The Gatorade State Boys Basketball Players of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 fall season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.

For the complete list of Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Edrice “Bam” Adebayo

THE BASICS

School: High Point Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 260 pounds

Athletic achievement: He averaged 18.9 points, 13.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game this past season, leading the Cougars (25-6) to the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association Class 3A state championship game. A McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic selection, Adebayo shot 64.3 percent from the field. The 2015 Under Armour Elite 24 MVP, he has also been selected to the 2016 USA Junior National Select Team.

Academic excellence: Adebayo has maintained a B average.

Exemplary character: In addition to donating his time as a youth basketball instructor, he has volunteered on behalf of his church’s youth group.

THE PRAISE

“In our games and the games we scouted, he played exceptionally well, had a great on-the-court demeanor and dominated all facets of the game,” said Howard West, head coach at rival Forsyth Country Day School. “I really think people are going to enjoy watching him on TV next year.”

THE FUTURE: Adebayo has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on scholarship at the University of Kentucky this fall.