January 2024
While being drafted into the NBA is a dream come true for players all around the world every season, the opportunity to be in that situation requires hard work and a modern skillset. As a player goes from high school to college, and ultimately to the NBA, the level of competition and style of play changes dramatically.
As such, there’s a certain archetype of prospect that can be identified early on as someone who has a real chance to make it to the league. When looking at the current class of high school players who are set to become college freshmen in the 2024-25 season, the level of talent is remarkable.
As these players embark on their final few months of high school play, Integrity Sports Agency will be evaluating some of the best guards, wings and bigs across the country. Along the way, we will be highlighting some of the players who have that modern skillset to make it to the NBA.
Let’s recognize some of the most impressive high school bigs in the Class of 2024.
Nicolas Codie
6’9” | 200 lbs – Newman Smith High School | University of Texas Signee
With the size and length Codie possesses, he’s a walking mismatch on the offensive end. He may be the size of a big, but has the skills of a modern wing. He’s extremely fluid for his size and has one of the most smooth games of any player in his class.
While he has the ability to score from all three levels, what sticks out most about Codie is the touch he has. Whether it’s at the rim or in the midrange with a reliable floater, he’s able to loft the ball up softly and convert at a high rate. Conversely, when the 6-foot-9 forward needs to finish with power, he’s an effortless dunker who can finish through anyone.It will be interesting to see how Codie’s role progresses as he moves forward in his basketball journey. He is more of a combo forward today, but likely will be a wing ultimately at the NBA level given how comfortable he is with the ball in his hands.
When speaking with NBA personnel, the most exciting part of Codie’s game to them is the positional versatility and scoring package.
Donnie Freeman
6’9” | 190 lbs – IMG Academy | Syracuse University Signee
When it comes to having the tools that forwards need in today’s game, Freeman has almost everything you could ever want. He has what it takes to impact winning on both ends of the floor, which is extremely important at the college and NBA level to earn minutes.
On the defensive end, Freeman has the footwork and quickness to guard in space, but the size and strength to also play physically and defend traditional bigs. That versatility will prove to be key, as lineup flexibility is beginning to become one of the most important things at the highest levels of competition. On the other end, Freeman finishes very well with both hands and boasts an impressive face-up game with the ability to facilitate from the high post. He also has a reliable midrange jumper and has started to flash the ability to step out and knock down triples.
When talking to college and professional scouts, Freeman’s upside on the defensive end and the ability to defend upwards of three positions — including center — is what makes him stand out among his peers.
Flory Bidunga
6’8” | 215 lbs – Kokomo High School | University of Kansas Signee
From a physical standpoint, Bidunga is perhaps the most gifted in his class. The lefty is incredibly long and is already ahead of schedule in terms of his frame being developed. He can bully opposing players with sheer strength or with his athleticism, which makes for a dominant big at the high school level.
In the modern game, running the floor and providing vertical spacing are two important traits, which Bidunga has. He is extremely mobile for a big and has explosiveness and pop that result in him being a great lob threat and rebounder. He’s also a lethal shot blocker, pairing his athleticism and length with natural instincts and timing. With more reps and situations to navigate at the college level, Bidunga will only get even better. As dominant as he already is today, he’s still just scratching the surface of his potential.
From everyone we’ve talked to, Bidunga is as great of a person as he is a player. He’s known for always having a smile on his face and has a contagious positive energy.
