Kropp was big for Liberty tonight in many ways. His play was vital for them winning the regional semifinal match-up. He was a mismatch on the offensive end with his back-to-the-basket game. His footwork and strong post-ups were tough to stop. He was able to get buckets for himself and others. Liberty did a great job all night of forcing UA to take tough shots and Kropp cleaned up for them all game. He got almost every defensive rebound.

It’s very impressive watching a forward control the entire game like Kropp does and Saturday was one of his best all around games I’ve seen him have. First off, Kropp’s hands are excellent with him catching every pass thrown his way and securing every rebound in his general area. As a passer, Kropp reads the floor at a high level and hit shooters when double teams were sent his way. Add in a pick and pop 3-pointer and a few transition layups to add to his scoring total and you get a complete offensive performance.

One of the most productive bigs on the EYBL circuit offensively, Kropp has helped Olentangy Liberty to a strong season thanks to his heliocentric offensive talents. When Olentangy Liberty is at their best, Kropp is scoring and setting the table for his team. It’s very unique when a big can be the focal point of the offense but Kropp is that level of offensive talent. Headed to Northwestern, Kropp is one of a handful of Big 10 commits from Ohio’s 2025 class.

Every ‘forward’ who has won the award since 2009 has come from the Columbus area. Jared Sullinger (Northland) Kaleb Wesson (Westerville South) VonCameron Davis (Walnut Ridge) and Devin Royal (Pickerington Central). If any big is going to win the award this season, Kropp and Damon Friery Damon Friery (mentioned in part 1) are the two most likely candidates. Kropp is extremely skilled and very productive. Olentangy Liberty also had a Mr Basketball Candidate in 2019 with Ben Roderick, who fell just short to Samari Curtis. Roderick was the first Division I commit from the Patriots program, could Kropp see similar success as he is BIG 10 bound to Northwestern.

This one is a little more open as Kropp has not set a date for his recruitment to come to an end. It seems like Atlantic 10 schools will be fighting over Kropp as Richmond, Davidson and Dayton have been linked to the skilled big man. Don’t count out a sleeper school securing his commitment, Kropp has 19 posted Division I offers.