Evaluating high school prospects and projecting them to the next level is an interesting thing. Like any occupation, folks naturally get more comfortable over the years and start understanding the general nuances of their respective industry'and scouting is no different. Learning about what translates versus what doesn't, seeing what is more valued in college than high school, and countless other intricacies. However, the case of Micah Handlogten is one that simply never made sense. 

The 7-foot-1 big man is currently standing out as an integral piece for Marshall. As a true freshman, he's started in every game while posting nightly averages of 7.5 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 2.5 BPG, and 1.1 SPG with 64% from the floor. If that wasn't impressive enough, go ahead and look at his ranking in numerous statistical categories within his league. Right now, Handlogten leads the Sun Belt in total rebounds, rebounds per game, offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, blocked shots, blocks per game, defensive rating, offensive rebounding percentage, and total rebounding percentage. Additionally, he's among the top ten in various others: PER (second), win shares (tenth), defensive win shares (fourth), win shares per 40 (third), box plus/minus (fifth), defensive box plus/minus (second), block percentage (second), and defensive rebounding percentage (second). Handlogten also ranks among the NCAA in block percentage (tenth) and defensive rebounding percentage (sixteenth). Those numbers are basically unprecedented for a freshman. Putting the theory to the test, we dove into how many freshmen (since 2010-11) have met the following parameters: PER at 25, defensive rating below 85, box plus/minus above 5, and usage below 20% (and playing at least 100 minutes). The result' Only four: Anthony Davis, Nerlens Noel, Jay Huff, and Handlogten. Expand it to players across all classes and the outcome is still only nine guys (including Handlogten). Is there really a need to explain much further' The other three names mentioned have enjoyed time in the NBA, and it wouldn't be crazy if Handlogten followed down the same path. 

Remember when we begged Division I coaches to pursue the seven-footer and were met with questions about his ability to translate to the collegiate ranks' Five coaches extended offers. Five. Again, we weren't pushing the envelope on a small, scoring guard, but rather a legit footer with touch, timing, and range. It feels like it should've been an easy conversation. Now, he's quietly starring as one of the best freshmen across all leagues and divisions in college basketball. Only time will tell how far he'll go, but Handlogten clearly has what it takes to continue trending as one of the best young pieces in the country and generate buzz for himself as an NBA prospect. 

Read what was previously said:

August 2020

September 2020

September 2021