Add Spellman to List of Quality Bigs in the State

Omari Spellman-6'6 PF North Royalton

A couple of days ago I wrote about my excitement and the anticipation I felt over a 2018 PG's participation in the upcoming Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase.  Added to the list of must see players includes North Royalton's Omari Spellman, a 6'6 PF who attends North Royalton HS. Spellman, a freshman caught my eye at a tournament in Cleveland last summer while running with SMAC. From what I saw in his game that weekend, and from recent reports from open gyms, Spellman is starting to make a name for himself, and is starting to make a case as the top big man in the state.

Now let me be clear, I'm not ready to give Spellman the crown over guys like Derrick Daniels (6'7 PF Thurgood Marshall), Derek Funderberk (6'7 WF/PF St. Edwards), Seth Towns (6'7 W/PF Northland), or James Manns II (6'6 PF Marion Franklin); however, Spellman has several undeniable gifts that can't be ignored. First of which is his size; at 6'6, Spellman has the bulk, motor and willingness  to bang  in the low post. In addition, because so many kids want to be wings or PGs theses days, it's often hard to find guys who want to play the traditional role of a post player; Spellman does. With that said, Spellman is skilled enough to step away from the bucket and knock down the mid range shot, and he is athletic, rebounds well and defends the post well with his shot blocking ability. Also, because Spellman still looks young, he may have more room to grow. According to Spellman's father, his son hit a growth spurt and grew 5 inches between his middle school years. Spellman has not been seen by many people in the state because he lived in New York from the time he left Cleveland when he was in the 7th grade until he returned home about 2 years ago.

Mark Kostelac-6-8 C Cleveland 

In the same SMAC front court with Spellman this past summer was another long term post prospect in Mark Kostelac, a 6'8 C from Cleveland (Chradon NDCL HS).  Kostelac is bigger than Spellman but he also possess good upside potential going forward. Like Spellman, Kostelac finishes at a high rate around the bucket and defends the paint well. It will be nice to see both Spellman and Kostelac compete against other quality bigs, as both players will be competing in the Ohio North vs South game and the elite showcase next weekend. Finally, for all of you college coaches who regularly visit this site, you might want to get these kids on campus!                                                                                                

Another new comer to keep an eye on next weekend is Carlton Braggs, a 6'9 sophomore out of Cleveland VASJ. Although I have not seen Braggs personally, I hear he is the real deal. Apparently, Braggs had a breakout performance at a 5 Star camp this past summer, and as a result, he has garnered high major college attention. Because Braggs will be competing in the Ohio North vs South game on Saturday, we will all get a chance to see him matched up with more established guys like Nate Fowller ( 6'9 C Moeller) and Tony Anderson Jr. (6'6 PF Marion Franklin), 2 of the top 2015 bigs in the state. I would have to think that most of Ohio's college coaches have zoned in on Braggs by now, but if you have been sleeping, wake up and reach out to the kid fast!.