Arizona End of Summer Showcase – Best big men
Gerry Freitas had an impressive collection of team and individual talent on hand at the Inspire Courts in Arizona for his End of Summer Showcase. The collection of teams from the West Coast included a number of familiar faces in…
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Continue ReadingGerry Freitas had an impressive collection of team and individual talent on hand at the Inspire Courts in Arizona for his End of Summer Showcase. The collection of teams from the West Coast included a number of familiar faces in new jerseys, including Compton Magic standout Malik Thomas Malik Thomas 6'3" | SG Damien | 2021 State #99 Nation CA-S , who participated with Oxnard-based Team Build Up.
Washington Supreme was the story of the event, as they dominated EYBL program Vegas Elite en route to a 4-0 showcase record.
In this report, we talk about some of the bigs who impressed us over the weekend that was.
Duke Brennan Duke Brennan 6'10" | C Hillcrest Prep | 2022 State #219 Nation AZ , 6-10 C, The Show 16u
Brennan, a 2021 prospect who has announced his intent to reclassify to the 2022 class, was one of several standouts on star-studded makeshift Show roster. Brennan has impressive post footwork and soft hands around the basket and an array of post-up moves. He also rebounds at a strong rate, using his quick second jump to pursue offensive rebounds against other bigs. He also plays with an edge, looking to finish authoritatively around the basket.
Robert Vaihola, 6-7 F/C, Team Arsenal 17u
The undersized big gave teams trouble all weekend with his blend of strength, skill and savvy. Vaihola could score through defenders in the paint, use a nice first step to get by slower defenders off the bounce, or use his footwork to create nice scoring opportunities in the post. An underrated aspect of his game is his ability to set textbook screens to free his hot-shooting teammates for easy scoring opportunities. Vaihola is also a force on the boards, using his wide frame to box out taller defenders.
Jackson Grant, 6-11 C, Washington Supreme 17u
The Washington commit is a sleek, long and bouncy presence around the basket. He runs the floor like a deer, contests and protects the rim and gives an honest effort on the boards. He also has an effective face-up game, showing the ability to consistently knock down mid-range baseline shots off the catch.
Otto Landrum Otto Landrum 6'8" | PF Torrey Pines | 2022 State CA-S and Martin Gumwel Martin Gumwel 6'11" | C Rancho Christian | 2023 State CA-S , Gamepoint 16u
Landrum and Gumwel gave opponents trouble most of the weekend as they towered over most 16u front courts. Landrum (6-10 2022 C, Torrey Pines), is more forceful around the bucket, and throws his weight around to create space for rebounds. Gumwel (6-11 2023 C), is an active and agile rim runner, rebounder and rim protector who showed flashes of ability to score baskets from midrange. Both are raw offensively, but their motor and effort make up for it at this stage.
Dillon Wilhite Dillon Wilhite 6'8" | C Cathedral Catholic | 2021 State CA-S , 6-9 C, Gamepoint
Wilhite more than held his own against Grant and Vaihola in his matchups against Washington Supreme and Team Arsenal. Wilhite plays to his strengths: he finishes back to the basket with a very good right-handed jump hook, steps out and hits midrange baskets and is a reliable finisher around the basket. Defensively, Wilhite is a solid position defender who makes it difficult for opposing bigs to get to their spots in the paint.