13 Up and Coming Big Men to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There have been a bunch of big improvements from some of the big men in the 2028 and 2029 classes this spring and summer. Both classes have some classic posts with legit size, while also offering some prospects who can stretch the floor, and showcase some pretty eye-opening skill for their size. Let's get to know 13 of the top up-and-coming big men in these next two classes who should be on your radar this coming winter season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3638630"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5ff9ff76533"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He's a guy we are still getting to know, but Bynum offers some classic back-to-the-basket big man play. At 6-foot-9, he's got real size to contend with, understands how to get big on defense, has a good foundation of post moves, and has shown excellent finishing touch in the paint. Should be a force for Kingston this winter and will be a smaller school prospect coaches should key in on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2627273"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5ff9ff76597"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hotter-Knight is another big man in the 2028 class with real size to play around the rim with. Has improved as a rim defender and seems to be getting more athletic as time passes. Has the classic big man size but also has shown the potential to create off the bounce from further out with some good footwork.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2391501"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5ff9ff765e0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Haselrig is a post who has the mobility to play pretty successfully in pick and rolls, running the floor, and defending the paint. Has progressed physically to play with more strength, a better base, and that's led to some increased potability as a shot blocker. Offensively, he can get up and finish above the rim, receive alley-oops, and has shown some more consistency with his post moves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2986733"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5ff9ff76623"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Issaquah big man has already shown some really good progress just over the past year. He's a strong kid who is starting to use that big frame to assert himself and hold his ground better, which has helped him rebound at a higher rate and be a more efficient finisher in close. Could see him making a big leap in the coming year as he's shown the potential to hit more shots from the midrange and add a little more face-up game to his arsenal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2935311"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5ff9ff76665"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Harris has the most intriguing combo of size and skill of any post player in these two classes. He's still pretty wiry but he's been playing strong in traffic and showing the fight to rebound and finish around bodies. He also doesn't shy away from any contact and already has high-level determination to finish plays. His ability to handle the ball and create off the dribble is what really sets him apart, and as he starts to fill out that frame, he could turn into one of the top players in the state in the coming years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2716621"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5ff9ff766a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Floyd is another kid who has incredible ball skills and a really high-level technical aspect to his game. Has the touch to hit from each level and has started to really exploit the midrange as an area to work from. Looking more and more mobile and athletic in terms of his grace and footwork to get by his defender and find space to score. He's a post who can get guys involved too and has been really impressive this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2625612"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5ff9ff766e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another versatile player with a lot of potential, Harrell profiled as a stretch four with some athleticism to make plays around the rim last season with Auburn Mountainview, but this summer he's looked ready to take his game to another level. Has incorporated his jumper to score from more areas on the floor and has the ability to be a real threat going to work from the high post. He's a guy I'm watching to take a big leap this coming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2847364"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5ff9ff76728"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Very athletic front court player who showcased his toughness at the state tournament as a premier defender and rebounder. He hasn't slowed down a bit since, showing this spring and summer his ability to rack up second chance points, attack downhill, and even showing good progress on his jumper to stretch the floor a little. Will be a big part of Mt. Spokane's team this winter and a double-double threat on a nightly basis.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2933126"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5ff9ff7676a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another talented post for the Wildcats, Durgan has flashed this summer as a strong forward who has the toughness and footwork to finish plays off inside. Has also showcased some wherewithal to find key passes off his attacks around the paint and capitalize on occupying multiple defenders to set up his teammates. He's another guy who could be on double-double watch each night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2917628"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":3695960,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5ff9ff767c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Here is another kid from Eastern Washington who looks like a legit player coming up. Lewis was a pretty intriguing find last season as a forward who can really stretch the floor and add in some rim defense. He's taken off since then, showcasing more and more athleticism as a finisher and rim defender, while looking like one of the better 3-point shooters in his class. Keep tabs on him as he should play a key role for the Tigers this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2949300"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5ff9ff7681c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jackson got solid minutes last winter with Bonney Lake and showed some glimpses of what could be for the talented big man. He's looked more and more comfortable this spring and summer and is really starting to display unique skill at his size. Handles the ball very well, is willing to create for others, has touch from different levels, and can also go up and send some shots back. He's another guy who, with his unique skill set, could end up one of the top players in the state down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2878363"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5ff9ff76863"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Heisel is one of the more accomplished players at the high school level in this group, already playing a key role with Bellarmine last season. He is a tenacious player who maximizes his role as a defender, rebounder, and a guy offensively who will take what is there. Has some sneaky athleticism to finish above the rim, defend the paint, and match up with multiple positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3334503"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5ff9ff768a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kelly is another guy who played solid minutes last season, and in spots, was a key 3-point threat for the Woodinville Falcons. He's got the strength and body to play from the blocks and battle inside, but he also capitalized on that shooting touch to utilize the whole floor and can really catch and go to work from any spot. Look for him to take another step forward and be a big contributor for Woodinville this coming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->