Perfect Practice

As I stated, not much of an opportunity to see O'Connor, but it would be hard to believe the defensive edge goes to O'Connor. Maybe give the blocking aspect of defense to O'Connor. But, as far as guarding an opponent 1 on 1, straight up, Stauffer does this pretty well. He can play under the basketball and step out and defend. He has a good ability to step out to the perimeter to defend. I watched him shut down Marcellus Barkesdale in an AAU game (not in season play). Marcellus was playing inside and out on the perimeter and Stauffer held him to 6 points (maybe 8), and Barkesdale can flat score. As for the shooting touch, Stauffer is pretty good there too. Sure he may need to work on that a bit, but I think most big could use work there. He has a pretty soft touch from 15' too.

I agree with you here. Stauffer will have a very strong year IMO.

Anyone catch any good tournaments this weekend?

For how long and big (6'8") he is, and having that additional year, some would argue that his stats should be better than a sophomore who is only 6'5", or 6'6" and plays a very like position on the floor. For how long and big he is (6'8") he absolutely should be a stud down low on defense. As for doing the little things, I have seen Stauffer take charges in some summer tournaments this year. As far as altering and blocking shots, he can do that as well. If you wanna say it's getting picky, the stats or subjects you just brought up are picky. Stauffer does a lot for his teams. Some would also argue about leadership. It's not listed as a stat, but equally as important. Both are good players. Both have like stats. As I have stated in an earlier post, I have not had much of an opportunity to see O'Connor play. But, for as long as this argument has gone on, admit it or not, his stats are very much comparable to others. Does O'Connor play summer ball?

I absolutely agree with you that Jackson is a great player, maybe one of the better players in the state. But, I wouldnt go as far as to put him at top 10 in the NATION. The kid can play ball, no doubt about that, but for me, top 10 in the nation is a little high. He would definitely make the top 50, and maybe the top 40.

It definitely is about the best big man in the state and in NKY. But, I just throw that in there because the stats are extremely comparable (even though you dont seem to want to admit that), if not dead even. That being said Stauffer is a Sophomore. Therefore, Stauffer may have more upside. I absolutely agree with you here. It's not always smart to question refs. Let the coaches worry about it. But that competitive nature drives these kids. The fact that you say MOST of the really good players you see compete dont question calls is funny to me personally... What about college ball? Because those are the guys that compete at the highest level (excluding the NBA, where they always complain, but we'll leave them out of this) and you see them questioning A LOT of calls. I see kids in every tournament I'm at that questions calls. They wanna win! If a kid truly feels like there was a missed call they will all most certainly have something to say. Whether they "think" it or "say" it, It going to affect them just the same.

You are very much entitled to your opinion and it is respected. But, just as much as you are going to give your say... So will I. You are forgetting that O'Connor is going to be a Senior. Stauffer just a Junior. For being a whole year behind, the stats are pretty comparable, if not dead even. You must admit that... As far as working without the ball on offense, you are way off here IMO. The kid works so hard on both sides of the basktball floor. Maybe he does question some calls, but what passionate, competitive basketball player doesnt. As much as you say that this is his flaw, it's that same fire that burns in him to wanna be great and makes him a real good ball player. Or would you rather these boys just lay down. IMO it's his fire and passion that makes him so good as just a sophomore. As far as summer ball, I've seen him a few times in Louisville and in a tournament in Cincinnati... Seems to be playing well to me. Yet to see anyone push him around or shut him down.

I didnt leave O'Conner off my list intentionally. He may be a good player. I have not had to much of an opportunity to see him play. But you need to check the stats again. Stauffer had more points, and more rebounds. He also had less turnovers, and this is in important stat. Not to mention, Stauffer never played more than 28 minutes in a game and he only did that once. O'Connor played more than 28 minutes 5 times. His two biggest game were also against Calvary Christian and Silver Grove. And, to boot, O'Connor is a Junior. Look, Im not trying to debate the fact that O'Connor isnt a good player. You can clearly see that he is a nice player. Not to mention that he is 6'8" and still has another whole season to play. And he does play with another nice big man in Gligorevic who is a forward though, not a center ("big man"). O'Connor should be fun to watch next season. Stauffer is a very nice player. And he went to combat with an older, bigger guy on the team and he held his own. This is what I mean by saying that Stauffer really had to compete for time with another big man. Jake Geisler didnt have to split time with Matt. One is a center, one is a smaller forward. Look, all are nice players, period. You are entitled to your opinion, it is apparent you like Geisler and O'Conner, both very nice Players. I think Stauffer is gonna be a top 5 big man in NKY next season which is what I stated from the first post. IMO he could be top 2 or 3. If I'm not mistaken I had Geisler in there as well.

I want to see this kid play. Havent had an opportunity, but I hear he is a very nice player.

Geisler/Stauffer, Stauffer/Geisler.... I never said Stauffer was above Geisler, I just said that I dont know that I would necessarily put Geisler ahead of Stauffer. Both were very solid last season as sophomores. Both will continue to get better. I personally think Stauffer is more athletic than Geisler. The kid doesnt wear down. He has a very "high motor" (to coin a football term) that doesnt quit. He isn't as big as Geisler, but he plays an inch or 2 bigger than is doesnt appear to get "out-muscled" by anyone. Should be fun to watch these two progress. Both are good players. 2 and 2a either way behind Pittman in NKY. (My opinion) The Thelen thing, I dont get either. Very solid offensive contributor. The kid can shoot at times. I dont see much out of him defensively. Maybe he was hurt or something. I dont know much about him. But, when I've seen him play some defense was lacking. Also, if you put him inside, he is going to get banged around by stronger, bigger guys. If you put him on the wing, a nice spot for him, and could probably take the bigger, stronger guys out there.

