Top Non-Public Big Men
Photo by Scott Faytok | NJ Advance Media The Non-Public schools have always been dominant in New Jersey. Teams like Roselle Catholic, The Patrick School, Bergen Catholic, and Gill St. Bernard’s have been powerhouses over the years. To do so,…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingPhoto by Scott Faytok | NJ Advance Media
The Non-Public schools have always been dominant in New Jersey. Teams like Roselle Catholic, The Patrick School, Bergen Catholic, and Gill St. Bernard’s have been powerhouses over the years. To do so, these teams have to be compelte from top to bottom. With players like Cliff Omoruyi Cliff Omoruyi 6'11" | C Roselle Catholic | 2020 #56 Nation NJ , Matt Zona Matt Zona 6'9" | PF Bergen Catholic | 2020 State #200 Nation NJ , and Zach Martini Zach Martini 6'7" | PF Gill St. Bernard's | 2020 State #349 Nation NJ moving onto the Division I game, it is time to take a look at the new wave of big men.
Adama Sanogo Adama Sanogo 6'9" | PF Patrick School | 2020 NJ (2021) | The Patrick School
It is important to note that Sanogo is trying to reclass to the Class of 2020 but as of now, he has one more high school season. The Patrick School got two impact transfers in Jonathan Kuminga Jonathan Kuminga 6'8" | SF Patrick School | 2020 #1 Nation NJ and of course, Sanogo. At 6’9, Sanogo proved to be as dominant as advertised. He is one of the top recruits in the nation and his college list has 12 known offers as of now from school like Creighton, Maryland, Oregon, Auburn, and Rutgers. Sanogo is a huge body down low that is always one of the top athletes on the floor. He is a future NBA prospect and will be a huge land for a program.
Derrick Bueno Derrick Bueno 6'7" | PF Roselle Catholic | 2021 State NJ (2021) | Paramus Catholic
Bueno was among the state leaders in rebounds. He grabbed a total of 365 for an average of 13.5 per game. Bueno also scored 20.1 points per game and knocked down 155 free throws. This is a testament to his size and strength. At 6’7, Bueno has the size to rebound and he is strong enough to gain position. Bueno was a big time offensive rebounder who could score with contact on put backs. We cannot forget the 33 three’s that Bueno knocked down. He was a regular jump shooter from mid-range as well. Bueno will be a must watch player next season for Paramus Catholic.
Photo via TwitterMackenzie Mgbako Mackenzie Mgbako 6'8" | SF Roselle Catholic | 2023 State #5 Nation NJ (2023) | Gill St. Bernard’s
Gill St. Bernard’s is known for their production of big men. They had a strong pair down low this season with Martini and Mgbako. The freshman had a chance to learn from his Princeton bound teammate and it paid off big time. Mgbako averaged 14 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in his first season. The 6’6 freshman already has offers from St. John’s, Rutgers, and Bryant. That is because his skillset is far beyond his years. Mgbako is a strong player with his back to the basket. He has quick feet and a soft touch around the rim. Mgbako is a gifted rebounder on both ends. He will only get better as his high school career progresses and that is a scary thought.
Zach Hicks Zach Hicks 6'7" | SF Camden Catholic | 2021 State #154 Nation NJ (2021) | Camden Catholic
Hicks took a huge step this season for Camden Catholic. He averaged 20 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. He was held under 10 points just three times and notched 11 double-doubles. Hicks proved to be a versatile big man. He could step out and shoot from deep which he did successfully 49 times. He was a force down low that used his strength to finish with contact and get to the free throw line. Hicks will improve even further as a rebounder as a senior. This is a player who will have programs after him next year.
Photo by News BreakMatthew Delaney Matthew Delaney 6'7" | PF St. Augustine | 2021 State NJ (2021) | St. Augustine
Delaney stepped up as St. Augustine’s top option this season along with sophomore guard Elmarko Jackson. At 6’7, Delaney is a force on both sides of the ball. He serves as a rim protector on defense and is a gifted offensive player. Delaney can score with his back to the basket or squared up. He is a talented passer and knows how to find the open man if a double team comes. Delaney will enter his senior year as a must watch player.
Stefano Faloppa Stefano Faloppa 6'8" | SF Holy Cross Prep | 2022 OH (2021) | Holy Cross Prep
Faloppa was part of a dynamic duo for Holy Cross Prep. Faloppa, a native of Italy, teamed up with his fellow Italian teammate Gianmarco Arletti Gianmarco Arletti 6'6" | SF Holy Cross Prep | 2020 State NJ and created one of the best front courts in the state. With Arletti moving onto the University of Delaware, it is time for Faloppa to step into the No. 1 role. As a junior, Faloppa averaged 11.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. This was his first high school season in America which means he will be even better next season with preparation and experience.
Joe Carroll (2021) | Don Bosco
Carroll was apart of a talented Don Bosco team this season. He is a multi-faceted big man. At 6’7, Carroll can play both inside and out. He has a smooth jump shot that he likes to show off. He is a talented shooter spot up or off the dribble. Down low, Carroll works hard at rebounding on both ends and has a full repertoire of post moves. Carroll is a name that you may not know but that will change quickly come next season.