An in-depth look at the MaxPreps database reveals a whopping 81 high school basketball players who stand at least 7 feet. It's difficult to determine if all those measurements are legit, but the following list of 7-footers who've proven their play on the court truly is.
As the game appears to shift toward smaller players with an increased emphasis on long-range shooting, it's interesting to note that while the last three NBA MVPs — Nikola Jokic and two-time winner Giannis Antetokounmpo — aren't 7-footers, they're both pretty darn close at 6-11.
All of which shows there's plenty of room on the hardwood for talented big men who might someday follow in the giant shoes of Jokic, Antetokounmpo, Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan, Wilt Chamberlain or Bill Russell.
And while it's a long way from the high school courts to the arenas of the NBA, these 10 7-footers are already making their mark and looking toward great things in the college game.
Height: 7-0 |
Year: Senior |
Status: Signed to Arizona
The four-star prospect is the No. 71 senior recruit in the country, according to 247Sports. He averaged 17.1 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game last season for the 15-3 Pumas. Considered a hybrid post with 3-point shooting range, Anderson figures to immediately contribute to the Wildcats, who were No. 3 nationally in the latest AP poll.
Donovan Clingan, Bristol Central (Bristol, Conn.)Height: 7-1 |
Year: Senior |
Status: Connecticut commit
The nation's No. 62 senior recruit, Clingan has made plenty of highlight reels around ESPN country. He averaged 27.3 points, 17.2 rebounds, 5.8 blocks and 3.1 assists last season for the 16-0 Rams, who are 12-0 in 2021-22.
Adrame Diongue, AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.)Height: 7-0 |
Year: Senior |
Status: Uncommitted
A prospect with a very high ceiling — literally — Diongue averaged 11.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in seven games for the country's No. 7 National Top 20 team. At only 185 pounds, Diongue is a long and wiry prospect with lots of room to grow.
Adrame Diongue, AZ Compass
File photo by Darin Sicurello
7-1 |
Year: Junior |
Status: Uncommitted
The son of former Cal forward Jelani, Gardiner has five triple doubles this season in points, rebounds and blocks. He's considered the 100th top junior in the country with offers from Kansas, LSU and USC among others. Through 14 games, he's averaged 23.4 points, 15.2 rebounds and 4.3 blocks.
Vincent Iwuchukwu, Southern California Academy (Castaic, Calif.)Height: 7-0 |
Year: Senior |
Status: Signed to USC
As if the Trojans need another big man, Iwuchukwu offers a load of raw potential with an emphasis on elite rim protection and flashes of offensive skills. The nation's No. 30 senior recruit began his prep career in San Antonio (Texas) — where another pretty good big man, Shaquille O'Neal, started — but he has attended four different programs, including two this season. Among his other offers were Baylor, Kansas, Texas, Florida and Florida State.
Dereck Lively II, Westtown (West Chester, Pa.)Height: 7-1 |
Year: Senior |
Status: Signed to Duke
The nation's No. 1 senior recruit, Lively has been considered a more offensive-minded Tyson Chandler. He would be the second 7-footer in two years to finish as nation's No. 1 recruit after Chet Holmgren, now at Gonzaga.
Christian Reeves, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.)Height: 7-1 |
Year: Senior |
Status: Committed to Duke
Incoming Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer won't have to worry about any holes down low as Reeves joins Lively in the paint at Cameron Indoor. Besides obvious length, Reeves has superb mobility and his offensive game has improved noticeably since his transfer from Cannon (Concord, N.C.).
Sage Tolentino, Hamilton (Ohio)Height: 7-1 |
Year: Senior |
Status: Signed to Cincinnati
A Hawaii native, Tolentino moved to the Queen City as a junior. His future head coach Wes Miller told reporters during signing day that Tolentino is "skilled, long athletic and has versatility at 7-1 to guard multiple positions. He can step out and shoot the three. He's our type of kid."
Kel'el Ware, North Little Rock (Ark.)Height: 7-0 |
Year: Senior |
Status: Signed to Oregon
The No. 8 player in his class, Ware is unstoppable around the rim but also displays a nice 3-point touch. He averages more than 20 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks per game. Considered vastly improved over the last year, Ware shows elite upside, according to 247Sports recruiting analyst Brandon Jenkins.
Patrick Wessler, Combine Academy (Lincolnton, N.C.)Height: 7-0 |
Year: Senior |
Status: Signed to Virginia Tech
The No. 205 recruit nationally from his class, Wessler had 14 offers but picked the Hokies over 13 other schools, including USC, North Carolina State, Ohio State and Iowa. The 255-pound lefty is a load in the block and a strong defender.
