Live Period Preview, Part II — Notable Frontcourt Prospects

Bigger bodies are always at a premium in sports, and that couldn't be more true in basketball. As the Live Period continues to draw closer, I'm continuing to preview some of the top regional talent from around the area, this time shifting the focus to several frontcourt players who have a strong chance to build on the momentum they've created early this spring. I'll break down what each prospect brings to the table, where they'll be playing this weekend, and why they're worth following heading into the live period. With plenty of college coaches expected to be in attendance, each player should have a real opportunity to continue elevating their stock.    Cisse's run this spring has been more than noticeable as he's helped lead one of the top teams in both the region and the country with Gateway. With his combination of size and strength, he's a force inside, consistently establishing position, creating space, and taking control on the glass. His patience and ability to read defenses in the post may be what separates him from other high-level prospects. He's comfortable playing over either shoulder and has shown the ability to pass out of double teams and different defensive looks, displaying strong vision and a willingness to make the right play. Sekou will be at the P32 Live Period in Dallas this weekend and should continue the dominant stretch he's put together throughout the spring.     The more Daugherty plays, the more you see a versatile and rare forward who continues to take strides each week. This spring has shown that Keller can do almost everything offensively — stretch the floor, attack off the bounce, and even control play in the open floor. With his unique inside-outside game, he's been most effective as a screener. Whether he's rolling to the rim or popping into space, he finds openings and finishes plays when opportunities are there. Keller's finishing has really exploded as of late. He's playing off two feet more consistently, finishing above the rim with power, and showing the ability to play through contact while using either hand. Defensively, his shot blocking and rim protection have also flashed throughout the spring. Daugherty should be one of the premier players for college coaches to check out this weekend in Kansas City at the RecruitLook Live Period.     For what Daugherty brings offensively, Deng brings that same level of versatility and impact on the defensive end. You simply don't find many players with the length, timing, and instincts that Teke has. He's taken over multiple contests this spring, consistently filling up the floor defensively — turning away shot after shot around the rim while also making plays in passing lanes and holding his own when switching onto perimeter players. Around the rim offensively, he's going to finish plays consistently. He's always a lob threat, has soft hands, and possesses a wide catch radius that makes him an easy target in traffic. It's still interesting that Deng is waiting for offers to come his way. If he can put together his best basketball this weekend at the RecruitLook Live Period in Kansas City, there should be more than enough college programs reaching out afterward.     Kerrigan had a strong showing in Kansas City during UAA Session I, rounding out and complementing a talented roster of guards and perimeter players. Playing bigger than his frame, he's shown he can stretch opposing forwards away from the rim and find creases in defenses when operating in two-man actions. Conor's ability to play physical and rugged on both ends of the floor — especially defensively and on the glass — allows him to function as a true interchangeable piece. With his growing perimeter game, both as a shooter and as a wing playmaker, you're starting to see a more complete version of Kerrigan emerge, with plenty of time left to continue showing next-level programs what he can do. What better way to put it all on full display than this weekend in Ohio at UAA Session II. I expect Conor to show an expanded, more methodical approach — particularly on the offensive end.     With a strong showing in Tulsa at the Pro16 and NXTPro Live Period, there should be little question that offers begin to roll in for Deyton — the only question is from what levels. Lucas is a strong forward with a lean frame who often plays bigger than his actual size. This spring, he's shown a lot of growth, particularly on the defensive end. He's capable of holding his own inside against bigger bodies while also blocking shots around the rim with good timing and feel. He's also versatile enough to defend on the perimeter when needed and can be used as a weapon in ball-screen coverage. Deyton moves well on both ends of the floor and stays active in transition, forcing defenses to locate him at all times. Offensively, he can stretch the floor with his shooting and initiate offense in different actions, especially as a passer. Lucas is a name worth tracking not only this weekend, but throughout the rest of the summer as well.     