Historically, basketball has made countless shifts regarding things like positions, rule changes, and desirable archetypes. The ideology of having two traditional big men is nearly obsolete, which also applies to true point guards and multiple other niche identities. Obviously, this is more evident in the NBA than college basketball. Someone like Jahlil Okafor would’ve been a perennial All-Star had his career started ten, fifteen, or twenty years earlier. Instead, the new-age appeal of a stretch-center (someone who can protect the rim and knock down perimeter jumpers at a quality clip) has rapidly taken over. If anyone fits that description, it’s Micah Handlogten–especially since his recruitment is finally starting to mirror his ability.
For starters, it’s worth mentioning two things: it seems like folks are expecting unrealistic production right now, yet don’t seem to comprehend the clear upside he possesses. Anyone expecting Handlogten to go out and average 20-10-5 simply doesn’t understand how this process works. There’s a legitimate case that he is the only prospect in North Carolina’s Class of 2022 with this archetype, seeing as how the other big men either don’t space the floor or protect the rim at the same level. Additionally, Handlogten’s tools to be a high-level defensive piece at the next level lies directly within physical maturity. His timing, positioning, and overall ability to block shots are already easy to see. Upon adding some strength to an already fluid athlete, Handlogten will only continue to get better.
Even if his production has been slightly inconsistent over the last few months, it honestly shouldn’t matter. Being productive in high school holds zero merit upon stepping onto a college campus. Rather than overflowing with doubt, these programs should be asking themselves, “can we continue to develop this fluid seven-footer with IQ, length, intangibles, and a 3.8 GPA'” The answer should be obvious. He can block shots, shoot jumpers, move in space defensively, and run the floor properly in transition. Fortunately, the likes of Jacksonville, Youngstown State, Presbyterian, and Marshall have all thrown their hat in the ring for Handlogten. It feels like we see this every year, where players like him get brushed aside when they are literally better than players who went higher in previous classes. Let’s not think too hard on this one.