Rising Post Players All Classes
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The top question from college coaches is almost always “do you know of any bigs?”. The answer is always yes, but it never seems we have enough in WV. The need for skilled post players is on the rise just…
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Continue ReadingThe top question from college coaches is almost always “do you know of any bigs?”. The answer is always yes, but it never seems we have enough in WV. The need for skilled post players is on the rise just as the players we’re mentioning here.
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Tyronn Paulin
Tyronn Paulin 6'6" | SF St Albans | 2025 State WV has continued to improve throughout last season to the present. The strong bodied power forward, who can slide out and be comfy at small forward, has a high ceiling to improve and be an effective player at the next level early. With a big senior year coming up Paulin should be on every NAIA, JUCO, D3, prep and post grad watchlist.
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Ben Putnam
Ben Putnam 6'5" | PF Lewis County | 2025 State WV has started to create some early spring recruiting buzz showing a nice skill set along with some ability to play tough and rugged in the paint. Putnam enters his senior year as likely leader in most statistical categories and a nightly double double. NAIA, JUCO, D3, prep and post grad should all take notice because he would definitely help alot of programs who need skilled post guys who can slide out and face up.
- Luke Michael Luke Michael 6'4" | PF Sissonville | 2025 State WV could be the player that emerges from this group as the hottest prospect by mid season this winter. Michael has great athletic ability, great feet and seems to be able to play and be comfortable anywhere on the floor. If he continues to be a solid ball handler and shooter he possibly slides to a SF slot but for now consider him a hybrid with his given skill set. Michael should also be on the radar of NAIA, JUCO, D3, prep and post grad programs.
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Drew Fitzwater
Drew Fitzwater 6'6" | PF Greater Beckley Christian | 2025 State WV is probably the most improved player on this list and should make a big contribution to Woodrow Wilson’s success this upcoming season. Fitzwater shoots it deep at a high rate, as well as bangs inside and is becoming very efficient and effective. His size with skill will certainly land him in a program or at least with the opportunity in coming months. NAIA, JUCO, D3, prep and post grad should act quickly as he will have alot of interest.
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Anden Santamaria
Anden Santamaria 6'7" | PF Musselman | 2026 State WV is one player we’ve only been able to see in person once, but did we ever leave impressed. Santamaria’s length and athleticism is obvious immediately. He is a great help side shot blocker, 1-2 dribble post player as well as finishes breaks with dunks nearly every opportunity. We would put Santamaria as a solid D2 prospect with his current size, skill and athleticism.
- Taj Joyce Taj Joyce 6'4" | PF Parkersburg South | 2026 State WV is possibly the most interesting player here. He’s a solid built PF prospect who takes care of business. We’ve recently seen him fill up stat sheets in his high school summer league and looks to be solidifying himself as a possible starter for Parkersburg South. But Joyce is also a serious threat on the football field as a WR which could be his future at the next level. Look forward to watching the next couple years unfold and see which direction his recruiting goes. For now its a little early to project his basketball prospects but there’s not doubt he’d have a chance at the next level by his senior year, but football could take that crown.
- Kaleil Lewis Kaleil Lewis 6'4" | PF University | 2027 State WV has grown into a 6’5″ force in the paint. He puts Gen X’ers in mind of a lot of old school players with his rugged paint based play. But like Joyce above, Lewis also has a future in football and with his size, strength and athletic ability its easy to see why. Lewis has lit up some tournament venues with thunderous put back dunks all the while muscling rebounds away from opponents and bodying up on defense. The future is bright for Lewis and its exciting to think what his future would bring. Its obvious he could play hoops at the next level given all his physical attributes and athletic ability. But again, football could come calling.
- Noah Hood Noah Hood 6'5" | C Tyler Consolidated | 2028 WV is who we’ve seen as the top post so far in his class. Hood has played at the varsity level in every tournament he been in this spring while holding his own and at times scoring right with incoming juniors and seniors who are often bigger and stronger. Hood has a soft touch and great vision to find open players on the perimeter using a higher than normal basketball IQ for a 2028. As an incoming freshman we’ll not project for Hood quite yet, but all things considered he’s on the right path to play at the next level.