Team New England is littered with high-level talent and there’s a significant argument to made for Olaniba to not only have the highest ceiling in the future, but also be one of the most productive prospects in the program right now. He simply brings so many tools to the table along with his 6-foot-8 frame that make him a legitimate two-way impact. Similar to his Team New England counterpart mentioned above, Olaniba is always operating like a battery pack is strapped on his shoulders. The motor seemed never-ending and the consistency at which he plays above the rim results in a bulk of rim-rocking finishes or emphatic blocks as he spikes the ball into the stands. He’s still polishing his overall skillset, but there were plenty of flashes with the ball and as a spot-up shooter that make you feel good about the long-term upside with Olaniba.

Olaniba is a hard playing forward who does a majority of his damage on the interior. He is a phenomenal finisher around the bucket and converts chances from there at a high percentage. He is also a threat from the dunker spots where he shines playing above the rim. Olaniba’s length comes into factor on the defensive end where he shows promise as a rim protector. He does a nice job running the floor in transition. Sky is the limit for Olaniba looking forward to tracking his growth.

Olaniba, a member of TNE’s 15U squad, is a versatile forward out of Mount Saint Charles Academy in Rhode Island. At 6’8″, he has impressive size for a hybrid forward, with athleticism and strength that compliments his frame. He plays incredibly hard on both ends of the floor, showing particularly strong feel for the game on the defensive end of the floor. He uses his length to be disruptive around the rim, altering and blocking a high number of shots. He can guard in space, makes plays in passing lanes, and is an aggressive leader. Offensively, he flies up and down the floor, has expanded his range out to 15′, and shows the ability to attack the rim as a straight line driver. He continues to improve at a rapid rate, proving to have one of the highest ceilings in the class.

-Man oh man, did Olaniba leave his mark on the game for every second of playing time that he got with his explosive energy on both ends of the court. Olaniba showed off really good hands to enhance his catch radius around the basket on both post entries and lob attempts. His speed in the open floor and tenacity on the glass was pivotal to his team’s run through the competition as champions of the 15u Platinum bracket. Really liked the deliberate patience on his post moves as Olaniba played within himself throughout the game, understanding that if he swings the ball and face cuts he will likely be rewarded with an entry for an emphatic 2-handed finish above the rim.