Underclassmen Big Men to Watch This Season

The upcoming basketball season is creeping closer with the tryout dates occurring within five weeks. The big men crop in the Garden State is looking to make an impact this season, especially the sophomores and freshmen. Here are the underclassmen…

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Jack Bailey Jack Bailey 6'9" | PF Blair Academy | 2025 State NJ , 6’9 PF Blair Academy 2025

Bailey is an intriguing forward prospect to watch this season with his ability to stretch the floor from deep. The 6’9 forward has a smooth stroke on his jumper and sets his feet before he shoots. Bailey can put the ball on the floor and is capable of finishing around the basket. He moves well without the ball in his hands and is a solid passer. Bailey’s ability to knock down jumpers from distance is something that will help his stock in a big way this season.

Will Higgs Will Higgs 6'11" | C St. Peter's Prep | 2026 State NJ , 6’10 C CBA 2026

Higgs joins a Colts’ squad that returns four starters from last year and made the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals. The 6’10 post has a nice touch around the basket and knows how to get position down low. Higgs is becoming more confident with his jumper and has a high release point on his shot. He uses his size to influence shots on the defensive end and sets good screens in the half court. Higgs made the Pango’s All Mid-West Frosh/Soph Camp Top 60 Game, which should translate into him having a strong 2022-23 season.

Ifaolo Tacko, 6’10 C Patrick School 2025

Tacko is a big man prospect to watch as he should play a big role down low for the Celtics. The 6’10 post plays with good footwork down low and runs the floor hard. Tacko catches almost everything thrown his way and is a solid finisher around the basket. He swats shots around the basket and rips down rebounds on both ends of the floor. Tacko is just scratching the surface of his potential and will be one to track over the next couple of years.

Nashirr Hart, 6’7 F St. Thomas Aquinas 2025

Hart is capable of playing either the 3 or the 4, making him one of the most intriguing prospects in the state. The lanky 6’7 forward attacks the basket with a purpose as he explodes off the floor for dunks and can finish through contact. Hart has a solid handle and can knock down open jumpers on the perimeter. He has the athleticism to defend multiple positions and is a strong rebounder. Hart is a talented forward prospect who should only get better over the course of the season.

Declan Wucherpfennig Declan Wucherpfennig 6'7" | PF Bergen Catholic | 2025 State NJ , 6’5 PF Bergen Catholic 2025

Wucherpfennig is an under the radar forward prospect to watch this season as he should get good minutes for the Crusaders this season. The 6’5 forward has a nice shooting stroke and shoots the ball with confidence from behind the arc. Wucherpfennig is more than just a shooter as he can also put the ball on the floor and finish around the basket. He works hard for rebounds on both ends of the floor and is an underrated defender. Wucherpfennig is in store for a breakout 2022-23 campaign and will be one to watch in Bergen County.

Other Prospects to Watch:

Logan Franz Logan Franz 6'10" | PF Rutgers Prep | 2026 State NJ , 6’10 PF Gill St. Bernard’s 2026