David Ekhelar
About David
Expert Analysis
Ralph Jean-Francois | Prep Hoops Scout
Possessing an ability to be a strong paint presence on the interior, look for
David Ekhelar
David
Ekhelar
6'8" | C
Lawrenceville | 2026
State
NJ
to provide nice depth to the this 17U group’s frontcourt. Ekhelar brings rebounding on the offensive and defensive glass, finishing ability around the basket, all while also showing flashes of being an effective rim protector on the defensive end of the floor.
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Read EvaluationRalph Jean-Francois | Prep Hoops Scout
Throughout the course of the Essex County Invitational,
David Ekhelar
David
Ekhelar
6'8" | C
Lawrenceville | 2026
State
NJ
showcased his ability to be a strong interior presence for Newark East Side. Whether it was finishing in different ways around the basket, grabbing rebounds on the offensive and defensive glass, or protecting the rim, Ekhelar showed he can be a force in the paint.
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Read EvaluationRalph Jean-Francois | Prep Hoops Scout
David Ekhelar
David
Ekhelar
6'8" | C
Lawrenceville | 2026
State
NJ
showcased his ability to finish around the rim- catching dump offs, rim running in transition, and diving to the rim off guards attacking the basket. Ekhelar was also able to score out of his face up game, hitting face up jumpers and attacking on drives. Ekhelar was also active on the boards, being a strong rebounder on the offensive and defensive glass. Ekhelar also did a good of protecting the rim; blocking shot attempts and walling up on shot attempts at the rim. Ekhelar finished the game with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
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Read EvaluationRalph Jean-Francois | Prep Hoops Scout
David Ekhelar
David
Ekhelar
6'8" | C
Lawrenceville | 2026
State
NJ
did a good job of using his size and length to be active on the offensive and defensive class for Newark East Side. Making his presence known in the paint, Ekhelar showcased his ability to finish around the basket on the offensive end and protect the paint on the defensive end; rebounding the basketball and effectively contesting shots at the rim.
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Read EvaluationRalph Jean-Francois | Prep Hoops Scout
As an interior paint presence for Newark East Side,
David Ekhelar
David
Ekhelar
6'8" | C
Lawrenceville | 2026
State
NJ
did a good job of finishing around the basket and contributing in the rebounding department, both on the offensive and defensive glass. Ekhelar also used his length to his advantage to protect the rim for Newark East Side’s defense.
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Read EvaluationAndrew Herman | Prep Hoops Scout
Ekhelar is a quick and versatile player who can play multiple positions because of his 6’7″ frame. He can move quicker than most centers that are guarding him giving him the advantage when running the floor. He also plays bigger than he is as he will challenge anyone in the paint and go up strong over taller players. His timing and reactions to getting rebounds and putbacks give him the advantage to score more for his team. On defense, he can guard almost every position and you can even slide him to guard perimeter players making him a swiss-army knife for his team.
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Read EvaluationAndrew Herman | Prep Hoops Scout
Ekhelar has all the tools and gifts to be a complete all-around center. When it comes to the defensive end he can do a lot of special things. Ekhelar will look to block multiple shots in a possession if his team cannot secure the rebound. His timing on his jumps is as good as anyone’s which allows him to get great contests and block many shots. He runs the floor like a guard and in transition can make some impressive chase-down blocks.
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Read EvaluationAndrew Herman | Prep Hoops Scout
Ekhelar is an athletic rim-running center with high energy in his game. He skys in for every rebound he can get his hands on. Ekhelar is strong at boxing out allowing him to get good positioning on offensive boards and putbacks. He will send your shot into the bleachers if you try to test him in the paint. Rebounding over multiple players is something he specializes in. Ekhelar grabbed 127 rebounds this past season.
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Read EvaluationAndrew Herman | Prep Hoops Scout
Ekhelar has a long frame to his game as he can use his 6’8″ height to finish over the top of defenders in the painted area. He has a soft touch around the rim that every big man should have because it is just automatic once he gets it off. Ekhelar also has an aggressive first jump to record many offensive rebounds and go back up for easy second-chance points. His ability to run the floor well sets him up for job opportunities in transition.
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Read EvaluationAndrew Herman | Prep Hoops Scout
Ekhelar is an elite rim protector as he can swat any shot for anyone looking to challenge him in the paint. At the center position, Ekhelar is great at boxing out and rebounding because of his tall build and long arms to tower over everyone else. He has a soft touch around the rim to get easy points. Ekhelar plays mostly inside but if he develops a three-point shot it will be very difficult to guard him.
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