In basketball, players with size will always be a coveted to make a difference at higher levels. There have been guys who can't walk and chew gum, but they have actual college value because they can stand up straight and simply be tall. Even with how the NBA has trended into a perimeter-heavy league, legit big men like Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Anthony Davis still remain towards the top of anyone's player rankings. Stepping back, one should realize how difficult it would be to contain a high school program designed around size and interior talent'which is exactly what Antonio Lowe and Winston-Salem Christian have done. Let's look at the grouping…
6'8 '21 Jordan Wildy (Iona commit)
The first prospect, Wildy, was a major piece on last year's Moravian Prep squad and has taken another step as a leader for this Lions group. He shows skill and floor-spacing ability as needed but also regularly works inside and overwhelms opponents with his instincts and overall activity level. Wildy is wiry but utilizes his length and positioning well to secure rebounds, alter shots, and finish around the basket. He does a quality job of playing within himself and the team on both ends of the floor, and should ultimately carve out a useful role for Iona in the future.
6'8 '21 Tavis Bridges
Like Wildy, Bridges came over with Coach Lowe and maintained his steadying two-way presence while still making improvements on either end of the floor. He consistently stands out for his willingness to play hard in all facets of the game, hustling for rebounds, loose balls, and any second-chance opportunity. Bridges is a capable finisher and able to knock down the open jumper, but also looks to make the unselfish play whenever possible. He runs the floor hard in transition and is capable of blocking shots at a useful rate.
6'10 '22 Brandon White
Widely the most discussed player of anyone on the team, White has obvious intrigue and appeal as a long-term prospect. His body and overall physical attributes are his main selling point, as his combination of length, strength, and athleticism allows him to overpower opponents with relative ease. White runs and moves very well for his size, which allows him to regularly beat his assignment down the floor and score in transition. He shows the makings of a useful arsenal with his back to the basket, but still finds most of his opportunities through effort and positioning. It should go without saying, but White will certainly be a prospect to monitor going forward.
6'11 '22 Christ Essandoko
While each of the aforementioned trio has clearly defined paths to their long-term abilities, Essandoko's intrigue comes from the unknown. Arguably no post player in the state displays as many high-level flashes, especially in terms of skill and polish, but Essandoko is truly just beginning to harness his upside. Between his touch, footwork, and overall offensive firepower, he genuinely has the chance to be atop North Carolina's Class of 2022. Many folks will try to focus on the negatives, but Essandoko is still relatively fresh to the area and should be given additional adjustment time. Expect his name to aggressively trend upward over the next few years.