Mario Basurto Mario Basurto 6'4" | PF/SF Columbus Catholic | 2028 IA ‘s game can only be described as extremely physical. Mario embraces contact at a high level, and this applies much utility to the strength he possesses as a player. He used his solid frame around the rim to dig his shoulders into defenders’ chests and create space. And this power in the post fielded him many clear looks around the cup. Which were looks that he very rarely didn’t convert on. However, when it comes to his around-the-rim scoring, he didn’t just rely on pure brute force. Mario moves really fluidly in open space. He stepped around defenders with pretty Euro steps, finishing around contests at high speeds. Though, his sheer force and balance did make him an extremely productive rebounder. Gaining position around the rim just looked easy for him. So, he consistently left opponents off their spots where he was able to bring down missed shots.

Basurto, a 2028 prospect, was playing up with Drive Pro Select ‘s 17U team throughout the weekend and was a bulldog on Saturday afternoon against Waukee JAM CR. A tough, physical 6-4 forward with great hands, he’s fantastic on the glass on both ends of the floor. He has a real nose for the ball, makes strong contact on his box outs, and isn’t afraid to tussle it up with bigger bodies. He showed that he can step out and stretch the floor, looking comfortable from the 3-point line off the catch.

Mario was one of the hardest working players I saw all weekend, and also one of the strongest. He would go up against guys 3-4 inches taller than him in the paint, and come out on top consistently. Every time he caught on the block Mario was instantly going to work, bullying his way into deep post position and finishing strong through contact. On either end of the floor he seemed to come up with any rebound remotely in his area. High effort player who simply won’t be beat for a loose ball.

An active, physical 6-4 big man with great hands, Basurto was probably the best rebounder of the four teams that I was tasked with covering. He does a great job making strong contact on his box outs, rebounds both in and out of his area, and is relentless on the offensive glass, routinely getting easy buckets by cleaning up misses. He runs the floor well, beating his defender in transition, and he’s a good enough ball-handler that he can lead the break after pulling down a defensive board.