5 Western Pennsylvania Big Men Who Can Post Up and Face Up
The post-game isn’t utilized in basketball as it once was. That said, many high school and small college teams still utilize players who can play with their backs to the basket. In this post, we explore some players with great…
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Continue ReadingThe post-game isn’t utilized in basketball as it once was. That said, many high school and small college teams still utilize players who can play with their backs to the basket. In this post, we explore some players with great post moves who can also face up and step away from the lane. In short, these big guys are a mix of old and new school hoops strategy.
Grayson Wallace
Grayson Wallace
Rising Senior Grayson Wallace has quickly established himself as a leading big man. His unique combination of traditional big-man skills, shooting range, and court vision has made him a stand out player at McGuffey.Standing at 6’5″, Wallace exhibits impressive footwork and the ability to play with his back to the hoop. Last year, he averaged 10 points per game, and Grayson is capable of even more this season. He possesses a reliable mid-range jump shot and can step back to knock down three-point shots. Wallace’s ball handling skills are noteworthy for a player of his size. His passing vision is also commendable.Defensively, Wallace’s exceptional hustle stands out. He is tireless when it comes to running the floor or diving after loose balls. His rebounding skills, averaging seven a game, coupled with his shot-blocking, make him a formidable presence in the paint. Look for Grayson to notch several double-doubles this year.
Josh Book
Josh Book
Josh Book, a rising Senior at Slippery Rock, has a game built for versatility, as his ability to both post up and face up makes him a consistent offensive threat. Book should be a double-double machine in the coming year. His powerful rebounding skills, combined with his physical style of play, make him a dominant force in the paint.Offensively, Josh has a well-rounded game. He is as comfortable with his back to the hoop as he is facing it. His solid mid-range jump shot allows him to score from different areas on the court, challenging the defense and opening up the floor for his teammates. Book also has an impressive collection of post moves at his disposal.Josh also boasts proficiency as a 3-point shooter when he can get his feet set. Overall, Josh Book’s ability to post up and face up, combined with his physical presence and shooting range, sets him apart as a top big man in Western Pennsylvania.
Ryan Ceh
Ryan Ceh
Ryan Ceh, a rising Senior at Mars, boasts a unique blend of physical attributes and skills that provides him with the versatility to be a dominant force on both ends of the court. Standing tall at 6’6″, Ceh possesses an impressive +30-inch vertical leap.
Ryan’s knack for knowing how the ball will fall off the rim makes him an excellent rebounder. This skill, coupled with his vertical leap, gives him an edge in securing boards over his opponents and converting them for points on the offensive end. Perhaps most impressive is Ceh’s 3-point shooting ability. His accuracy from beyond the arc is remarkable for a player of his size, having shot 40% from 3-point range last season. This ability to stretch the floor and make shots from deep offers his team strategic flexibility and enhances his overall value on the court.Ryan can also post up, especially when matched up with shorter defenders. The drop step and up-and-under led to many dunks last season.
Remi Black Remi Black 6’7″ | PF Mars | 2024 State PA , a 6’7″ rising Senior at Mars, is asserting himself as one of the top big men in Western Pennsylvania. Offensively, Black possesses soft hands that allow for excellent touch around the basket. He is most proficient when he gets the ball on the block, particularly utilizing his baby-hook shot. His fluid movements allows him to navigate effectively within the paint and finish strong at the rim, even with contact. Remi also boasts a nice shooting stroke, allowing him to step away from the rim and stretch the floor. Black’s strong rebounding skills, particularly on the offensive boards, give his team extra possessions and scoring opportunities. Remi’s size and skill set suggest that he has the potential to play at the college level. With added bulk to his frame, his efficiency in the post could further improve.
Highlights
Liam Mignogna Liam Mignogna 6’7″ | C Hampton | 2024 State PA , a 6’9″ rising Senior at Hampton, features a unique combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ. His ability to secure rebounds and score consistently means he has the potential to become a double-double machine in the upcoming season.Offensively, Mignogna runs the floor well and has the ability to finish at the rim with authority. His movement is fluid and purposeful, and he finishes well on high-percentage shots while in the post. But what sets Mignogna apart from other big men is his defense beyond the arc. His quick hands and lengthy frame pose significant challenges for defenders, even those typically comfortable guarding the perimeter.