Grandview Season Preview

Clayton Conover

November 25, 2022 @ 06:00 AM

Grandview is an intriguing team, given their legitimate size within the front court. Although going 5-17 this past season, this group has a lot of potential on the defensive end, now it is a matter of ramping up the offensive side. There are few teams capable of throwing out multiple 6'6+ physical defenders, one of which has shown playmaking upside. A big area worth monitoring will be this group's floor spacing, as that will be an area they should achieve above 30% of from beyond the arc.   Key Playmakers   [player_tooltip player_id='1578232' first='Uk' last='Onyenwere'] - Power Forward   Onyenwere is a jack of all trades on the offensive end, while continuing to dominate as a versatile defender. The 6'6 forward has continued to progress as a ballhandler, utilizing pure strength to overpower opponents. Onyenwere possesses unique size to defend multiple positions, proving he can guard up against 3s and 4s. What makes the forward such a unique prospect is his passing vision, proving capable making the correct d decisions following a double team. This past season at Grandview, the forward averaged 9.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Onyenwere contributed 76% of his 45 free throw attempts last season, leaving potential and room to grow as a perimter shooter.   [player_tooltip player_id='973162' first='Simon' last='Kibbee']   The 6'8 tight end has gathered interest from multiple collegiate programs for football, however there is still room for growth on the hoops side. Kibbee plays a key role anchoring the paint as a post defender and interior rebounder. This past season, the frontcourt prospect averaged 12.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. Kibbee's defensive rebounding will be a huge factor for this group, having posted 10+ rebounds on five occassions last season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1577969' first='Colin' last='Bilotta'] - Combo Guard   Bilotta has proven himself as a knockdown shooter and fairly efficient finisher around the rim. At roughly 6' tall, the guard has shown himself as a knockdown perimeter threat who may be deployed either on or off the ball. The guard has garnered an offer from North Central University, following a summer of improved hoops. This past season, the guard averaged 6.6 points per game.   X-Factors   [player_tooltip player_id='1369828' first='Breven' last='Anderson'] - Guard   Anderson should be a valuable complementary scorer who has playmaking instincts off the dribble. Although only a freshman last season, Anderson made an immediate impact, posting 6.1 points and 1.8 assists per game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1438763' first='Alex' last='Riddick'] - Power Forward   Riddick has shown flashes as a rim protector at 6'6, proving capable meeting opponents above the rim. The power forward has the athleticism to guard down versus quicker wings, while proving wiry strong versus opposing frontcourt scoring threats. There is no doubt Riddick will play a key role as a versatile defender, however what role he plays on the offensive end remains to be seen. This past season, the forward averaged 4.9 points and 2.6 rebounds.   [player_tooltip player_id='1318393' first='Zakai' last='Strong']   The junior guard will be another playmaker who has room to grow within the roster. This past season, Strong averaged 3.8 points and 3 rebounds per game.

Grandview is an intriguing team, given their legitimate size within the front court. Although going 5-17 this past season, this group has a lot of potential on the defensive end, now it is a matter of ramping up the offensive side. There are few teams capable of throwing out multiple 6'6+ physical defenders, one of which has shown playmaking upside. A big area worth monitoring will be this group's floor spacing, as that will be an area they should achieve above 30% of from beyond the arc.