Each year, the high school season turns into proving grounds for coaches, players, and college programs. Winning games still holds obvious importance, but advancing prospects to the next level is much more significant. Though it's been pointed out that big men take longer to properly develop, there is no real reason for college coaches to hoard offers with deserving guys available in North Carolina's Class of 2023. Surely the excuse of recruiting seniors (rather than juniors) will arise, but plenty of kids have already started to accumulate offers. Think about someone like Joseph Bachman, who holds no offers despite having the production and body of work to warrant attention. What more does the Laney product need to do'
It's unclear whether folks have been paying attention or not, but Bachman has really asserted himself as a winner within the high school scene. In looking at his sophomore season at Laney, the Buccaneers went 10-2 behind his stat line of 10.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 1.5 BPG with 51% shooting from floor. This year, they are currently 11-1 with their interior cog posting nightly averages of 15.2 PPG, 11.9 RPG, and 2.3 APG while shooting 59% from the floor. Not only have his numbers improved across the board, but his ability to directly contribute to winning has also never wavered. Add in his status with Garner Road, and Bachman's overall lack of recruitment is quite perplexing.
One would think the appeal of a strong, sturdy 6-foot-9 post prospect with feel, footwork, and toughness should be coveted throughout the country. Although Bachman is somewhat of a throwback big, plenty of notable college programs still find a ton of success traditional post players. He displays touch, mobility, and an active motor on both ends of the floor. Bachman is a strong finisher with a fundamentally sound approach, which allows him to control the glass while altering shots and capitalizing on offensive chances. Given how many other prospects (especially big men) have collected offers, college coaches would be wise to lay groundwork with Bachman.