Toyota Big 5 Classic Event Standouts

As the greater Philadelphia metro is known for being the stomping grounds of many great basketball legends, as well as the home of a unique concentration of storied Division 1 programs, makes any opportunity, to see an collection of talent from across the Big East, American, A-10, and Ivy League, conference's, all in one building, that much more worthwhile. It was an absolute pleasure for our very own Jared Williams, not only to attend, but to further note any impactful athletes, that may be lying under the radar, so far this season, as we barely scratch the first full month of collegiate action.

Much appreciation to the event operators at Comcast Spectator, for their warmth and willingness to let us cover and promote this great event, as well as for the staff at Xfinity Mobile Arena, for their professionalism and execution over the course of the entire day and evening and we also congratulate the Villanova Wildcats for winning this years iteration of the Big 5 Classic. With all that said, we are proud to share Jared's notes and observations on specific players, whos performances stood out, amongst the three games played on Saturday, December 6th.

Josiah Harris || La Salle || 6’9 || F || SR || 21 pts / 13 reb

• Strong interior presence; you can feel his physicality courtside

  
  

• High-motor rebounder — consistently active on both ends

  
  

• Secures boards through contact; good strength and positioning

  
  

• Provides paint stability on defense; walls up well without fouling

  
  

• Finishes efficiently around the rim; good touch on close shots

  
  

• Plays with energy and toughness, helps set the tone inside

  
  

• Impacts the game even without high usage or perimeter touches

  
  

• Reliable effort player — brings consistency in the interior

Chris Jeffrey || Villanova || 6’3 || G || FR || 2 reb / 4 ast / 1 stl

• Strong on-ball defender — consistently stays in front of his man

  
  

• Shows advanced defensive instincts for a young guard

  
  

• Physical frame; has real strength that shows up in point-of-attack defense

  
  

• Hounds ball handlers; applies pressure without over-fouling

  
  

• Comfortable defending in space; good lateral quickness and balance

  
  

• Competes on every defensive rep — high effort, high motor

  
  

• Uses hands well: disciplined reach-ins, active disruptions

  
  

• Brings a tough, defensive-minded presence to Villanova’s perimeter rotation

Tafara Gapare || Villanova || 6’9 || F || SR || 3 pts / 3 reb / 1 blk

• Immediately noticeable on the floor because of his length and lanky frame

  
  

• Moves well for his size; looks like a fluid, modern forward

  
  

• Gives the impression he could guard multiple positions

  
  

• Long strides and long arms suggest real defensive versatility potential

  
  

• Looks like the type who can cover ground, rotate, and contest shots with ease

  
  

• Physical profile and movement pattern give Jaden McDaniels type of player role or comparison

  
  

• Didn’t see enough for a full evaluation, but the tools and defensive upside stand out

Derrian Ford || Temple || 6’3 || G || SR || 27 pts / 4 reb

• Strong, sturdy frame for a guard; physical presence stands out

  
  

• Plays with downhill mentality; can use strength to finish through contact

  
  

• Reliable scorer — capable of putting up efficient 20-point games

  
  

• Shows solid rebounding for a guard; physical on box-outs

  
  

• Competitive on-ball defender; frame helps him hold his ground

  
  

• Looks comfortable creating his own shot or attacking gaps

  
  

• Brings a tough, physical guard identity to Temple’s perimeter group

Contributor: Jared Williams