The Orientation Top Big Men
This past weekend, Lynwood High School played host to The Orientation presented by Beach City Hoops. The event has become one of the top showcases in Southern California for the incoming freshman class. This season it’s the class of 2027.…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend, Lynwood High School played host to The Orientation presented by Beach City Hoops. The event has become one of the top showcases in Southern California for the incoming freshman class. This season it’s the class of 2027. I was able to attend the event and here’s a look at some of the best big men I saw.
1. Julian Cunningham
Cunningham was one of the most impressive centers at the event. He did most of his work in the paint. He’s able to use his size and strength to get and hold good post position. He’s patient and plays well with his back to the basket. He can fake the spin and shoot a little hook shot. Able to follow up misses on the offensive glass. He reads the defense well, can see the floor and pass out of the post when the defense collapses.
2. Ender Berg
Berg was a little bit more versatile as a big man, but still able to score in the paint. He gets good post position and seals while doing a good job calling for the ball. He moves in the paint from block to block, he isn’t stationary. He sets good screens and rolls to the basket; able to finish through contact off the pass. He can also turn and shoot the face-up jumper from midrange. He has good length defensively contesting shots.
3. Andre Ray
Ray is more of a forward but for this event he was matched up playing center. He’s long and lanky and athletic. He’s got a high motor, brings a lot of energy to the court and did a good job using that to sneak in for rebounds. He has good footwork around the basket. From what I saw, he’s capable of playing small ball center in certain matchups and he spaces the floor with three-point shooting.
4. Nick Welch Jr.
Welch did most of his scoring by moving off the ball and getting himself in good position. With the ball in his hands, he can hit defenders with a little up and under move around the basket. He was decisive with the ball too, making quick moves without letting the defense react. Able to handle the ball a bit in the halfcourt. Without the ball though, he did a good job making himself available for a pass, cutting the basket and lurking around the dunker spot.