You're WAY off here. This wasnt throwing anyone under the bus. I simply stated a fact... Giesler didnt have another big man that he was truly competing with. Stauffer did. That's a fact. If Lebron and Kobe played together would they contribute the way they do individually? Absolutely not. I dont throw kids "under the bus", I simply stated a fact. Giesler IS a nice player. No doubt about that. Dont make assumptions or put words into someone's mouth. that's not cool.

Glad to see that another person on here has seen Clay Robinson. I really think he will be able to assert himself as a legitimate big man in NKY. He may not have dominated last year, but he is my pick for being the guy that comes on that not many have heard about.

He is a big kid, and a good player. He's got some work to do next season. He and Kellen Smith should do well together.

I think you know as well as I do that you cant necessarily go off last seasons stats. You also have to look at the situation. Giesler wasnt fighting for time with other big men. Stauffer had a senior or 2 and was playing with Tate Nichols who likes the basketball. Stauffer asserted himself last season and will only continue to grow. Plus, he may play a higher level of competition than NCC in my opinion.

This is a good list but there I dont think Giesler should be rated above Stauffer. Thelen from CovCath is solid offensively, but I have to see more out of him both physically and defensively.

I would agree with Zollo, he'll have another solid season. I disagree with Euton. Maybe I would put him in the top 10 or 12. Eutons name got big because Gillispie recruited him to UK, but then again, he got an 8th grader to commit. Euton is a good player, but Im not sure about the top 5 statewide.

All right folks, we have talked about the PG's and some of the other great players in KY. It's time to get a discussion going about some of the best big guys in the state. For the state I like Elijah Pittman coming back for Holmes Highschool. The kid can just play ball. For NKY I think Bobby Stauffer of Ryle will be right up there with the best, if not the best. I also look for Andy Earls and to have a big year for Boone County. With McFarland out of that lineup and Earls and Gabbard taking over, I look for Earls to be a big contributor. Jake Giesler for Newport Catholic should also have a good year. Next up, and this is my early prediction, but Connor High School has two big guys, Clay Robinson who is right around 6'6" that played well against some good teams last year. Big strong kid that plays with a lot of heart. Also, my surprise big man player is a kid named Tyler Hodges who is 6'7" with a very long wing spand. He doesnt necessarily play the big man role in the paint.He may be more of a wing player, but he can stroke it. He may need to get a little more aggressive in going to the rim, but I think he can get that done. My NKY early list: Elijah Pittman --- Holmes High School Bobby Stauffer --- Ryle High School Andy Earls --- Boone County Jake Giesler --- Newport Catholic Clay Robinson --- Connor High School Tyler Hodges --- Connor High School Please, add to this list. And, get the talk going for best big man in the state.

Yeah Smith and Gabbard looked strong in the games I saw. I am yet to see Popp in an AAU game. I heard that he may possibly be transferring out of Boone County... Has anyone else eard that? I know the kid is a good ball player, just wondering if he'll be at Boone.

Is this the same Coach Carr that used to coach at Simon Kenton?

Why the emphatic "Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"?

I think this is a good list. I think Matt Trammel will be vastly improved next season at Dixie. Not only does he have handles, he can defend well, appears to be a solid leader, and he has the ability to take a game over. Kellen Smith put up really good numbers last year, i would think he could repeat that and get better. He looks pretty good in summer ball this year playing with high level competition. If you extend NKY to Mason County, Jordan Gilbert looks tough. Defends well, passes well, decent stroke, and can get to the rim. I saw Blake Bryan at a tournament this AAU season and the offense looked real solid. Good quickness and appears to be a strong kid. The defense appeared to be lacking (maybe tired though, late night, long game). Lastly, I know we have these names on a list, and its a good list, but there is always atleast one kid that surprises people. That kid will be Jake Flesch of Connor Highschool. Thats my prediction. I am told he missed most of last season with an injury. At a tournament I watched, the kid is very quick, defends very intensely, and is a good fundamental passer. He will be a true PG that could score 8-10 pts/game. I am just huge fan of kids that play the game on both sides of the ball. Most any kid that plays Varsity Highschool basketball can score in some fashion. Defense is very, VERY key in my estimation.

You are correct. No one said he isnt good. The kid is a player, you can tell that by stats alone. One thing I noticed though is that he really did not get it going until 15 or 16 games into the season. I am assuming he starts for Scott Highschool, is that correct? I did see also though, that he put up some good numbers against good teams. Nice work. I dont yet put him to the likes of Johnson, this kid is getting looks from UK and others, and has been for a bit. You could argue Gabbard though.

His name is Jaylen Daniels. He's just a sophmore and can jump out of the gym. The best thing about Jaylen is'nt his game it's his atitude. Super great kid and very humble. Love him to death! I didn't get to see him long. 1 whole game. But, I got this impression you speak of from him. He seems to be very upbeat and motivated. He attacked the rim with authority and really appeared to be the most suited leader for that team. Look forward to seeing him play again.

You are right in stating I didn't follow him much last year. From what I have heard, it's all good things about this kid. I was just curious as to why you liked him so much and why you say he will be the best in NKY. Especially since your talking about Gabbard and Johnson who I did follow last year and were both pretty darn good last year. Not to mention they have a year of experience on Smith. I look forward to watching him all summer and next year.

Jaylan Daniels,Clark Co.- Team Kentucky Taylor Newsome,Shelby Valley- Team Kentucky There is a kid that played for Team Kentucky this weekend at the Royals tournament... I am told he plays for Clarke County. He is tall and has braids. Was dunking the ball with relative ease. Good ball player. He would go out of the game and the team would seem to get down or lose focus. Anyone know who he is? (a lousy description i know, sorry.)