Summer Superlatives - The Rim Protectors

The Summer Superlatives series rolls on with a look at some defensive standouts - The Rim Protectors!   If you haven't read the first few articles in this series, we'll share that these lists are not Top 5 lists! In fact, we'll aim to use each list to highlight standout prospects that we believe will eventually play at a variety of levels of college basketball. From high majors to the Division III level, these superlatives will recognize a wide range of prospects that stood out with their play on the hardwood this summer.   Below are The Rim Protectors - five prospects that stood out this summer with their ability to protect the air space around their basket, making scoring a difficult task for opponents.   [player_tooltip player_id='2878517' first='Cherif' last='Milogo']   Milogo, a 7'4" big out of CATS Academy in Massachusetts, immediately announced his presence in New England at June's NEPSAC Showcase. There are only a few humans in the world that stand 7'4" or taller and even fewer that can combine that height with athleticism and mobility the way he does. He was, arguably, the breakout star of the summer on a national level and instantly became on of the top rim protectors in the country. At NEPSAC, he had a sequence of two of the most impressive blocks I've seen live, highpointing a shot above the block and following it up with a two handed block reminiscent of a block you'd see at a volleyball net in the Summer Olympics. He understands his ability to protect the rim and does it at a really high level, both while guarding in the post and when rotating from the help side. His ability to block shots, is only complimented by his presence alone being a factor that alters shots. He ended June with offers from Alabama and Georgia, indicating that his will be the highest of high major recruitments going forward.   [player_tooltip player_id='2560962' first='Emmanuel' last='Malok']   Malok, a 6'11" big out of St. Thomas More School in Connecticut, has elite physical tools that he used to his advantage this summer as one of the best shot blockers in the region. A 2027 that played on the EYBL circuit with the New York Lightning, he is reported to have a 7'4" winspan, making him one of the longest prospects in the region. While his height and length stand out, it's his agility, mobility, and motor that make him an elite rim protector. He's one of the few prospects that has the ability to, and on occasion will, block multiple periemter jump shots in a game. He covers ground quickly with long strides, has great timing as a shot blocker, and does a nice job of rotating to protect the rim when opposing guards drive. He'll need to get stronger, but there are few prospects around that can match his combination of length, agility, and skill, all of which only compliment his willingness to buy into his role defensively. He's got all the tools programs look for in a modern big and it wouldn't be suprising to see scholarship start to role in this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='2689518' first='Isaac' last='Olaniba']   Olaniba, a 6'8" forward out of Mount Saint Charles Academy in Rhode Island, stood out all summer long with Team New England Basketball Club. One of the most physically impressive 2028 prospects in the country, he has elite positional size and measurables. On top of that, he's a plus athlete that plays with a terrific motor on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he is terrific in transition, quickly covering ground and chasing down would be scoring threats around the rim. He blocks a lot of shots coming from the help side and is quite good at forcing opponents to finish over his size in both the mid-range and around the rim. He moves his feet well and uses his length to his advantage. The physical profile, effort level, and budding skill scream scholarship level talent, but it's probably still to early to speculate on what level his recruitment will end up at.   [player_tooltip player_id='2818618' first='Isaac' last='Saas']   Saas, a 6'9" big out of Tabor Academy in Massachusetts, took his game to another level this summer while running with the New England Storm. He has terrific positional size, good length, and an impressive frame that allows him to play with both mobility and physicality. He does a nice job of guarding in the post, using his length to his advantage when walling up, and guarding at a high level without fouling. He contests shots on the perimeter and in the mid-range and is the type of defender that, while maybe not posting the highest block numbers, will alter a ton of shots. After deciding to transfer and reclassify this summer, he'll be a prospect that has a chance to see his recruitment hit another level with two more years of development and at the very least, should be highly sought after at the Division III level.   [player_tooltip player_id='2568522' first='Mohammed' last='Fadia']   Fadia, a 6'7" big out of Classical High School in Rhode Island, continued to excel on the defensive end of the floor throughout the summer with the Rhode Island Rivals. One of the better rebounders in the region's public school ranks, he made his shot blocking ability known when he averaged an impressive 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 blocks per game at the Hoop Group New England Jam Fest in May. From there, his exploits on the defensive end of the floor only continued as he used his length, strength, and vertical athleticism to his advantage around the rim. He showed good timing when attempting to block shots, an ability to cover ground quickly, and a willingness to play physically in the paint. The 2027 prospect's physical profile raises his ceiling and with continued development, he could catch the eye of scholarship level programs down the road.   Next up in the Summer Superlatives series - The Paint Scorers!

The Summer Superlatives series rolls on with a look at some defensive standouts - The Rim Protectors!