Baptiste, a forward out of Tabor Academy in Massachusetts, checks in at #20 among the power forwards and #66 overall. Baptiste is a powerful, 6’7″ athlete that has really developed his ability to play off the bounce from the perimeter. He does a nice job of playing off his pivot foot in the post, knows how to carve out space with his back to the basket, and can elevate for powerful finishes around the rim in space. On top of that, he even shows the ability to space the floor as a shot maker. Defensively, when his motor is going, he’s a high level rebounder that defends in the post without fouling and has enough foot speed to stay in front of guards on the perimeter. Baptiste has yet to announce his future plans.

+27 (#94 to #67)

Baptiste, a forward out of Tabor Academy in Massachusetts, rose 27 spots in this update and now sits at #62 overall. Baptiste isn’t the most athletic prospect, isn’t the biggest prospect, isn’t the most physically imposing prospect, and yet, he still finds a way to get it done game after game, regardless of the opponent. The 6’7″ forward has a great combination of feel, power, and skill – showcasing an inside-out scoring ability and a unique sense of where to be as a rebounder. He pops athletically in spurts, showing the ability to protect the rim defensively and also to finish loud plays around the rim on offense.

Baptiste, a forward out of Tabor Academy, continues to impress with his ability to score efficiently and in a variety of ways, while also operating as a rim protector defensively. He’s done a nice job of scoring the basketball so far this season, showing the ability to get baskets at multiple levels and an understanding of when to take advantage of favorable matchups in the paint. He’s a good athelte that has the ability to make plays above the rim and has really bought into the defensive end of the floor this winter as an aggressive rebounder and help-side shot blocker.

Baptiste looks stronger and more athletic than I’ve ever seen him, and it’s paying dividends for him as an undersized forward. When he commits to using his physicality and athleticism, he’s really tough to stop from getting to the hoop and on the offensive glass. He looks more controlled with footwork in the paint and is more patient with up fakes and finishes around the rim, too. If the shot can get more consistent, I could see more higher level scholarship schools being interested. But right now, he’s probably a low level scholarship player who has time to change that.

Baptiste, a bruising forward out of Tabor Academy, stood out in this setting with his ability to finish around the rim. The 6’7″ forward used his thick frame to his advantage when carving out space in the paint, while also showing some athletic pop as a rebounder in traffic. He was patient with the ball in his hands, had touch when going to his jump hook, and even knocked down a few threes out of the trailer position. Defensively, he did a nice job of competing on the perimeter and showed the ability to rotate off his man to cut off driving lanes.

Baptiste had an awesome season on the UA Rise Circuit for Team Sims and was inarguably their best player. He averaged 17.9 points per game but also led the entire team in effective field goal percentage at 56.4%. He has gotten a lot more controlled and consistent with his outside shot, but he has also continued to get stronger and is well known for bullying opposing wings (and even bigs) in the paint. For a Tabor squad that’s rebuilding after the loss of their star player, Baptiste should be a go-to option and is certainly on the radar of tons of D1 coaches this coming season.

Baptiste has been one of the top performers on the UAA Rise circuit for Team Sims. The 6-foot-6, big-bodied forward is a menace in the paint and cannot be stopped as a low post scorer when he puts his mind to it and plays with effort/intensity. But he’s also shown an improved shooting stroke this season (46.7% from three on 5 attempts a game), which is the x-factor part of his game. If he can be a stretch forward that can consistently knock down outside shots — which it certainly looks like he is for Team Sims — he should be getting D1 looks. He’s also averaging 8 rebounds per game, better than anyone on Sims.

Baptiste, a physical hybrid forward out of Tabor Academy, has taken his game to another level this spring while running with Team Sims. He looks like he’s spent a lot of time in the weight room this spring, and in the process, has leaned out and become more explosive. He’s got great footwork in the post, can knock down shots from the perimeter, and does a nice job of making plays off the bounce. On top of that, he is a solid post defender that does a terrific job of controlling the defensive glass.

Baptiste plays like a man amongst boys. He’s sort of a combo of a wing and an undersized big man, but his incredible strength allows him to compete with bigger forwards. He’s virtually impossible to box out and when he’s playing with physicality and effort, he’s so difficult to keep off the boards. He also shows some flashes of solid ball handling ability for his size, though he’ll definitely need to improve a lot there if he wants to play scholarship level basketball. If he can figure out the mental side of the game — playing hard consistently and taking good shots — the sky’s the limit for him.

While Tabor lacked a true interior presence, Baptiste impressed with his willingness to play in the paint on both ends of the floor. He’s got good size, a strong frame, and moves well both up and down the floor and laterally as a defender. He sets solid screens, has the ability to finish through contact in the paint, and catches everything thrown his way. His commitment on the defensive end was noticeable as he willingly guarded above his size, walled up without fouling, and cleared space as a rebounder with his box outs. He’s primed for a big spring and summer on the travel circuit and is a definite prospect to watch.