Marcis Ponder, a four-star center prospect out of Gillilon Basketball Academy (VA) has been offered a scholarship by Indiana men's basketball.
Originally from Atlanta, Ponder is ranked as the 13th best player in the State of Virginia, the ninth best center prospect nationally and the No. 65 overall player in the country per 247Sports. He recently decided to play for Team Breakdown in the New Balance P32 League this summer.
The 7-foot and 320 pounder goes by the nickname ‘The Big Show’ and has been also called "Baby Shaq."
"When asked by On3 about who he compares his game to, he responded with: "I watch a lot of Shaq, you know, big and strong players like that. I’ve reshaped my body over the past six months, I’m all the way down to 280 now, and that has helped me to be able to run the floor.""Marcis Ponder
“Marcis Ponder is a physical presence. It is hard to ignore when he steps on the floor with his frame. When he plays, he shows off his explosion. He is quick off his feet, finishing consistently around the basket and through contact. Ponder has passer-friendly hands and is a good area rebounder,” On3’s recruiting profile of Ponder said.
MaxPreps lists him as averaging 9.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game this past season in 32 appearances for West Oaks Academy in Florida.
Ponder also holds offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Kansas, Texas, Tennessee,Auburn, Arizona State, Georgetown, Florida State, Illinois, Georgia, Rutgers, Providence, UCF, Miami, Murray State, Mississippi State and many more.
“Marcis is a great kid, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the family,” said Grind Session CEO Scott Waldrop. “Joining our circuit reaffirms his commitment to his craft and future. We’re excited to be part of his journey.”
Marcis is not a finished product yet and is what we call a "project" at the next level. He needs to work on his conditioning to be effective at the next level. Ponder has a long ways to go but has the skill set to be elite at his size. His footwork, passing ability and post game make him a mismatch and a future star at the college level if he can put it all together.