It seems like the true post player’s value is slowly decreasing as the evolution of position-less basketball continues to take its course. One big man who is flying under the radar is Clemmons, North Carolina native Ben Uloko. Ben is a Class of 2018 6’7″, 250lbs power forward who for some reason is being underrated in my opinion. The forward, who plays his High School basketball at West Forsyth High School and AAU for the NC Spartans, deserves some more mid-major attention.
He’s a load down low that can come up with major double-digit rebounding numbers. He also has great hands for a big man that can score efficiently. In the film, it seems that Uloko is trying to get his jump shot comfortable out to 15-18 feet to be able to stretch the floor a little bit. I feel like this big man has the potential to expand his game more than the product on the floor now. We at Basketball Society were able to catch up with Ben to ask him a few questions.
Who all do you hold offers from at this moment?
Ben: Mars Hill, Fayetteville State, and Winston-Salem State
What schools are showing at least medium interest who haven’t offered yet?
Ben: UNC-Pembroke, ECU, Radford, Army at West Point, Houston Baptist, VMI, and Lenoir Rhyne
What schools stand out to you so far that are high up on your list?
Ben: I’m trying to just take it one day at a time and right now I have no preferences.
Why do you think you’ve gone underrated this far in the recruiting process/
Ben: I think I’ve gone underrated because there are a lot of good players out there and that means I just have to put even more work in
What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses on the court/
Ben: I think my strengths are that I am a good rebounder and low post scorer. My areas that I need to improve in are my defense, ball-handling, and more offensive moves.
What player do you compare yourself to and why?
Ben: I compare myself to Charles Barkley because we are both undersized big men who play bigger than they really are
What do you feel like you do differently than anyone else on the court?
Ben: I keep a level head out on the court and I don’t let mistakes take me out of the game.
Is there a particular style of basketball you like to play?
Ben: I’m starting to use more of a face-up game instead of a back to the basket style of game.
How do you see your game translating to next level?
Ben: I see my game translating well at the next level as I become more comfortable with my face up game and ball-handling.
Any fellow Class of 2018 guys you’d like to play with on the next level?
Ben: Yeah, I would like to play with my teammate at West Forysth Maverick Larue and my former AAU teammate Daivien Williamson, either of those guys.
What are your goals for your senior year?
Ben: My goals are to win a state championship. I also want to continue working on being the best player, teammate, and leader I can be.
I believe with Ben working on expanding his game, he will show his senior year that he is a Division 1 mid-major prospect. I’m waiting on the Coastal Carolina, Wofford, and Winthrop’s of the basketball world to start to offer the 6’7″ forward. We will keep you updated with his recruiting process.
