuses on bigs in the senior class. 6A seniors’ player previews: Region 1…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inWith the 2021-22 Texas UIL season fast approaching, Prep Hoops Network previews several players in Region 2 of the 6A conference for this next season. This article focuses on bigs in the senior class.
6A seniors’ player previews:
Region 1 PG’s, Wings, Bigs
Region 2 PG’s, Wings, Bigs
Region 3 PG’s, Wings, Bigs
Region 4 PG’s, Wings, Bigs
5A seniors’ player previews:
Region 1 PG’s, Wings, Bigs
Region 2 PG’s, Wings, Bigs
Region 3 PG’s, Wings, Bigs
Region 4 PG’s, Wings, Bigs
Dubem Muoneke
Dubem
Muoneke
6'4" | PF
Cy Ranch | 2022
State
TX
– 6’4″ – PF – Cypress Ranch – JL3 Elite
Muoneke is an athletic, slashing big and a beast in the paint. He has elite leaping ability with impeccable timing, a combination that makes him a rebounding machine and a first-class shot blocker. Off an offensive rebound, he keeps the ball up high above his head for an easy put back, and he does the same on drives to the basket, keeping the ball high as he approaches the rim and scoring with ease. He has a beautiful midrange game off the dribble and out of the post, utilizing his strong frame to back down an opponent and then spinning out for a fadeaway midrange shot. He’s fast with long strides and great hands, coming away with chase down blocks and ballhawk steals out of passing lanes. He times his leaps so well, he blocks shots in midair, after the ball has already left the opponents’ hands. He can run the fast break, he can step out and hit the 3-point shot, and he can guard multiple positions, making him an elite threat on the wing, as well. Muoneke is locked in on becoming an elite player at the next level, recently telling Prep Hoops, “one thing I specifically worked on in the off-season to take my game to the next level, and move towards the destination of becoming a pro, is my jump shot. With an efficient and consistent jump shot, I definitely feel like it would take an elite level defender to have even a chance to stop me from scoring.”
Justin Whitmore Justin Whitmore 6'7" | PF Naaman Forest | 2022 State TX – 6’7″ – PF – Naaman Forest – Urban DFW Elite
Whitmore is a fantastic inside-outside scoring big with the length and athleticism to block any shot the opponent throws up. He has guard-like handles that allow him to get to his spots and create any kind of shot he wants. He can drive to the paint, use his large frame to create space, and then aggressively dunk the ball on any defender the opponent sends his way. He is extremely effective from distance, seemingly perfecting the step-back from midrange and 3-point range, making him virtually unguardable. He uses his strength to manhandle opponents down low in the post, dunking almost every time he gets in position. On defense, he can singlehandedly defend the paint from any inside shot and secure the defensive rebound, allowing his team to play four out along the perimeter while he emphatically blocks any opponent that comes towards the basket. Even with his ability to dominate as a big man at the high school level, Whitmore understands what’s coming at the next level. He put a special focus on his perimeter game this offseason and anticipates a position change to the wing in college. Speaking with Prep Hoops, Whitmore stated, “I specifically worked on my perimeter offense so I can [be] more unpredictable with the ball in my hands, and when I play at the college level I will be well prepared to play the shooting guard/wing position against [people] my height.”
Willie Williams
Willie
Williams
6'6" | PF
Houston Westfield | 2022
State
TX
– 6’5″ – PF – Houston Westfield – North Houston Bandits 2022
Williams is a big body that dominates in the post with a great touch around the rim and a very effective midrange game. He has quick and tight handles that allow him to bring the ball up the court, create his own shot, and have strong post control to get to his spots. He doesn’t get off the ground too much but he is one of the best at finishing around the rim and in the paint. He has an array of post moves and a soft touch and great feel around the rim that allows him to score against any opponent once he gets his positioning, and he can even step back and hit from midrange consistently, making him an elite threat anywhere within 15 feet of the basket. He uses his large body to create space and gather rebounds in bunches, coming away with double-doubles consistently. Even with his lack of elite leaping ability, he is a solid shot blocker down low using his long arms and IQ to stay vertical, absorb contact, and stop most opponents from scoring near the basket. Williams also has great passing and awareness, with the ability to find and pass to the open man out of the post, or when gathering defensive rebounds, immediately turning up the court for an accurate full court pass and jump starting a fast break.
Cole Reid Cole Reid 6'8" | PF Waco Midway | 2022 State TX – 6’9″ – PF – Waco Midway – Drive Nation EYBL 17U
Reid is a dominant inside presence on both ends of the court. He overpowers opponents on the offensive end, bulldozing through them in the post, making strong cuts and dunking with speed and power, or getting his team multiple opportunities with his elite offensive rebounding. He also shows good patience when looking to score down low, throwing a pump fake, allowing the defender to bite, and then putting the ball in the basket with his soft touch or a strong dunk. He is just as overpowering on the defensive end, as well. His size and strength creates a brick wall down low that very few, if any, opposing players in the state of Texas can get through, and he has good timing and strong athleticism to block most shot attempts in the paint. He can then finish off defensive possessions with his strong boxouts and unparalleled ability to secure defensive rebounds. Reid understands his role well in Midway and is looking to be elite in that regard, putting a lot of his focus this offseason on his defense and rebounding. He has also expressed great excitement about the new head coach at Midway for his senior season, Coach Eric McDade.
Caden Powell Caden Powell 6'10" | C Waco Midway | 2022 State TX – 6’10″ – C – Waco Midway – Texas Impact 4:13 UAA 2022
Powell is an emphatic shot blocker and a long, athletic finisher at the rim, creating a dominant twin tower force with his teammate, the aforementioned Cole Reid Cole Reid 6'8" | PF Waco Midway | 2022 State TX . He has the timing, length and athleticism to block any and all shots in the paint with force and power, demoralizing opponents and energizing the crowd and his teammates. He has great hands to receive lobs in the post while in traffic, keeps the ball high above his head, and can go through, around or over any opposing defender for a strong and athletic finish at the rim. He can roam the perimeter for a long range catch-and-shoot attempt and he can make timely cuts to the basket, finding open lanes, and keeping the defense on its toes at all times. He also has a refined post game, with the ability to hit hook shots, drop step scoops, and spin move dunks, along with an array of other moves to complete his offensive package. Last but not least, he attacks the offensive boards with speed and ferocity and has a quick second jump for immediate put backs.
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