As the game of basketball undergoes trends and stylistic changes, one thing remains a constant: big men will always have value. It’s clear that we’ve seen a major shift in how the game is approached, especially compared to ten, twenty, or thirty years ago. Since guards and wings have gradually taken over basketball, post players are being forced to modernize their game. Nowadays, the highest-level big men possess size, rim-protection, and offensive polish (often floor-spacing as opposed to an arsenal on the block). Having the physical tools and genetic makeup is more than half the battle, which is something completely out of the individual player’s control. That being said, Trent Steinour continues to showcase the makings of a notable post prospect and someone who could be poised for a breakout summer…
Although Steinour dealt with an injury early in the season, he’s only gotten better and better since his return. This season, he averaged 10.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, and 4.0 BPG. Pretty impressive, right' Well, things become even more appealing as we dive into the actual breakdown of his year:
December (his first month back; 8 games)- 7.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 3.0 BPG
January (7 games)- 12.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG, and 4.4 BPG
February (6 games)- 12.8 PPG, 10.7 RPG, and 5.0 BPG
So, the notion that he’s continually improving is a real thing. Steinour (like most players) merely had to get comfortable again after returning. In reality, he’s a long, 6-foot-9 big man with great length, interior instincts, and a low-maintenance identity. Steinour’s ability to play hard, control the glass, protect the rim, and score within the flow of the action makes him a seamless fit or perfect complement to legitimately any roster. He possesses touch around the basket and is capable of posting-up, playing out of the dunker spot, and rolling or popping as the screener in pick-and-roll situations. Steinour moves really well for his size and is polished enough to attack opposing bigs off the bounce. His athleticism, both lateral and vertical, has visibly trended up over the last calendar year. Additionally, Steinour poses a great lob threat and lurks really well for putbacks as an offensive rebounder. It’s truly difficult to say anything other than positives about the big man and his general progression. He still possesses as much upside as anyone in North Carolina’s Class of 2025 and only seems likely to continue improving. Steinour should be an obvious prospect for Division I programs to start offering over these next few months.