"Fast Lane Giant: With Speed, Swagger, and Something to Prove"

Elian Arick

@elian_arick_26

IG: @elrob4x

6'10, 195lbs, Class of 2026

Buckeye Trail HS, OH

Elian is a 6’10 big with speed like a sprinter, the heart of a grinder, and a motor that doesn’t stop. He runs the floor like a wing, thrives in transition, and makes fast breaks his personal runway. But where he really shines is on the defensive end, he’s a ground-covering, shot-swatting, rim-protecting nightmare. He is a bona fide space eater and a Windex man on the boards, gobbling up rebounds like candy, wiping the boards clean. With excellent timing, rotation instincts, and a chase-down mentality, Elian locks in as a difference-maker on defense. And while he’s been labeled a defensive anchor, he’s quick to let people know he’s far more than that. His offensive game is coming alive; he’s working on his handle, finishing through contact, and stretching the floor with a more confident three-point shot.

This past season, Elian averaged 6.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. What those numbers don’t show is the improvement that came with it, mentally, emotionally, and skill-wise. Just a few years ago, he was still riding the bench and learning the game after picking up basketball in 7th grade. But through adversity and pressure, he broke through, earning a varsity starting role, helping lead Buckeye Trail to a 16–8 season, and growing into a confident force on the floor. That evolution carried into the AAU season with Westside Elite, where Elian’s transformation was obvious on film, being more fluid, more aggressive, and playing with belief.

His offseason has been about stepping into leadership, tightening his handles, and dialing in from deep. He understands that to reach the next level, he has to continue to grow on both ends. He embraces the challenge. A true team-first player, Elian is committed to being a leader this year as the lone returning starter, knowing that everything, confidence, hustle, and unity, starts with him. He’s fired up by momentum plays, whether it’s a rim-rattling dunk or a block that silences the trash talk. And no matter the moment, he shows up ready to compete.

The adversity has made him stronger. When the mental side gets tough, he looks to his coaches and parents, especially his mom, whose advice has stuck with him like a guiding light: “Climb the mountain.” Some players stop, some rise ahead, but he just keeps climbing. And climb he has.

Off the court, Elian loves grabbing food with friends, relaxing at home, and getting after it in track, his first love. His 53.77 time in the 400m is eye-opening for a big man, and that speed directly feeds his unique transition game and lateral quickness.

That hard work is beginning to pay off. Elian recently received his first verbal offer from Bethany College following a strong showing at their Elite Camp, an opportunity that marks a milestone in a journey built on perseverance, belief, and relentless improvement.

I assess that Elian’s length, lateral speed, and natural timing make him an ideal fit for programs needing a mobile big man who can defend at a high level and run the floor. His constant motor, shot-blocking instincts, and developing offensive range make him a versatile piece for modern systems. Coaches can expect a player who takes pride in the dirty work and makes winning plays without needing the spotlight.

As Elian continues to grow into his frame and evolve his guard-like skills, his ceiling rises fast. He’s still new to the game compared to most, but his potential is fueled by passion, resilience, and discipline. Expect him to be a major problem at both ends of the floor, an evolving two-way threat who has only scratched the surface of his potential. The climb isn’t over, and he's just picking up speed. Stay tuned for a breakout season ahead.