Bigs That Need More Recognition

Sean Harris

March 17, 2023 @ 07:09 PM

Power forwards and centers at the high school level are probably the toughest players to evaluate because the size at this level and the college level are so different. These big men have shown that they exceed expectations and still aren't getting as much attention as they deserve for their respective games.   [player_tooltip player_id='1630633' first='Maper' last='Maker'] – C – 7'0” – 2025 Fairmont Prep (SoCal)   It does not surprise the build that Thon Maker's cousin has, but I think he has the potential to be a lot better. He does have the same build but the skillset is a lot different. Primarily a defensive menace, I am impressed by his skill rather than his gift. He has worked really hard at his craft of being a defensive big man and it is not just the gift of size that helps him with that. Watching him play a full game instead of just the highlights, you can see how he can singlehandedly impact a game. He is also able to deter point guards from scoring on a switch. On the offensive end, he has really improved his ball handling and midrange game. Look for his capability to block a shot and go take it coast to coast as a 7-foot big man.   [player_tooltip player_id='1449295' first='Ibrahim' last='Souare'] – PF – 6'10” – 2024 Dream City Christian (AZ)   The first time I saw him play he had a buzzer-beating poster dunk. Even when surrounded by other D1 talent, he still catches your eye. His presence is felt on the defensive end, and his game reminds me of Evan Mobley. He blocks shots, picks pockets, and is always in the right spots while knowing how to space the floor. Being in the right place at the right time is an underrated skill in the game and he continues to prove that he has a high basketball IQ. I am also very impressed with his use of his body and length. Watching him make good basketball plays without just playing bully ball shows why he can thrive at the next level. His shooting touch has room to grow but he has improved every year thus far and I see no intention of him stopping.   [player_tooltip player_id='1434822' first='TiJuan' last='Lumpkin'] – PF – 6'7” – 2023 Village Christian (SoCal)   Even from the first time I saw him last year to the end of the season this year is a whole other jump. The progress in his offensive efficiency is what was most impressive. Being at the high school level with his size has its advantages, but his ability to hold different roles within a roster is impressive. As a big, he is able to bring up the ball, hit a step-back three, and still has a big body to punish the defense down low. His strength comes in the open court whether filling a lane or even running the break. He is a legit D1 prospect that has a solid build and can fill any role or position needed. On the defensive end, he is active and doesn't wait for anyone to come to him.   [player_tooltip player_id='1384639' first='Kellen' last='Hampton'] – PF – 6'7” – 2025 Moreau Catholic (NorCal)   A director of traffic every time he steps on a basketball floor. What stands out is his powerful play of throwing down dunks left and right, but there is more to his game when you watch him over the course of an entire season. He led his team to a league 14-0 in a tough conference with averages of 20 points and 10 rebounds per game on 50% from the field and 42% from three. He has the body and skills to succeed at the next level and he still has two more years to develop. He is a scary prospect to scoop up before he gets more national attention because all he does is keep improving. As you can see by his shooting splits, there is more to his game than bully ball. If he keeps trending in the right direction I expect big things from him.

Power forwards and centers at the high school level are probably the toughest players to evaluate because the size at this level and the college level are so different. These big men have shown that they exceed expectations and still aren't getting as much attention as they deserve for their respective games.