About Ethan
Expert Analysis
Adrian Maloney Jr | Prep Hoops Scout
Ethan claims the new #1 spot in the rankings after a dominant stretch that has quickly elevated his stock. The 7-foot center made waves following his transfer, drawing a host of Power 5 offers with his size, presence, and impact on both ends of the floor. A true rim protector, Ethan alters shots and controls the paint defensively, while his finishing ability around the basket makes him a reliable force offensively. His combination of size, strength, and mobility sets him apart, and he continues to establish himself as one of the most promising prospects in the class.
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Read EvaluationPhilip Gray | Prep Hoops Scout
#2 ranked player out of Kansas, but can easily switch to #1 after watching him. Ethan is a dominant 7’1 big man on both ends who already has a well-developed middy, and he has overall good form on his jump shot. He keeps his form high from set-up to release, which I like for a big. He is good at establishing a position in the low post despite having a more slender build. With that, he still plays strong and with a lot of power. Has long arms like
Anthony Davis
Anthony
Davis
6'3" | SF
MIll Valley | 2027
State
KS
, so his defensive recovery is unreal. Ethan is plenty comfortable stretching the floor beyond the arc, but also doesn’t seem to fall in love with his jump shot. He has a solid, soft-touch lefty baby hook in the post when he’s in front of the rim that seems hard to stop, to say the least. In the post, on turnaround moves to the basket, I would like to see him keep the ball a little higher to prevent the guards from reaching in for deflections. Once he does that, though, the rest will be elementary.
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Read EvaluationAdrian Maloney Jr | Prep Hoops Scout
Ethan is a towering 7-foot center who dominates the paint with his imposing presence and skillful play. His size and strength make him a formidable force on both ends of the court, whether he’s swatting away shots with ease on defense or overpowering opponents in the low post on offense. Ethan’s footwork and touch around the rim are exceptional, allowing him to finish with authority or finesse. He commands respect in the rebounding battle, often securing second-chance points for his team. With his ability to control the game inside, Ethan is the anchor every team dreams of having.
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Read EvaluationZach Shrader | Prep Hoops Scout
Taylor is a 7 footer with great reach and instincts around the rim. Taylor knows that any shot around the rim is his to block. He’s great on help-side defense and discourages drives with his presence. Taylor also knows how to use his length to close gaps on shooters and block or contest jump shots.
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Read EvaluationTodd Fertig | Prep Hoops Scout
You can start the defenders list with
Ethan Taylor
Ethan
Taylor
7'1" | C
Link Academy | 2026
#23
Nation
KS
, the tallest player in the state. But Taylor is not just tall, he is learning to combine his length with agility and shot-blocking instincts. He swatted 3.5 shots per game, but he intimidated and affected countless more. No one is going to body up and go over him, and drivers think twice before coming anywhere near him. Taylor anchored a great defense this year. And the scariest thing…they’re most all back next season.
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Read EvaluationTodd Fertig | Prep Hoops Scout
Center, #1 Overall:
Taylor made an enormous leap from his freshman to sophomore years. There’s no reason not to think he will continue to develop his game. He’s got good coordination, light feet and good hands for a kid of his stature. He was a difference maker for a great team this year, and he will probably just take on a bigger and bigger role with each season. If he continues to work and grow in comfort with his size, he will be something special.
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Read EvaluationJared Martinson | Prep Hoops Scout
It’s said you can’t teach someone to be 7-foot. But Taylor is demonstrating that a 7-footer can be taught the game. His improvement can be perceived daily. On a loaded team that won the 6A state title, Taylor has gradually expanded role from the beginning of his freshman season. He is a shot-blocking force who is becoming a dominant rebounder. He has nice hands and fluid movements, and he is becoming a “go-to” post at the offensive end.
- Contributed by Todd Fertig
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