Top North Dakota Big Men

<p>In this article I will be discussing some of the best big men in the state of North Dakota and what makes them so special. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="787658" first="Joe" last="Hurlburt"] - 6’11"</p> <p>As the number one ranked player in the state of North Dakota for the Class of 2022, [player_tooltip player_id="787658" first="Joe" last="Hurlburt"] has had to live up to some lofty expectations. The Enderlin Eagle committed to the Colorado Buffaloes this past year and hasn’t slowed down since. So far this season the senior has been doing a whole lot of everything on the court. From ferocious dunks, to handling/dishing the ball like a guard, stroking it from the outside, and using his size on the defensive end, the kid really is a great all-around player. With a target on his back each game, and thousands of eyes on him, [player_tooltip player_id="787658" first="Joe" last="Hurlburt"] is on his way to being remembered for a long time. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1128188" first="Conner" last="Kraft"] - 6’7"</p> <p>Currently sitting at the number one spot in the Class of 2023 is junior forward [player_tooltip player_id="1128188" first="Conner" last="Kraft"]. The Shanely Deacon has shown everything on the court so far this year, and I personally think he will get even better as the season moves on. In the games I’ve seen Kraft has shown the ability to pull-up from the mid-range or three point line, finish above the rim, handle the ball well for a guy his size, soar in the air for rebounds, and send shots back in the paint. As just a junior, I think Conner will continue to improve his game and raise his level of dominance in the EDC. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1050245" first="Ryan" last="Erikson"] - 6’10"</p> <p>Dominating the paint so far this year for the Century Patriots is junior big man [player_tooltip player_id="1050245" first="Ryan" last="Erikson"]. In the Class of 2023 Erikson is ranked as the third best player in the state, and he has been playing like it. In six games so far this season the towering prospect has been dominate in the post showing off an array of moves, efficient when finishing the ball, rebounding like a monster, and sending shots away in a violent fashion. I was very impressed with Ryan’s patience and use of footwork when scoring down low, and noticed that he is very comfortable when it comes to finishing with both hands. I can’t forget to mention that the Patriot can also handle the ball fairly well and seems to be confident in the mid range area. If he continues to work on the post moves and outside skills that I have seen already, then I can’t see anyone stopping Ryan Erickson on the offensive end. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1144600" first="Carter" last="Zeller"] - 6’6"</p> <p>As just a sophomore in the Class of 2024, number four ranked [player_tooltip player_id="1144600" first="Carter" last="Zeller"] has been playing at a high level so far this season. The Fargo North Spartan is the most efficient player in the paint amongst EDC players, rebounds at a high rate, is trustworthy from the free throw line, and is fundamentally sound on both ends of the floor. As this young mans career progresses, I see him evolving into a highly skilled and uber dominate big man, something he is surely on his way towards. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="812220" first="Gus" last="Hurlburt"] - 6’9"</p> <p>Joining his brother as a top player in the Class of 2022 is third ranked prospect [player_tooltip player_id="812220" first="Gus" last="Hurlburt"]. A guy who is being recruited by Division one schools for his ability to shoot the ball from deep, finish above the rim, and rebound efficiently. What impressed me about Gus was his smooth shooting ability and high release point, making any outside shot nearly impossible to block. I also noticed that the Enderlin senior is comfortable with putting the ball on the floor and driving to the hoop, either for a pull-up or a finish. With Hurlburt playing alongside is Divison one brother, I see a lot of success for them as the season continues. </p>