MLK Showcase – Session 1 Standout Bigs

[player_tooltip player_id='2509663' first='Kaiden' last='Gibbs'] | 6'4 F | 2026   [player_tooltip player_id='2509663' first='Kaiden' last='Gibbs'] brings constant energy and production on both ends of the floor. He finished with 20 points while rebounding and protecting the rim, making his presence felt every possession. Gibbs plays with a high motor, never standing still, and consistently finds ways to impact the game beyond the box score.   Offensively, he's at his best as a slasher. He cuts hard to the ball, anticipates where the play is going, and puts pressure on the defense without needing the offense run through him. Defensively, his activity shows up with effort plays around the rim. Gibbs' ability to combine energy, instincts, and physicality makes him a winning piece and a forward trending in the right direction, during the right time of the year     [player_tooltip player_id='1591733' first='Nico' last='Wright'] | 6'8 C | 2026   [player_tooltip player_id='1591733' first='Nico' last='Wright'] brings a defensive presence that immediately changes the game. A quick leaper with long arms, he's a natural rim protector who blocks shots and alters everything around the basket. His timing and instincts forced opposing bigs to move away from their comfort zone, even pushing the Sacramento Dragon bigs to settle for shots outside the key.   Offensively, Wright keeps it simple and effective. He finishes well when teammates find him, keeps the ball high around the rim, and is always a threat as a lob target. He loves catching alley-oops and plays above the rim with ease. With his defensive instincts and growing confidence as a finisher, [player_tooltip player_id='1591733' first='Nico' last='Wright'] continues to establish himself as a high-impact interior presence     Moeshae Ward | 6'9 F/C | 2027   Moeshae Ward is a skilled big with a strong feel for the game and the ability to score in bunches. He finished with 18 points, knocking down two threes, showing how quickly he can change the momentum when he gets going.   Ward uses his body well inside, carving out space and finishing through contact, while also stretching the floor with his shooting. His quick trigger from the perimeter makes him a difficult matchup, as defenders can't afford to sag off. With his combination of size, touch, and confidence from deep, Moeshae Ward continues to trend upward as a versatile forward in the 2027 class.     [player_tooltip player_id='2352692' first='Adrian' last='Barnett'] | 6'5 F | 2027   [player_tooltip player_id='2352692' first='Adrian' last='Barnett'] made the most of his minutes, taking advantage of opportunities and impacting the game on both ends. He contributed offensively within the flow, making timely plays without forcing the action.   Defensively, Barnett stood out as a true lockdown presence. He guarded every position on the floor, using his size, strength, and basketball iQ to take on multiple matchups. His versatility and willingness to embrace tough defensive assignments make him a valuable two-way wing and a player trending in the right direction in his junior year.      [player_tooltip player_id='2873106' first='Hezekiah' last='Sires'] | 6'6 F | 2028   [player_tooltip player_id='2873106' first='Hezekiah' last='Sires'] made his impact felt in multiple ways, finishing with nine points while doing a lot of the work that doesn't always show up in the box score. A wiry, athletic forward, Saire rebounded well and showed the ability to play a playmaking role from the forward spot.   He was active on the offensive glass, cleaning up extra possessions, and had one of his better moments going coast to coast for a layup after grabbing the initial defensive rebound. The lefty missed a couple of attempts from deep, but the mechanics look solid and worth betting on moving forward. Sires' activity level, versatility, and developing skill set make him an intriguing forward in the 2028 class.     [player_tooltip player_id='2484296' first='Brendan' last='Williams'] | 6'10 F/C | 2028   [player_tooltip player_id='2484296' first='Brendan' last='Williams'] continues to show real growth as a dominant interior presence. He finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds, setting the tone early with 14 points and five boards in the first half. Williams is clearly coming into his own offensively, showing developing moves on the block and improved footwork. He converted multiple scores using reverse pivots, showing patience and balance down low.   What stands out just as much is his intensity. Williams plays with a physical edge, dunking everything he can and owning the paint on both ends. Defensively, he contests and alters nearly every shot around the rim, making it difficult for opponents to finish inside. With his size, motor, and improving offensive package, Brenden Williams is becoming a force and a big man who impacts winning in a major way. And oh yeah, this performance lead to him receiving one of his first D1 offers from the University of San Francisco.