December 22, 2011 – Allen Moll

Prior to this season, Australia wasn’t exactly known as a hotbed of NCAA and NBA hoops prodigies. But there must be something in the water “Down Under” when it comes to developing top notch high school hoops big men as two 7-footers will soon be making a splash on the collegiate level.

First we found out that imposing 7-foot Australian big man Steven Adams could be a potential 2013 Lottery pick and will be starring in the Big East for the Pittsburgh Panthers next season.

Now there is news of another 7-footer currently playing in Australia, named Thon Maker, who is already being compared to future NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett, and he’s only 14 years old and in the 8th grade.

That’s right, Maker is already a legit 7-foot and just started 8th grade. He recently wowed at the 2011 John Lucas Invitational, where he put on a show for onlookers, showing off an impressively fluid skill set for a 7 footer. Thon is already considered one of the top prospects in the 2016 Class along with thunderous dunker Adrian Moore, and the 6’9 Khalea Turner.

In addition to being an elite level shot blocker, he apparently is a fan of Hakeem Olajuwon as his arsenal of offensive moves includes the “Dream Shake” as well as an array of jump hooks and mid range jumpers.

He has an ever improving game and will obviously be a prospect we keep an eye on going forward. Anyone notice if Coach Cal was in attendance?

Thon Maker – #1 Rated 8th Grader (Class of 2016):

Source: MiddleSchoolHoops.com

Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen has also provided content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, Cleveland.com, CSN Philly.com, Buckets Magazine, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.