Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Neptune, NJ (Future150) -- With the absence of Team Final 6'8" big man Jalen Duren at 'Clash For The Cup', it not only gave his teammate the chance to earn some necessary reps and additional shine over the weekend, but it also gave us a chance to evaluate some of the other up-and-coming post prospects from across the Mid-Atlantic region. Here are eight future bigs who caught our attention:
Jacob Hogarth, Gauchos (NY): We're really excited about the lengthy 6'4" big man, who has immense upside for the 2023 class. When talking with people who saw him play last year, word is that he's come a very long way. He's now finishing well around the rim and looks good when running the floor and blocking shots. Keep in mind he's only 12 years old right now.
Favour Arie, New World (MD): It seems that each year, the New World program introduces us to a new international prospect who's sure to capture the attention of scouts and coaches sooner rather than later. Last year it was Henri Adiassa. This year? Introducing the 2022 6'9" big man by way of Nigeria. While he doesn't get a ton of touches at this level, he has some nice polish to him and plays with a high motor.
Dereck Lively, Team Final (PA): With the absence of 6'8" teammate Jalen Duren, it gave the 6'7"+ post a chance to show what he can do. While the Bellefonte Area (PA) product has a ways to go, he's already grown by leaps and bounds in several months since we first saw him. As he continues to grow and improve, it's hard not to imagine what a damaging frontcourt Team Final could have beween Lively & Duren, with both likely to end up in the 6'9"-6'10" range.
Amani Hansberry, Team Durant (MD): The 6'5" big man continues to dominate his age level, leading his team to a 7th grade championship over the weekend. He checks a lot of boxes when it comes to prospects who not only look the part, but play the part currently. He's physical, yet agile, and moves very well for a kid his size. He has a very bright future and should continue to improve this year as more and more people catch on to his impressive skill set.
William Norman, New Jersey Bulldogs (NJ): The 6'3" forward was one of the most intimidating presences in the 7th grade division. Not only is he a physical post with very good footwork around the rim, but he's not afraid to bark at the other team when things are going his way. He's a productive player who saw some significant action for their talented 8th grade squad as well.
Jalen O'Brian, New York Jayhawks (NY): The 6'4" post is just beginning to scratch the surface of what he can become. The 12 year old is all arms and legs for a 2023 prospect, and that's okay. He rebounded well and showed some promising finishing ability when we viewed him, and we fully understand that the best is yet to come with the Brooklyn native.
Precise Clarke, New York Jayhawks (NY): Nearly 6'5" with a size 18 shoe, the writing is on the wall for the 2023 New York City prospect. He has a significant amount of growth left in him, and while his skills have a ways to go on both ends, there's no doubt that he's going to end up being one of the better posts in the New York Metropolitan area over the next few years.
Tarik Watson, East Coast Elite (NY): The 2024 big man continues to impress with his overall production for a prospect playing a high level of competition at the 7th grade level. We've already noted his size (6'2") and aggressiveness in the paint, and it truly is impressive how physical he plays for his age. Look for him to continue to make strides this spring.
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