A closer look at Blake Buchanan: Dan Dickau's Starting 5

In the first edition of "Dan Dickau's Starting 5," the SBLive Vice President of basketball content took a closer look at five rising prospects from around the Northwest.

Unsurprisingly, one of the most intriguing subjects in the region is Lake City (Idaho) four-star center Blake Buchanan.

The 6-foot-9, 215-pound big man is rated the nation's No. 73 overall prospect and No. 10 center by 247Sports.

But he's played even better than that in recent months. 

In fact, USC commit Bronny James said Buchanan was perhaps the player that impressed him most for Team USA at the Nike Hoop Summit. 

Long-time Lake City coach Jim Winger believes Buchanan's development has come from his tireless work ethic and a sky-high ceiling that he is just now beginning to approach. 

"First of all Blake is an outstanding human being," he said. "Great young man and student. He also comes from a rock solid family. I believe Blake is one of the hardest workers in the state. His talent level is is obviously extremely high, but he worked his way to the D1 level. He is always in the gym and weight room. Offensively Blake is outstanding around the rim. He has now become a real threat from the outside as well. He is a tremendous defender in all areas. I think this is his best attribute. Blake runs the floor as well as any big man that I have seen this year. After watching Blake play in the Team USA game I believe he will do very well at Virginia. I can’t wait to watch him." 

Here's what Dickau had to say about Bucahanan as a prospect: