Prep Hoops Live: Post Threats
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Over 120 17U teams were in Kansas for Prep Hoops Live competing in front of college coaches, families, and hoop fans. With talent from all over the country, there were a ton of exciting prospects to watch. In today’s game,…
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Continue ReadingOver 120 17U teams were in Kansas for Prep Hoops Live competing in front of college coaches, families, and hoop fans. With talent from all over the country, there were a ton of exciting prospects to watch. In today’s game, most kids live on the perimeter, these players are threats on the block.
Mark Nikolich-Wilson Mark Nikolich-Wilson 6'7" | C Rolling Meadows | 2023 State IL – 6’7 W/P – Full Package Black
Nikolich-Wilson has the size that coaches love. He is 6’7 but has a strong frame which makes him seem even taller. He moves very well for his size and has great mobility when defending small guards. On offense, he showed great hands and footwork. He also displayed some elite-level vision and the ability to pass with either hand out of the post. Not only was he a post threat, but he can also shoot it well and even showed off a one-legged fade in the mid-post.
Decedric Webb Decedric Webb 6'5" | SF Huntington | 2023 State LA – 6’6 W – OWE
Webb showed he could play either forward spot. I would assume he developed his post abilities due to being stronger than most of his peers but his footwork in the post is one of his best strengths. With his size and quickness, he was a problem for other forwards to defend. He could face up like a guard and then take you into the post to score on the inside. He also rebounded very well due to his quick second bounce.
Dallas Bear Dallas Bear 6'8" | SF Cedar Falls | 2023 State #276 Nation IA – 6’8 W – Iowa Barnstormers
Bear was one of my favorite prospects I got to see. He is a true utility guy. Someone who can play every position on the floor. Showed a nice wiggle off the dribble when leading the break. Shot the ball well from three when slower defenders backed up. In the post, he had an elite level touch with floaters and hooks when in the post.
Levi Birkholz Levi Birkholz 5'2" | SG Lakeside Luthersn | 2023 State #290 Nation WI – 6’3 G – Wisconsin Crusaders (Pictured)
It is weird that a guard would be written about as a post-up threat but Birkholz is a strong athletic point guard who played the game with an old-school style. He was a wonderful facilitator who knew when to score and when to pass. Down the stretch, he showed his maturity when he started putting the other team’s guards in the post. He was very comfortable on the block and understand how to read help with his back to the basket.
Graham Eikenberry Graham Eikenberry 6'10" | PF St Andrew’s RI | 2023 State OR – 6’11 – BDH Elite
What is not to love about a 6’11 post who runs the floor? Eikenberry has the size but his motor and leadership were something I didn’t see from another big. He sprints the floor every possession and was the loudest defender in the gym whether he was involved on offense or not. When in the post, he loves his hook over his left shoulder. He also is a great offensive rebounder who keeps it high and cleans up after his teammates.