The mystery man Maciej Bender picked up another power-5 offer, this time from Georgia and yet people continue to ask, “who is this kid'”
Bender is a 6’10” 2016 skilled forward who spent this summer playing for the U-20 Polish team. At this year’s prestigious Virginia Top 80, Bender was just returning from six weeks out from a high ankle sprain, we stated, “Bender has a great attitude toward the game, and very advanced ball skills for his size. He showed the ability to finish with his back to the basket as well as shoot beyond the arc. We would like to see Bender develop a more consistent motor when things aren’t going his way, as well as continue to work on his overall athleticism. Bender is a very good area rebounder and gives good effort on the boards.”
With this offer from Georgia, Bender now holds offers from Ole Miss, Davidson, Marshall, West Virginia, and Georgia and he has schools like Clemson and Wisconsin very interested. Bender’s high school coach, Powel Mrozik stated, “He is the number one target for West Virginia and Ole Miss. Wisconsin is very interested, they will come see him early in September.”
As typical is successful Euro bigs, Bender is a very skilled player who has great hands, Coach Mrozik describes him as, “He is a very skilled big man with very good feet and hands. He is getting stronger and tougher each day in the gym. Others have said it and I agree, he is a more athletic version of Frank Kaminsky (maybe not quite as good a shooter).”
Bender has a lot of good options already for the next level, and he is sure to pick up more as he plays with his Mountain Mission team this year. However, Bender is very direct with what he is looking for at the next level, “Whoever provides the best opportunity to develop into an NBA player “.” Those goals are loft, however Bender’s Coach Mrozik feels they are very attainable, “He isn’t ready to go now, how he has undeniable NBA upside.”
Bender has a skill set that is undeniable. His coach raves about him, and if you watch him play you see it immediately. Once coaches see him this spring, it will be interesting to see who all comes on board for the rising senior.