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Lammers may end up being the rim protector the Jackets need long term. He's certainly not Daniel Miller 2.0 but he brings some interesting tools to the table.
Background and measurables:
Ben Lammers is the tallest player on the team at 6'10" and 241 lbs. and is still probably growing, as he just turned 19 as of November 12. He went to high school at Alamo Heights in San Antonio, where he formed a dynamic duo with guard and cousin Jim Lammers. Ben was also the defensive MVP of his school's district in his last three years at Alamo Heights High School.
2013-14 performance:
As a senior, Lammers posted averages of 16.3 points and 10.0 rebounds in 26 games until a knee injury knocked him out of play. He was rated as a 3 star prospect across the major scouting services and picked Tech over Miami (Fl.), Stanford and Marquette.
Hello, my name is Ben Lammers:
Role on this year's team:
The Jackets definitely added some size with this freshman from the Lone Star State. Already he has shown an ability to block shots and force the defense into bad situations upon entering the paint.
He has a passable jumper but his biggest asset is the ability to position himself in a way to seal off his defender for dunks. His post game isn't particularly refined, but he has time to learn from the surrounding cast. Still, with a 6'10" body, there's no reason he can't at least develop a hook shot to use his height to his advantage in the post.
I'm prepared to call Lammers the best low post passer on the team. He doesn't take any low percentage shots and if he runs into trouble, he will find the open shooter in the corner or on the wings. He has really good balance and good hands for someone his size, and he won't break the principles of the team offense for any reason.
Don't compare this guy to Daniel Miller. He won't ever be the defender and shot blocker Miller was. But he definitely has a higher ceiling offensively than Miller did. And with time, he can become a complete post player and an imposing figure in the eyes of opposing coaches.