There’s no way to know just how tall a kid will be before they stop growing. That makes finding your big man of the future in middle school is a bit of a crap shoot. However, a few of those kids who are taller than their peers before puberty get even taller after. Here’s a list of standouts forward and center prospects from The Florida Crown. 

Czy’aire Davis - 2030 - Global not local 

Even at this age Davis is a bit undersized for the four or five but he’s so athletic it doesn't matter. The 6-foot-1 forward can throw down one handed power dunks off two feet. He’s a physical finisher who doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s a solid rebounder for his size and runs the floor with an effective motor.

Travis Hudson Jr. - 2031 - Jayhawks 

You could keep Hudson out of the paint at this age if you tried. He’s a physical, rim-running big who likes to rebound the ball. Everything he does on the court is forceful. He plays through contact and has a good motor. Hudson was on the rim a few times in every game I watched. 

Mykel Benson Jr. - 2031 - Jayhawks 

Benson reminds of a young four who can stretch the floor. He’s willing to take jumpers outside of the arc and his shooting mechanics look clean doing so. He’s a long, mobile 6-foot-4 hooper who runs the floor and finishes through contact. He flashed agile footwork in several of his games. Benson isn’t afraid to put the ball on the ground and make plays for himself on drives. 

Torrance Speights - 2031 - Speights Elite 

Everyone knows a young big man’s best basketball is ahead of them and that looks to be the case with young Speights. Right now, his calling card is length and being a head taller than most players on the court. He’s a good rebounder and comfortable finishing through contact. 

Cade Phillips - 2030 - Austin Rivers Elite 

Phillips has the traits of an undersized big who excels in the position. He plays hard, he’s physical, and plays with a motor. Philips likes to create contact on both sides of the ball. He’s an active paint defender who challenges shots under the rim. He’s a forceful rebounder. Phillips balances his aggressive play style while staying out of significant foul trouble. 

Lul Jock - 2031 - Florida Rebels 

Jock may play himself off this list by the team he reaches high school. The nearly 6-foot-8 seventh grader plays more on the perimeter and could be full time on the wing as his handle and shot develop. He’s scored well in transition and even showcased some growing athleticism with a dunk. Jock is just scratching the surface of his talents. 

Duoth Jock - 2031 - Florida Rebels 

May be a little shorter than his twin Lul but he looks like he may settle into a big man’s role a little easier. Jock is active on the boards on both ends, he left every game he played in with one or more blocks, and finished over the hands of defenders. He primarily guards bigger players but he’s comfortable setting the tone as the Rebels point of attack defender in certain defensive sets. 

Sherron Goffigan - 2030 - Hoop Dreams 

Goffigan is already pushing 6-foot-6 before his 15th birthday. He moves well for his size and age. He’s a deterrent around the rim and holds his own in the boards. Goffigan isn’t afraid to get hit in the paint and that led to several trips to the free throw line and a few and-1 finishes. 

Dontavis Gary - 2030 - Hoop Dreams 

Gary is still figuring out the game but it’s not limiting his production. He’s more of a defensive standout with the size and length to affect shots inside the paint. He’s a good rebounder who will go out of his area to grab a board.

Allen Pettigrew Jr. started scouting high school basketball in 2018. His work has been featured in USA TODAY, Bleacher Report, and local newspapers in 2018. Follow his X (Twitter) @AP_Writess for updates, follow his instagram and TikTok (allen_pettigrew) for interviews, recruiting announcements, and more basketball content.