Luque screams potential with the versatility he brings on the defensive end. At this point, it's safe to say his defense is ahead of his offense, but that's clearly a strength in his game. He can match up with almost every position on the floor because of the way he moves his feet, keeps the ball in front, and uses his size and length against bigger interior players. Offensively, he's been at his best this spring in transition, where he plays well above the rim and creates easy opportunities. He's also comfortable attacking off the bounce and consistently creates extra possessions with his activity level on the glass. Zion is another prospect worth checking out in Tulsa at the Pro16 and NXTPro Live Period. Right now, he projects as an active forward, but there's also a path for him to develop into a productive wing if everything comes together and he continues to add consistency on the perimeter.     It should be a huge weekend for Struckman at the Pro16 and NXTPro Live Period in Tulsa, where he'll have plenty of opportunities to compete against strong talent from across the country. Nolan's size and skill set should continue to stand out as he finds his rhythm this spring alongside a talented group of perimeter players. Another big who is capable of stretching the floor, Struckman has impressed with his mid-range shooting this spring. Defensively, his length has also flashed, particularly as a rim protector around the basket, altering and blocking shots at a high rate. He looks comfortable operating in ball-screen actions, whether short rolling or slipping screens, where he's shown the ability to make quick decisions as both a passer and scorer. If he can put together a strong weekend in Tulsa, there's little doubt it could push him onto more next-level radars as he continues to build momentum heading into the rest of the summer, with still plenty left to prove.     The game becomes a lot easier when a bigger body can stretch the floor, and that's exactly what Evjen has done this spring. A rising name in the St. Louis metro area, Camden is more than comfortable playing with his back to the basket and scoring over the top of smaller defenders. He's also shown the ability to face up and attack from the perimeter, getting to his spots while using his frame to create angles and get his shot off. What really separates him, though, is his perimeter shooting. Camden has had multiple games this spring where he's caught fire from beyond the arc, showcasing a smooth, confident shooting stroke. His ability to space the floor and operate out of ball screens creates real problems for defenses, especially when he finds open space and gets into rhythm. Camden will be at the 3Stripes Gold Live Period event in Round Rock, Texas this coming weekend, where there's a strong chance he continues building on the momentum he's created on the recruiting trail.     No doubt a regional big that deserves more attention, especially with how naturally he fits alongside the guards and perimeter players he's playing with this spring and summer. A true interior presence, Aiden has shown soft hands and moves well through space around the rim throughout the spring. He plays with great touch and consistently finishes around the basket with either hand, often through contact. Plasencia shows a strong basketball IQ and feel for the game, finding ways to impact possessions beyond just scoring. Whether it's setting solid ball screens or operating effectively in dribble handoff actions, he understands how to create opportunities and advantages in the halfcourt. More regional programs should make a point to check out Aiden this weekend at the EYCL Live Period event in Memphis. I'd expect a number of Division II programs to start moving on him sooner rather than later.     Van Pelt, an unsigned senior, could be a name to monitor over the weekend. He has the positional size and strength to pair with good footwork and dynamic play on the offensive end. He's been under the radar for quite some time, but his recruitment has warmed up this spring. Landon can generate deep post position inside and is capable of absorbing a lot of contact when finishing. His commitment to changing his body over the last few months has him looking and playing like a different player. For programs still evaluating 2026 prospects, he could be a name that flashes in Kansas City at the RecruitLook Live Period. Don't be surprised if he emerges as one of the more dominant interior players at the event and catches the attention of several regional programs.

Bigger bodies are always at a premium in sports, and that couldn't be more true in basketball. As the Live Period continues to draw closer, I'm continuing to preview some of the top regional talent from around the area, this time shifting the focus to several frontcourt players who have a strong chance to build on the momentum they've created early this spring. I'll break down what each prospect brings to the table, where they'll be playing this weekend, and why they're worth following heading into the live period. With plenty of college coaches expected to be in attendance, each player should have a real opportunity to continue elevating their stock.