Orange County Standouts: Top Bigs
Here we are taking a look at our Orange County Standouts series of players that aren’t getting the recognition that they deserve. These are our top Bigs that thrive in different areas including shot blocking, paint presence, and controlling the…
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Continue ReadingHere we are taking a look at our Orange County Standouts series of players that aren’t getting the recognition that they deserve. These are our top Bigs that thrive in different areas including shot blocking, paint presence, and controlling the game on both ends.
Matt Mowers – PF/C – 6’4” – 2024 Trabuco Hills
In my opinion, he is the most intriguing big man in Orange County. With the size of a center, he plays like a traditional guard and also leads the team in all three statistical categories while shooting 54% from the field. As a combo big, he is a great trailing three-point shooter, with an average of 44% from the arc. His intelligence though is his greatest skill because he will always make the right play. He is a ball-dominant player with his team but he makes quality decisions with and without the ball. He is a very rare 5-tool big man that I expect even more from next season.
Jake Bennett – C/PF – 6’7” – 2023 Tesoro
He is the definition of the new traditional big man that you want on your roster. Everything he does, he does at a high level. His best attributes include his shot-blocking and finishing ability. You can’t teach size and this kid combines his size with a great deal of skill. His touch around the rim and in the midrange is very impressive to watch and the only thing holding him back is an opportunity. I am excited to see him get a chance at the next level.
Nathan Draper – PF – 6’4” – 2023 Tesoro
Not a conventional big man but he plays on the inside and outside. What makes him unique is the defensive identity that he brings to his team. I watched him guard all five positions throughout a single game multiple times this season. He is strong enough to guard centers in the post and he is quick enough to stay with a point guard. His offensive game is more limited but he is a great finisher in transition and while cutting to the basket. If your roster is lacking defensive prowess, he will instantly add value to your team.
Alexander Frost – C – 6’7” – 2024 Mission Viejo
This Junior center is a consistent 8 points and 8 rebounds on a stacked roster while shooting over 50% from the field. He is my definition of a hard-working center. He brings energy on the defensive end as a shot blocker that is active on switches and is able to keep guards in front of him. On the offensive end, he has an effective jump hook on both sides and will hit a shot from the elbow when left open. I had the chance to see him a lot this year and I didn’t see him take a play off all year. He runs hard, does his job and he will have an even bigger role next year, so I expect big things.
Alessandro Burns – C – 6’5” – 2023 Western
A Senior center who led his team to a 10-0 record in league, with averages of 10 points and 8 rebounds on 46% from the field. He is a lefty that likes a steady dose of post-ups but also loves to play in the mid-range. He did all of that with a limited amount of touches so if he were to get more opportunities, he would provide even more. He is fantastic at rebounding on both ends and brings a lot of pressure to the opposing bigs. He makes quick decisions and has great touch around the rim. He also provides a good paint presence that any roster could use.