Grassroots Roundup: Young Bigs
Jaiylen Ekanen HEIGHT 6'3" POS N/A CLASS 2030 Jaiylen Ekanen Club: Grassroots Elite Ekanen is an imposing big man with size and length. He was one of the better rebounders I saw, taking advantage of his size, but also using…
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Jaiylen Ekanen
Jaiylen Ekanen
Ekanen is an imposing big man with size and length. He was one of the better rebounders I saw, taking advantage of his size, but also using a quick 1st jump to keep balls alive and retrieve them himself. He runs the floor well, and shows good hands for a young player. Once a game he would make a move that made you take notice. He reminds me of the first time I saw Kansas Big Man Ernest Udeh.
![Jacobi Thompson](https://prephoops.com/wp-content/themes/prep-network-content/public/images/generic-male.png)
Jacobi Thompson
Jacobi Thompson
Some young big guys play timid and seem to be ashamed of their size. That is not the case with Thompson. There were times the nearly 6’4 big absolutely dominated games with his rebounding and defense. He had a couple of monster blocks making it seem for a moment as he could genuinely deflate the ball with one of his thunderous spikes. The incoming 7th grader displayed some finesse to go with that power, making a nice faceup, driving left-handed finish in the game I saw.
![Labosaba Hardy Bacon](https://prephoops.com/wp-content/themes/prep-network-content/public/images/generic-male.png)
Labosaba Hardy Bacon
Labosaba Hardy Bacon
LHB is going to be a fan favorite when he plays at the high school level. He impacts games with his interior scoring, interior defense and rebounding. The power forward is impossible to move on the block, and moved well when running the floor. His ability to wrestle away 50/50 rebounds gives you an idea just how strong his hands are.
![Jhamar Clark](https://prephoops.com/wp-content/themes/prep-network-content/public/images/generic-male.png)
Jhamar Clark
Jhamar Clark
I have a feeling Clark’s position is going to change a lot throughout his basketball career. I don’t think it’s going to matter much as he’s best described as a player. The hybrid forward is one of the best passers that I have graded at that level, with a natural ability to make the difficult and easy pass alike. He can score around the rim with his back to the basket, however in my opinion his super power is his ability to grab the defensive rebound and lead the break.
![Amari Daley](https://prephoops.com/wp-content/themes/prep-network-content/public/images/generic-male.png)
Amari Daley
Amari Daley
First of all, Daley wins my teammate award for the week, as he has that Grassroots cheer stuck in my head. The forward showed that he can do more than just talk a good game though, as he immediately made an impact when inserted into the game I saw. The active forward was everywhere, getting putbacks, grabbing boards and winning every 50/50 opportunity for three straight minutes.
![Jaiylen Ekanen](https://prephoops.com/wp-content/themes/prep-network-content/public/images/generic-male.png)
Jaiylen Ekanen
Jaiylen Ekanen
![](https://prephoops.com/wp-content/themes/prep-network-content/public/images/evaluation-blur.png)
![Jacobi Thompson](https://prephoops.com/wp-content/themes/prep-network-content/public/images/generic-male.png)
Jacobi Thompson
Jacobi Thompson
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![Labosaba Hardy Bacon](https://prephoops.com/wp-content/themes/prep-network-content/public/images/generic-male.png)
Labosaba Hardy Bacon
Labosaba Hardy Bacon
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![Jhamar Clark](https://prephoops.com/wp-content/themes/prep-network-content/public/images/generic-male.png)
Jhamar Clark
Jhamar Clark
![](https://prephoops.com/wp-content/themes/prep-network-content/public/images/evaluation-blur.png)
![Amari Daley](https://prephoops.com/wp-content/themes/prep-network-content/public/images/generic-male.png)
Amari Daley
Amari Daley
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