Spring Kick Off: Top Frontcourt Players (17U)

The Prep Hoops Spring Kick Off was loaded with talent. With teams from across the Hustle Region coming to Denver, there were a ton of college prospects in the building. Guards are easy to find in today’s game but forwards and bigs are hard to find. These frontcourt players stood out amongst the crowd and have what it takes to play and contribute at the next level. 

Parker Baumann Parker Baumann 6'5" | CG Shorecrest | 2023 State WA (Jr) – 6’5 – BDH Elite (Pictured)

Parker started the tournament with a 27-point double-double game at 9 in the morning. In today’s game, most kids live behind the arc but Parker loves the midrange. He is comfortable getting to his spots inside the arc or bullying defenders in the mid-post. His old-school style of play combined with his high IQ makes him very hard to defend. You add to the fact that he handles the ball like a point guard and rebounds the ball like a center, and you have a player who should improve his stock tremendously this summer.

Mike Karnisovas Mike Karnisovas 6'7" | SF ThunderRidge | 2022 State CO (Sr) – 6’7 – Hoops Academy

Mike was one of the top athletes in Colorado this weekend. It isn’t often that you see a player at any level get out on the break and throw down a reverse dunk with ease. The unsigned senior uses his quick bounce and first step to rebound, defend, and score out of triple threat. With his freaky athleticism and natural feel for the game, Mike has a game that will impress any coach who watches him.

Bennett Olujic Bennett Olujic 6'7" | SF Mount Si | 2023 State WA (Jr) – 6’7 – BDH Elite

Bennett was a favorite amongst college coaches due to his size and athletic ability. At the next level, Bennett is probably a stretch four but he has the potential to play either forward spot. He prefers shooting the ball of the catch but showed his ability to post up smaller defenders when necessary. His most impressive skill is his bounce which helped him to a 16 point double-double with two highlight dunks and 5 blocks. If Bennett can improve his ability to create for himself on the wing then he will significantly raise his ceiling.

Caden Stevens Caden Stevens 6'8" | C Mountain Vista | 2023 CO (Jr) – 6’8 – Elevation Flyers

Caden was my favorite big this weekend. He has the size and skillset to play traditional and back to the basket but the jumper to spread the floor. He was a “walking problem” for opposing teams because you had to pick your poison. When he wasn’t scoring, he was showing off his great vision as he found cutters and shooters from the block and high post. Watch out for Caden to raise his stock all season.

Graham Eikenberry Graham Eikenberry 6'10" | PF Lincoln | 2023 State OR – 6’11 – BDH Elite

Graham is a kid that you can’t miss. The biggest kid in the gym and he may have the biggest motor as well. All weekend he would grab the rebound, find his point guard, and then sprint the length of the floor. He never seemed to get tired and he never stopped leading vocally. He is a big man with great footwork, soft-touch, and the ability to defend without fouling. Any coach who needs a post should be calling Graham because it is clear to see how high his ceiling is.