Senior Size Coming Back

Prep Hoops Staff

July 28, 2023 @ 10:29 PM

You can't teach size.   Of the top players returning for next season, size stands out. While Kansas will feature a lot of really good small players, there is a nice crop of bigs, as well as some big men at the guard position.   Here's a look at some of the big 2024s who will have the spotlight next high school season:   Elite Talents:   [player_tooltip player_id='1461338' first='Joey' last='Matteoni'], 6-foot-8 forward, 2024, Blue Valley Northwest:   Ever since Matteoni emerged as a rebounding and rim-running force for the Huskies as a sophomore, he has steadily climbed up the Prep Hoops rankings. He was the best of a whole crew of good bigs for Blue Valley Northwest last year, and will become the team leader next season. His combination of agility, length and athleticism make him a tough matchup at the forward position.   [player_tooltip player_id='1953939' first='Kaden' last='Franklin'], 6-foot-6 forward, 2024, Derby:   Franklin's stock continues to rise as he's added size to his impressive skill set. Listed at 6-foot-6 last season, he looks taller and considerably more powerful this summer. Franklin is a big man who can face the basket, put the ball on the floor and make plays in the midrange. Add that to his ability to run and jump and his increasing power, and Franklin is growing into a monster forward.   Impressive Physiques:   Kaedin Massey, 6-foot-8 center, 2024, Lyndon:   There's probably no more impressive physique in the state than Massey's. He towers over opponents at 6-foot-8, and he's now up to 280 pounds. He has yet to really dominate on the basketball court. The question is whether he ever will. He's now committed to play football at Kansas State. If he decides to play basketball his senior season, he will be a man among boys.   [player_tooltip player_id='1953942' first='Hudson' last='Baker'], 6-foot-8 center, 2024, Labette County:   Baker's length is impressive. He towers over the lane and alters a lot of shots, particularly because he moves well for a man of his size. He slides off his man to cut off drivers, and he runs the floor to chase down plays in transition. He has some strength and athleticism to go with his length.   [player_tooltip player_id='1378442' first='Tory' last='Homan'] 6-foot-7 center, 2024, Maize South:   Homan attacks the goal with ferocity. He rocks the rim with both hands when given the ball in transition or on the low block, and he goes after offensive rebounds looking for mid-air putbacks. He's been a physically-advanced force in the paint for a couple of years, and is now poised for a big senior campaign. His school tends to be guard-led, but he should get plenty of opportunities to impress as a tough matchup in the lane.   Small School Stud:   [player_tooltip player_id='1270299' first='Eli' last='Lawson'], 6-foot-7 center, 2024, Bennington (pictured):   One of the most skilled centers at any level, Lawson should dominate this year in the 2A class, which graduated most of its all-state bigs. He combines size, power and fundamental skill in the lane. Lawson has great hands to receive passes and convert around the goal. He's demonstrated in club action that he can hang with the best bigs from the biggest schools.   Big Guard:   [player_tooltip player_id='1270090' first='TJ' last='Williams'], 6-foot-5 guard, 2024, Wichita Heights:   What position does Williams play, really? He does everything but mop the floor and pop the popcorn. More often than not, he's got the ball in his hands in transition or at the top of the key to distribute the ball or attack off the bounce. His height allows him to see over, and pass or shoot over, most defenders. He's got a solid build for powering through the lane on the bounce, and he is a monster when he rises to the rim.

You can't teach size.