Spring Watch: 2024 Bigs
As crazy as it seems, we are right around the corner from AAU season tipping off. The first live period is officially less than a month away and while it’s almost guaranteed that the AAU ‘transfer portal’ opens up we…
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Continue ReadingAs crazy as it seems, we are right around the corner from AAU season tipping off. The first live period is officially less than a month away and while it’s almost guaranteed that the AAU ‘transfer portal’ opens up we will see a change of scenery for a bunch of the prospects that I’ll highlight over the next week or so, it’s still that time to shed light on who should be on folks’ radar moving into spring. Let’s look at the bigs who get it done in the paint.
Embeya burst onto the scene with authority as he made the move from the Patrick School (NJ) to St. Maria Goretti last fall. The 6’8 center is a workhorse and comes with one of the best motors you’ll find in the area, especially for his position. He walked away with BCL Defensive Player of the Year and First Team honors due to his dominance inside at both ends. He uses a variety of pump fakes while working on the block, possesses great hands on dump-off passes and is tremendous in rebounding out of his area. While his overall skill still needs work, the effort that he brings alone will result in a game-changing presence for Melo.
Malachi Marable | DC Premier
Marable has always been an intriguing prospect with his size at 6’9. He anchored Maret this season averaging 9.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per contest. Marable is at his best around the rim turning over his shoulder for hooks where he finishes efficiently. He’s become a better rebounder in time and learned to embrace his frame to help control the glass with more consistency. The game has certainly shifted to a guards game, but having size and quality bigs remains crucial if you want to advance in elimination play. We will track Marable closely as this summer approaches.
Tautoko Wynyard | Global Sqaud
Wynyard was supposed to play this season for Mt. Carmel in the BCL, but due to league guidelines he transferred to Oak Hill where he played spot minutes. He has massive size at 6’10 with a 7’4 wingspan and weighs in around 260 pounds. He still has a ways to go with polishing his skill set, but for now he’s a bruising inside presence who will be interesting to evaluate on the UAA Circuit with Global Squad in his first real opportunity since moving from New Zealand.