The 2.20-meter tall and 136-kilo pivot player who has the entire NBA intrigued

Erik Madrid, at 20 years old, is considered by the specialized portal Exclusive CBB as “the biggest pivot in college basketball.” The interior player, who stands 2.20 meters tall and weighs 136 kilos, is facing this season with Oklahoma Baptist in NCAA Division II, and is also noted as “one of the most intriguing players in the United States.”

Madrid, known by the nicknames 'Madrid Mountain' and 'Big E', will play his third season in the NCAA after a season in which he averaged 9.5 points, shooting 70% from the field, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 20.4 minutes per game with the Bisons de Oklahoma Baptist in Shawnee.

An old-school pivot

Madrid describes himself as a classic interior player. “In terms of my skills, I would say I am an old-school interior player. I don’t usually step out to the three-point line to shoot jumpers. I can pass the ball; if I see the opportunity, I will do it. But above all, I am a classic interior player,” he explained during his time as a high school player.

His coach at Tulsa Union High School, Rudy García, also highlighted his understanding of the game. “Erik Madrid is a very smart guy, so he knows how to play. He understands the game very well,” he explained to Sports Illustrated.

Last season, Madrid helped Oklahoma Baptist, which finished with a record of 34-3, win the Great American Conference championship and reach the NCAA Division II Final Four. His performance earned him an honorable mention on the All-GAC and he was named GAC Player of the Week twice.

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A wingspan of 2.26 meters and Native American roots

In addition to his height of 2.20 meters, Madrid has a wingspan of 2.26 meters. The pivot hails from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was developed at Tulsa Union High School.

'Madrid Mountain' also has Native American heritage from the Choctaw, Cherokee, Cree, and Chippewa tribes. In his personal life, he also follows the biblical passage from Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous.”

Shaquille O'Neal, Steven Adams, and Boban Marjanovic, his references

Erik Madrid's references are also related to his physique and his understanding of the pivot position. Colossi like Shaquille O'Neal, Steven Adams, and Boban Marjanovic are some of his inspirations.

His profile, combined with the progress he is showing at Oklahoma Baptist, has drawn attention in American college basketball. Exclusive CBB already considers him the “biggest pivot in college basketball” and one of the most intriguing players in the country.

If he maintains his progress and projection during his third year in the NCAA, Erik Madrid could become one of the surprises of the 2028 NBA Draft.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El pívot de 2"20 metros y 136 kilos que tiene intrigada a toda la NBA