Kalonji is a hard playing, rim running big man with good strength. He is a productive rebounder, protects the rim, runs the floor well and finishes at the rim. He has plenty of potential as a frontcourt prospect in the 2027 recruiting class.

Holding down the middle for Team Loaded was Ben Kalonji Ben Kalonji 6'9" | C Massanutten Military | 2027 State VA . Kalonji might not have had the scoring numbers this week, but he played his role and was just as important defensively. Ben was a dominant force around the rim on that end of the floor, blocking at least one shot in every game and controlling the glass as well. His two highest-total games were 3 blocks against ASAK on Thursday and 10 rebounds against Game Elite on Friday. Kalonji is an active, athletic big man who runs the floor well and gets off it even better. With the excellent motor that he plays with, if Ben can add any consistent weapon to his offensive game, he could be a nice piece at the next level.

Kalonji didn’t have the weekend according to the box scores that would blow you away, but like I stated in Hunter’s write-up, a down weekend for Loaded VA 17’s means for pointing out the positive and that stemmed with Kalonji’s energy. He’s an active, vocal and high-motor big man who takes up space in the paint well with his length. He pursues rebounds at their peak, quickly locates guards for outlets and proceeds to put his head down and run the floor. Kalonji isn’t a guy who is going to experiment in games. He keeps things simple as a rim-runner, effective on-ball screener and a rim presence at both ends of the floor. He’s expected to have a big season for Massanutten in the Elite Prep League where he’ll be utilized in a different way then you see with Loaded. Don’t be surprised if he starts to show off the improved shooting touch as time progresses either.

Kalonji was a productive and impactful frontcourt presence for Team Loaded on the adidas 3SSB circuit this spring, consistently bringing energy, toughness, and physicality to the floor. A hard playing, rim running big man, he thrives by doing the dirty work and making winning plays. Kalonji plays with a high motor, runs the floor well, and is a constant threat to finish around the basket in transition and out of pick and roll situations. He has good strength and uses it effectively to establish position, battle on the glass, and finish through contact. A productive rebounder on both ends of the floor, he consistently creates extra possessions with his effort and physicality. Defensively, Kalonji protects the rim with his shot blocking ability and brings a strong presence in the paint.

7p 8r 1a 2b vs ASAK, 11p 8r 1a vs Dream Vision

-Always love the unselfish energy that Kalonji brings to every team that he plays on as a dynamic forward prospect that plays with a great motor. No layup is ever safe in transition as Kalonji routinely gained ground on guards in transition to not only contest a shot at one end but outlet the basketball and sprint out at full speed back to the offensive end of the floor to get something easy. The skill development is showing as he knocked down a 3 and is much more comfortable pivoting in traffic to create better finishing angles after snagging offensive rebounds. Low maintenance frontcourt prospects with his size, motor, and unselfish play are harder and harder to come by– I expect college coaches to begin throwing their hat in the ring during the scholastic live periods.

The junior big man is a hard playing, rim running frontcourt prospect who consistently impacts the game with his motor and physicality. Kalonji rebounds at a high rate, protects the rim with his shot blocking ability, and uses his strength in the paint. He runs the floor effectively, finishes around the rim, and brings toughness on both ends, making him a reliable interior presence with upside.

Ben Kalonji Ben Kalonji 6'9" | C Massanutten Military | 2027 State VA is playing his club basketball for Team Loaded this summer. The number one-ranked center in the state of Virginia is a versatile high-motor defender who never stops pressing. One thing that stuck out to me in this showcase is how effective his screens were. Kalonji was a true brick wall, creating advantages for ball handlers while putting defenders on the floor. When you pair this with his athleticism around the basket you have a consistently lethal two man game.

Kalonji is a hard-playing, rim-running big man who brings energy and physicality to the frontcourt. He rebounds his area, protects the rim with shot-blocking ability, and finishes above the rim as a consistent lob threat. With good strength and an active motor, he impacts the game on both ends and shows plenty of upside moving forward.

He was active on the glass, consistently securing rebounds and using his timing to quickly turn defense into offense. He added eight points in the win, providing steady production while anchoring the interior with his presence and physicality. His continued development is evident, as the progress he’s made over the past several months really stands out. He also showed flashes as a passer, finding teammates out of the post and making the right reads. With his trajectory and impact on both ends, he should see a ton of mid- to high-major programs getting involved in his recruitment.

Coming off the bench in limited minutes behind an older, productive front line, Kalonji helped to swing a first round win with his nonstop energy and high-level athletic tools. The Congolese rim-runner has come along slowly but steadily in his first year in the U.S. with physical gifts and an approach that can’t be taught. In a hard-fought second half against Darrow, he made a sizable impact as a bruiser inside, clearing the glass consistently and finishing with pop around the rim. The ceiling is evidently high for Kalonji as he continues acclimating to the speed of the game.