Finest Frontcourts - Part I

While it is important to have solid guard play, having some “bigs” to get rebounds, start the break, challenge shots, and at least try to score inside.  For whatever reason, Florida doesn’t produce a lot of size.  However, the following teams have some interior players that will be vital to their success.

School: Jacksonville First Coast

Frontcourt: 6’6 Sr David Williams; 6’8 Jr Cornelius Johnson

Strengths: Length, ability to play in transition

Question marks: Physical strength, Inside scoring

Comments: Williams has the ability to play inside and out but prefers the perimeter.  Johnson is long with improving scoring tools.  Both lack bulk which makes it harder for them to score inside.

School: Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson

Frontcourt: 6’8 Sr Travis Elliott, 6’5 Fr Andre Horne

Strengths: Athleticism, strength

Question marks: Reliable post moves

Comments: Elliott proved this summer he could compete inside with his ability to rebound and clean up around the basket at the offensive end.  Horne has built quite a reputation in South Florida and has been battling with Elliott in practice.  Neither Elliott or Horne have shown a “go to” move in the post that they can rely on to score.

School: Miami Dr. Krop

Frontcourt: 6’6 Sr Joseph Thomas, 6’8 So Tyrone Haughton

Strengths: Length, effort

Question marks: Offensive skills

Comments: What Thomas and Haughton lack in offensive skills they more than make up for in effort.  They go after every rebound, loose ball, and shot like it is their only possession.  Their length and athletic ability will make it hard for the opposition to score inside.

School: Clearwater

Frontcourt: 6’8 Sr Okaro White, 6’9 Jr Josh Brown

Strengths: All-around play of white, hoops IQ

Question marks: Depth, physical strength

Comments: White will go over smaller players and around bigger players.  He will cover up a lot of issues for the rest of the team.  Brown is a bit mechanical but he plays hard and challenges shots.

School: Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer

Frontcourt: 6’6 Jr Greg Louis, 6’7 Jr Derek Davis

Strengths: Athletic ability

Question marks: Physical strength

Comments: Louis was a revelation this fall, showing he can play effectively both inside and out.  Davis understands his role is to get on the glass, challenge shots, and make the most of opportunities inside.  Both need to add strength to be more effective.

School: Fort Lauderdale Dillard

Frontcourt: 6’6 Sr Gerald Anthony, 6’5 Jr Jeremiah Eason, 6’7 Soph Stephon Blair

Strengths: Size, depth, attitude

Question marks: Offensive skills

Comments: These guys are big, bad, and nasty.  While none inspire fear when the get the ball on the block, each one crashes the glass and have good enough hands to catch lobs up high or dump offs from guards.  Teams better make the most of their first offensive opportunity because they are unlikely to get a second.

School: Oakland Park Northeast

Frontcourt: 6’6 Jr Trevor Franklin, 6’7 Soph Demetrius Henry

Strengths: Athleticism, length

Question marks: Depth, physical strength

Comments: Franklin is skilled and can play inside or out.  For the team to be successful he will need to play more on the interior.  Henry continues to improve, particularly at the offensive end.  These two are the only size the team has and both need to add strength to their young frames.

School: Orlando Oak Ridge

Frontcourt: 6’8 Sr Cady Lalane, 6’5 Sr Vladimir Tilme, 6’4 Sr Corey Billinglea

Strength: Athleticism, depth

Question marks: Hoops IQ

Comments: Lalane is heading to Georgia.  He scores well inside but can also knock down shots from eighteen feet and in.  Tilme can knock down threes while Billingslea is best at getting to the basket.  After watching them on several occasions in a fall league, each one tries to make too many plays that are questionable at best.

School: Ocala Trinity Catholic

Frontcourt: 6’8 Jr Jason Pimental, 6’10 Jr Chris Uhle, 6’5 Soph Steve Sauey

Strengths: Size, depth

Question marks: Overall athleticism

Comments: Pimental is the best big man in the 2011 class.  He’s athletic, strong, and can score from fifteen feet and in.  Uhle has a good frame and clogs the lane.  Sauey is a warrior that uses effort to make up for any lack of athleticism.  It wouldn’t surprise if Pimental plays some small forward if the defensive matchup requires it.

Rockledge

Frontcourt: 6’8 Sr Jamaine Dean, 6’6 Sr Everick Eversley

Strengths: Athletic ability

Question marks: Depth, strength

Comments: Dean isn’t much of an offensive threat but he shines at the defensive end.  He has good leaping ability and timing to block shots and grab rebounds.  Eversley is reasonably skilled and can play facing the basket.  Should either one get in foul trouble, Rockledge gets significantly smaller.