The NC Top 80 brings together the 80 best players in the state, regardless of class, regardless of position. It allows the big name guys to jostle for ranking and even scholarships. It also allows the over looked guys to go right at the highest ranked kids to find their place.
This event was no different, however the common thread between all of them is they all competed. Every player touched the ball consistently, plays were made in the half court, and guys took pride in defense.
Today I am going to cover the Posts position. Here are the guys who showed out during the day:
6’9” Junior Iran Bennett – Mt Zion – Team Wall
Bennett is a staple among the most talked about posts in North Carolina. The bountiful junior has great hands and good feet in the post. He also has some ability to step out and make 15’ jump shots and some good passes. He averaged 16.7 Points and shot 82% from the field, on an array of thunderous dunks and post moves.
6’8” Freshman Jude Akubeze – Prominence Academy – CP3
Akubeze left the camp with the most “Who is that'” statements. Akubeze is a strong post player, that has good explosion and uses his length and motor around the rim. Akubeze averaged 14.3 Points on 58% shooting and 5.3 Boards per game, against some of the best bigs in the state.
6’7” Junior Osinachi Smart – New Garden Friends – Team Wall
Smart is a physical marvel, he has a chiseled frame and a 7’5” wing span. He uses that length in the post to affect the play on both ends. Smart dunks everything within 8 feet, affects shots around the paint, and he rebounds out of his area well. Look for a big Summer from Smart as his frame alone will generate a lot of interest.
6’9” Sophomore Franklin Ugochukwu – Cape Fear Christian – Team Loaded NC
Ugochukwu had a great year for his Cape Fear Christian Academy team. He is a very strong post player, who understands positioning and how to use his strength. His offensive game gets better each time out, as does his athleticism. Ugochukwu has a good motor which helps him to rebound his area well. During this event he averaged 9.3 Points (57.9% FG), 5.7 Boards, and a Block per game.
Other Standouts
Length and Strength
6’7” Junior Thank God Msughter – Freedom Academy
Thank God is strong, he has great length HUGE hands and plays strong. He goes strong at the rim, and his footwork and post moves are developing. He averaged 12.7 Points on 68% shooting and 4 Boards per game.
New Name on the Block
7’ Sophomore Chris Efretuei – Concord Prep – Team Penny
Efretuei is new to the area, playing with Concord Prep. He is big and runs very well, but also uses his length and activity to score around the basket. Efretuei also showed touch and ability from 15’. He scored 8.7 Points on 73% shooting and averaged 4 Boards per game.