KANSAS UNDERRATED BIG MEN
KANSAS UNDERRATED BIG MEN
Jonny Clausing, 6’8, PF/C, 2018, Halstead
Clausing was impressive throughout the offseason and in the games we saw him perform for the Wichita Padres and enters the upcoming season as one of the state’s most underrated performers. A tough, physical big man, Clausing competes in the paint at both ends of the floor, finishes well around the basket and is a good rebounder and defender. He recently signed to play at Division II Washburn.
Remy Levouvu, 6’8, PF, 2018, Wichita South
An honorable mention Class 6A all-state selection last season as a junior, Lemovou is a talented rim protector who runs the floor like a deer and has a strong, athletic frame. He is a terrific shot blocker who displays good timing and is a good all-around post defender. He plays above the rim at the offensive end of the court and is capable of throwing down impressive slams.
Thomas Lipscomb, 6’8, F, 2018, Heritage Christian
Lipscomb is more of a wing and a stretch 4 type than a traditional big man. He can play inside or outside, Lipscomb is a standout perimeter shooter who can also handle the ball a little for a big man. He put together a strong offseason competing for the KC Pacers and enters the upcoming season as an undervalued big man.
Xavier Cason, 6’4, PF, 2018, Junction City
Cason is a wide-bodied, 6’4, 245-pound power forward with broad shoulders who is a strong, powerful player in the paint. He is a terrific rebounder and a tough cover for opposing players due to his strength and toughness. We look for Junction City to have a big season with Cason, 2019 guard AJ Dickinson and others leading the way.
DeShaun English, 6’6, F, 2018, Pittsburg
English is an athletic player who does a lot of his damage at the offensive end in the paint but has the skills necessary to step away from the basket as well. He is a quick jumper who plays bigger than his listed height due to his quickness, length and athleticism. English helped Pittsburg make a run in the Kansas 5A playoffs last season and he is one of several players returning for the program this year.
Zane Meeks, 6’8, PF, 2019, Shawnee Mission East
Yes, he is now ranked in the top five in our most recent 2019 rankings, but Meeks is still largely flying under the radar in basketball circles, but we think that is likely to change in the near future as he is already drawing interest from Division I and Division II programs. He has good size and a strong build, but is probably best known for his outside shooting stroke. He has a chance to develop into a stretch 4 type.
Reese Williams, 6’6, PF, 2020, Leavenworth
He’s still young, but Williams is quickly establishing himself as one the best interior players in Kansas. He’s a tough, physical post man with the ability to score in the post and can also handle the ball a little and play some on the perimeter as well.