Summer Standouts: Rim Protectors

Today, we wrap up our Summer Standout series with a look at some of New England's top rim protectors.   These prospects are some of the New England's best defenders, causing opponents to think twice before entering the paint.    Onyejiaka, a mountain of a prospect on the interior, is one of the fastest rising prospects in country. A defensive anchor in the paint, Onyejiaka is a physical presence that alters or blocks a high number of shots each time he takes the floor. With wide shoulders and a sturdy base, he does a good job of holding his position on each end of the floor. As his skill has developed, quite rapidly, he has become a nightly double-double threat. He has solid hands, tries to punish the rim every chance he gets, and has improved his ability to finish over either shoulder. Defensively, he holds his ground, contests everything by the rim, and does a good job of moving his feet when he has to guard in space. If his continues to progress at the rate he has over the last 12 months, he could see his name in the Top 50 of the national rankings coming next spring.     Kabori, one of the more agile bigs in the region, proved to be a major rim protector this summer. A lefty that can quickly cover a lot of ground, Kabori thrives as an off-ball shot blocker. He has long stides, a plus wingspan, and the ability to quickly erase shots at the rim. While he's still lean, he doesn't shy away from contact and plays with an edge on both side of the ball. He's capable of taking a bump, regaining his balance, and still high pointing an opponents shots by the rim. Offensively, he can play out to the perimeter, showing the ability to make standstill 3's and drive bad closeouts. His offensive versatility should only continue to improve as his ball skills grow, but he currently shows the ability to finish with either hand on the move, both in transition and in the half-court. He's a definite Division I prospect that should draw the attention of a handful of mid-major programs to the CATS Academy open gyms this fall.     Cofield, who had a terrific summer with The House We Built, is one of the longest prospects in New England. With a plus 7" wingspan, Cofield is able to impact the game in a variety of ways on the defensive end of the floor. Offensively, he does a good job of running the floor in transition, has a solid set of hands, and tries to dunk everything he catches out of the dunker spot. He's a good athlete that has improved his conditioning and toughness over the last 12 months, allowing him to play harder for longer periods of time. Defensively, he shows good lateral movement, the ability to guard in different ball screen schemes, and a particular aggressiveness when coming from the help position to block shots. He does a good job of walling up in the post and when he does block a shot, makes sure to do it emphatically. Arguably the top big in the state of Maine, he has a chance to play his way into scholarship consideration in his first year in the NEPSAC.     Ibeziako, one of the bouncier forwards in the region, is a dynamic athlete that takes full advtange of his physical gifts in the paint. Capable of finishing plays high above the rim on both ends of the floor, Ibeziako continues to add various elements to his game. A high riser on the offensive end of the floor, he's one of the best in-game dunkers in New England and a threat to dunk on opposing defenders any time they challenge him at the rim. He's starting to show signs of making plays off the bounce, particularly when he catches at the top of the key. Defensively, he's not only explosive vertically, but also laterally, allowing him to guard multiple positions and quickly cover ground. He's best as an off-ball shot blocker, coming from the weakside to disrupt or alter opponents that have gotten into the paint. He has D1 athleticism and a budding skillset that should garner the attention of mid-majors along the east coast this fall.     Goode, one of the top newcomers to the region, followed up a strong junior season with a fantastic scholastic showing at the NEPSAC events. A high IQ big man, Goode has a great feel for the game on both ends of the floor. He's an intelligent shot blocker that picks his opportunities and does so without fouling. While he isn't an explosive athlete, he has good positional size and length, and does a good job of playing angles and using his body to his advantage. Offensively, he has an advanced low post game and the ability to make plays out to 15'. He has a soft touch on his hooks shots and short jumpers and sees the floor well for someone of his size. He has received numerous offers from low to mid-major programs and is currently in the process of setting up fall visits.

Today, we wrap up our Summer Standout series with a look at some of New England's top rim protectors.