NEPSAC Big Board: True Fives

Finally, the last positional group in our NEPSAC Big Board series, the True Fives!   The True Fives are prospects that know how to dominate in the paint and like doing so. They mostly guard in the post, score around the basket, and are terrific rebounders and capable rim protectors.   NBA Player Comp: Donovan Clingan    Smith had a strong summer with the New England Storm, cementing himself as one of the better fives in New England. The Kimball Union prospect is a productive two-way rebounder, does a great job of rolling out of ball screens, and has the ability to score over either shoulder in the post. He can make decisions with the ball in his hands from the top of the key, particularly when playing out of the trailer position. He knows how to play angles, has plus mobility defensively, and does a nice job of contesting around the rim without fouling. He's turned himself into a Division I prospect, with offers from American, Maine, and Stonehill.     Rabie is a massive prospect that will look to make an impact this winter in his first year in New England. The Proctor Academy prospect makes his impact in the paint and does so with a commanding presence. He has the ability to score with his back to the basket, sets solid screens, and is capable of passing out of double teams in the post. He has a huge catch radius, a solid set of hands, and displays good footwork on his post moves. Defensively, he's alert in rotations, does a nice job of holding his box outs, and can contest around the rim without fouling. He should attract some scholarship level attention and is a prospect to watch this winter.     Edema continues to be a problem in the paint and has solidified himself as one of the top fives in the nation. The Cushing Academy prospect continues to develop his overall feel for the game and when you combine that with his physical gifts, he has an almost unmatched ceiling. He's a gifted vertical athlete, runs the floor really well in transition, and plays with a high motor on both ends of the floor. He's an assertive rebounder, does a great job of blocking shots, and has the ability to move his feet in space defensively. He can score with his back to the basket, sets great screens, and has really improved in his ability to catch on the move. He's a Top 100 prospect and a future high major player with offers from Alabama, Georgetown, Maryland, Providence, Syracuse, Tennessee, Villanova, and others.     Dellasanta has a chance to be one of the top 2028's in New England with his combination of size and skill. The Milton Academy prospect is pushing 6'11", has a plus wingspan, and is a fluid mover in space. He's gotten stronger, looks more athletic, and has even added some strength to his frame. He does a nice job of rim running in transition, has some ball skills when catching on the perimeter, and is capable of knocking down threes from the trailer spot. Defensively, he does a nice job of using his length to alter shots around the rim and also to make an impact in passing lanes, where he creates deflections. On top of that, he's an assertive rebounder.     Daniels should be among the best 2029 big men in New England this winter in his first year in the NEPSAC. The Tilton School prospect has a massive frame, some touch as a shooter, and isn't afraid to be vocal on the back line of a defense. He's got a high ceiling due to his combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ, but continues to show a worker's mentality and the willingness to get better. He sets great screens, rolls hard to the rim, and has good hands with a large catch radius. He does a nice job of pursuing the ball on the offensive glass and can finish with either hand around the rim. Defensively, he sees the game well, rebounds at a high clip, and can provide some rim protection as an on-ball defender.    That's a wrap for our NEPSAC Big Board series, keep an eye out next week as we begin our fall rankings updates!

Finally, the last positional group in our NEPSAC Big Board series, the True Fives!