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New Jersey's Top Big MenThe Garden State Is Home To Many Great Post PlayersSamardo Samuels and Quintrell Thomas are just a couple of New Jersey's great interior players.
The best high school basketball in the nation is played in New Jersey, and the Garden State has some of the nation’s best big men around. Samardo Samuels (St. Benedict’s)You can’t have a conversation about high school big men without mentioning Samuels. His combination of size, strength and athleticism makes him a one-of-a-kind player. The senior from Jamaica runs the floor well and dominates the paint. Samardo’s athleticism is rare for somebody of his size, and this makes him the best power forward in New Jersey—maybe the nation. He will play for Rick Pitino at Louisville next season. Quintrell Thomas (St. Patrick’s)Thomas’ stocked soared after transferring to St. Patrick’s for his junior season. He emerged as one of the state’s top players during a strong campaign in the winter, and caught the eye of college recruiters with a great summer. Thomas is as good a rebounder as there is in New Jersey. The 6’7 forward has committed to play at Kansas. Gregory Echenique (St. Benedict’s)Only a junior, Echenique has plenty of time to develop, but Samuel’s teammate is already a force under the basket. He is not the athlete that his teammate is, but Echenique is bigger and has a great touch around the basket and in his mid-range game. He has the potential to be one of the top forwards in the nation. The Venezuelan native is the top priority of many recruiters from college basketball’s best programs. He already boasts an offer from Duke. Marcus and Markieff Morris (Apex Academy)The Morris twins, who are originally from Philadelphia, will prep this season at Apex Academy in Pennsauken, NJ. Marcus’ jumper is a threat, and Markieff’s best asset is his rebounding ability. Both can score in the post. The twins, once committed to Memphis, will be playing their college ball alongside Thomas, at Kansas. David Bruce (Linden)The junior from Linden has been off to a hot start for the Tigers, so far. It seems like he is putting up a double-double every game for Coach Phil Colicchio. His best game came against Irvington, when he poured in 34 points and grabbed 18 rebounds. He has not accomplished as much as the names above, but Bruce has a very high ceiling and will be garnering plenty of interest from Big East schools. Look for him to have a big season. Others to watch: Austin Johnson (Blair Academy), Lance Goulbourne (The Hun School), Bilal Dixon (Queen of Peace), Eugene Teague (St. Augustine’s), AJ Rogers (St. Anthony), Michael Gilchrist (St. Patrick’s), Devin Williams (Holy Cross), Ryan Brooks (Holy Spirit), Paris Bennett (St. Patrick’s)
The copyright of the article New Jersey's Top Big Men in Basketball is owned by Peter Spiewak. Permission to republish New Jersey's Top Big Men in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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