The Stage: Friday Night Bigs
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As the The Stage tipped off in downtown Indianapolis on Friday night. The lights shined the brightest appropriately enough on the big guys. The theme of the night was near elite rim protection. With some old school post moves mixed…
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Continue ReadingAs the The Stage tipped off in downtown Indianapolis on Friday night. The lights shined the brightest appropriately enough on the big guys. The theme of the night was near elite rim protection. With some old school post moves mixed in for good measure
Following are five that caught my eye from the deep field on Friday
Tyler Van Gorp Tyler Van Gorp 6'10" | C New Trier | 2023 State IL 6-10 2023 New Trier (IL) (pictured at top of article) Van Gorp was huge presence at the rim all game. Numerous blocked shots and alterations. Has excellent vertically that helped him avoid foul trouble. This was big as his Hoops 4 Health squad only had six players at the start of the contest. Defense is definitely ahead of the offense at this point. But has good ball skills that are a positive sign for future development. Also showed good hands by catching a few difficult passes in traffic. On the skinny side and will need add weight to his frame. But has the corresponding extreme wing span that can make up for this deficiency. Runs the courts easily and appears to be a fluid athlete. A lot to work with for a college coach.
Jason Jakstys Jason Jakstys 6'10" | C Yorkville | 2024 State #141 Nation IL 6-9 2024 Yorkville (IL) Very similar to fellow land of Lincoln post Van Gorp (see above) But might have more upside due to his age and offensive skill. You can copy and paste everything from above. A combination of extreme length and fluid mobility make him a defensive menace. I was impressed with how he rose to the moment in a nail biting win over Kansas City Spurs. Was on a island in transition against a much smaller player late in tie ballgame. Moved his feet quickly while hanging in the air to notch a game saving block. On the ensuing possession the offense ran through him. Jakstys calmly took his time and found the open man to win the game. The size and skill combined with the composure make this young man a fast rising prospect in the class of 2024.
Domas Kauzonas 6-10 2023 Rabun Gap-Nacooche (GA) A throw back old school post. Kauzonas doesn’t psss the initial eye test. But the nuance of his game becomes readily apparent the more you watch him. Uses his wide frame to seal off defenders easily and establish deep post position. After the catch shows an assortment of post moves and pump fakes that are uncommon for a player his age. Has a soft touch around the basket. But will want to get into these moves a little quicker at the next level. Not surprisingly the Atlanta area player has international experience in Lithuania. Not the most fluid athlete. But could be a steal for a patient college coach with plan for physical development. The skill set is already there.
Dallas Bear Dallas Bear 6'8" | SF Cedar Falls | 2023 State #276 Nation IA 6-8 2023 Cedar Falls (IA) Unlike the first three bigs on this list. Bear has an extremely advanced perimeter game. So much so that he is probably a three man at the next level. Didn’t have the best game shooting the ball in a loss to Full Package (IL) But he showed the ability to get to his spots easily off the bounce. Also had a smooth and easy release from the perimeter. The lack of wasted motion and a high release point make it a hard shot to block. While he has the perimeter skills. Didn’t float around out there. Showed the willingness to mix it up down low at times.
Special Mention
Timothy Winkler III 6-9 2026 IMG Academy (FL) I’ll close with something you see at every big time AAU tournament. Just a middle schooler playing up three grade levels in the top classification. I hope you catch the sarcasm dripping in that statement. I have heard the hype. He lived up to it and then some. So much mobility, skill, and touch on such a young prospect. He is extremely light on his feet and moves like a guard. But does not have the rail thin frame that prospects like this often have. Has broad shoulders and a wide base that makes you think he could easily add weight as he ages. If he is able keep his agility as his frame fills out we could be looking at a prospect with limitless potential. He doesn’t need to get any taller. The Chicago area player was running with the Mac Irvin Fire this weekend. He is slated to play with prep powerhouse IMG Academy in the coming year. Get to know this name. I think you will be hearing it a lot in the next four years.