Post-Spring Report: Best Available Bigs
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With the transfer portal still filled with players with college basketball experience from varying levels, we wanted to take a closer look at some of the best available high school prospects based in Southern California. We continue our coverage with…
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Continue ReadingWith the transfer portal still filled with players with college basketball experience from varying levels, we wanted to take a closer look at some of the best available high school prospects based in Southern California. We continue our coverage with the best available big men.
Isaiah Chappell Isaiah Chappell 6'9" | PF South Kent | 2023 State #278 Nation , Crossroads
Chappell is one of the more skilled four/five men on this list. At 6-feet-9 with ball skills, touch out to the three-point line, back to the basket feel and good instincts as a passer out of the high and low posts, the senior could make an impact at the Division 1 level over time. What Chappell needs to work on is keeping his frame in top shape and that, along with improved conditioning and athleticism, could garner him some looks. Last we heard Chappell was planning to take a post-grad year.
Jazz Gardner Jazz Gardner 7'0" | C Los Altos | 2023 State #85 Nation , West Ranch
Gardner is the top overall prospect left on the board and just happens to be on an official visit to Oregon as we type this (and you read it). It really is surprising that a Division 1 program hasn’t taken Gardner off the board as he’s a legit 7-footer with some offensive tools that translate to the next level. Gardner can knock down open catch and shoot three’s, is a mobile rim runner and coordinated finisher inside and has plenty more that can be shaped and molded by the right staff. Size has been a premium in the transfer portal which makes us think Jazz won’t be on the board much longer.
Terrance Hampton Terrance Hampton 6'6" | PF Maranatha | 2023 State , Maranatha
Hampton is a bit of a throwback power forward with his size, style of play and skill-set that he brings to the floor. The 6-foot-7 senior brings the “power” back to this position in that he uses his strong frame to bully his way through defenders to create space to score inside. Hampton has soft touch with either hand, can step out and knock down 15-foot face-up jumpers and is an all-around competitor.
Xavier Edmonds Xavier Edmonds 6'8" | PF Bishop Montgomery | 2023 State #245 Nation , Bishop Montgomery
Edmonds’ skill-set is undeniably among the best on this list of players. At 6-feet-8, Edmonds has inside-out scoring touch complete with back to the basket feel and three-point shooting off the catch. One of the biggest sticking points I’ve had with him is how he translates to the next level defensively. Is he mobile enough to guard Division 1 four men? Does he have the vertical athleticism to be a rim protecting five?