#E75 Frosh/Soph - Best of the Big Men

Wednesday, September 18th, 2019

Last weekend’s Elite 75 Frosh/Soph showcased the best young prospects from New England and beyond with over 300 players making their way to either Saturday’s North Session or Sunday’s South session. 

By the time it was all said and done we had seen an incredible amount of young talent come through the doors. The process of recapping all of that talent begins today and will undoubtedly extend into next week as the new regional format allowed us to better evaluate, and ultimately recognize, a wider crop of prospects. 

We’ll begin in the frontcourt where Bristol Central Donovan Clingan absolutely stole the show. Clinigan sprung onto the scene last month when he captured an early offer from Syracuse while attending their elite camp. An offer from UMass followed shortly afterwards. 

What we learned this weekend was that those will inevitably be just the tip of the iceberg. Aside from his massive size, Clinigan also has a superior touch, not just around the basket, but extending all the way out to the three-point line. He can already stretch the floor and is also comfortable as a high-post passer. Add to that the fact that he runs the floor well and this guy has massive star potential. 

Here’s a look at some of the other top prospects:

Donald Villard, City on the Hill ‘23 - A 6-foot-8 freshman with a 7-foot-3 wingspan who won’t turn 15 until January and wears a size 18 shoe, Villard may have had more upside than any 2023 big man in the field. He’s still new to the game and raw in a variety of different ways but there’s no denying his natural tools and long-term potential. 

Abdullah Mahamed, Worcester Academy ‘22 - There’s a lot to like about this youngster moving forward. He’s still very early in his development, both physically and in terms of his overall game, but he has size, length, mobility, a frame to grow into, touch to develop, shot-blocking instincts, and the type of versatile defensive potential that the modern game demands. 

Isaiah Earl, Lee Academy ‘22 - His size, athleticism, and power made his physically imposing around the rim as he dominated the paint with his rebounding, finishing, and shot-blocking. There’s versatility in his future though as Earl is agile for his size, able to put the ball on the floor, and drive past less mobile bigs. 

Matt Filipowski, Wilbraham & Monson ‘22 - The 6-foot-11 big man just towers over the competition and immediately changes the game on both ends of the floor. He’s more than just a big body though as he is developing good footwork in the post, a soft touch, and the hands to match. 

Hayden Abdullah, Northwest Catholic ‘22 - The 6-foot-7 forward was certainly one of the biggest stock-risers from the south event drawing comparisons to a young Josh Sharma. Abduallah is versatile with good size, a nose for the ball, soft hands, and a lot of upside left to discover in the coming years. 

Luke Hunger, Northfield Mount Hermon ‘22 - The Canadian native made quite an impression in his New England debut on Sunday. He’s skilled with soft hands, touch, and already able to stretch the floor out to the three-point line. He also comes from good stock as his father played at Providence and then professionally overseas. 

Silas Sunday, Our Savior Lutheran ‘22 - An absolute monster in the paint, Sunday is completely unmovable and impossible to stop when he gets deep catches. He’s still raw and needs to work on his conditioning but he has solid hands, developing touch, and immediately changes the game inside the paint. 

Theo Stefan, Lee Academy ‘22 - On literally his first full day in the United States, this seven-footer showed not a bit of jet lag and instead demonstrated his massive upside as he moved well, had a good touch, and a great combination of size and budding skill. 

Jamai Jackson, Kenmore West ‘22 - This long-armed big man from upstate New York came south from the Buffalo area and made his presence felt. He’s still just growing into his body but has broad shoulders to match his long arms, shows flashes of early footwork, and clear markers for future growth. 

Jack Nieradko, Manchester ‘23 - Right now he looks like a mobile big man in his age group, but he’s got lots of potential versatility in the coming years. Nieradko not only moves well but can also handle the ball and make plays off the bounce at his size. 

Aidan Cammann, Andover, ‘22 - Another versatile frontcourt prospect with the potential to play inside-out down the road, Cammann has a strong natural build with a high I.Q. He’s crafty with his hands and feet in the post, able to operate off the dribble as well, and equally engaged and heady on the defensive end. 

Sophomores to Watch

Patrick Spenard, Tabor Academy - A two-sport star who also stars on the gridiron, Spenard is strong, physical, active, and vocal on both ends of the floor. 

Seth Anderson, Cumberland - Has a good feel for how to operate in the post. Can finish with either hand and rebounds with two in traffic. 

Nick Duncan, Farmington - Latest talented frontcourt prospect to come out of Farmington, Duncan is 6-foot-7 with good hands and body control around the rim. 

Aidan Duffy, North Kingstown - Plays bigger than he is around the basket. Knows how to seal and score while being efficient with his bounces. 

Logan Satlow, Andover - More than held his own inside with big frame, competitive approach, and steady motor from start to finish. 

Isaiah Miranda, Tolman - Long and athletic with good size. Already protects the rim and has versatile potential on both ends of the floor. 

Ryan Clifford, Camden Hills - Undersized post who plays bigger than he is, loves contact and can finish through it with both hands.

Freshmen to Watch 

Ryder Anderson, Rectory - Still growing young big man whose dad played at URI. Anderson is a late-bloomer who is a legit 6-foot-9 and just beginning to grow into his body.

Will Lobor, Rectory - Big body who can move well, handle the ball, and finish inside. Lot of potential in the coming years. 

Spencer Fuller-Wright, St. Luke’s - True big man with broad frame to seal and score inside. Rebounds, finishes with touch, and learning the game.