PASCAL CHUKWU - 2014 - C - CONNECTICUT BASKETBALL CLUB 7-0 - FAIRFIELD PREP - WEST PORT, CT The length and instincts Chukwu possesses for defense are incredible. Chukwu dominated the paint at times with his reach, blocking shots and nabbing rebounds from opponents offensively and defensively. The talented 7-footer threw down a couple put-backs, finished plays off the catch and was an all-around major force inside. - See more at: http://www.ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=1429#sthash.agsLwdwI.HqR1JBEk.dpuf
After a bit of a drought the last few years, looks like we're into a heckuva DEEP group of BIG's moving onto the scene. Chukwu, Myles Turner, Skal Labissiere, Isaiah Manderson in the 2014 class, and Stephen Zimmerman and Cheick Diallo in the 2015 class, Thon Maker from 2016 are all showing STRONG at the Top 100 Camp (those excelling are doing it against exceptional comptetition) - Karl Towns, already commited to KY is also there but not getting much ink (perhaps because he IS an early commit?) - and #1 2014 big Jahlil Okafor isn't even there (he's in Colorado Springs with the National U-19 team getting ready for the World Chaampionships in Prague at the end of the Month). AND don't forget the #1 THIS year (Dakari Johnson, heading to Kentucky) reclassified earlier this season - HE was a 2014 6 months ago. And that's not counting guys who aren't at the "100" for various reasons but still figure to impact in college - 2014's like Khadeem Lattin, Payton Dastrup, Isella Diallo (no, no relation), Travon Reed, Elbert Robertson, Quadri Moore, Dan Manzi, Thomas Welsh. 2015's like #1 ranked Diamond Stone, Daniel Giddens, Jesse Govan, Thomas Bryant, Henry Ellensen, Mustapha Diagne, Tyler Davis and Kevarrious Hayes. There are 10 ranked kids coming along listed 7'0 or taller.
It's a little far out, but 2016 looks like it could be just as deep, with Thon Maker and Harry Giles already big on the national scene, Juwan Durham, Caleb Swanigan, Kalea Turner, & Rodney Miller all top 20 players in the class at this point - all already centers, and 6 more 15-16 year olds in that classes top 20 who are already 6'7+ and could end up in the middle by the time they're Jrs & Srs....
LATE EDIT: Can't believe I left out another big having a solid showing at the Top 100. 6'11 2014 center Chance Comanche, out of Culver City, CA. How did I forget to list THAT name?