GRBA National Championships: 2018 Forwards
Forwards who can switch on defense and are comfortable with the ball anywhere on the floor are at a premium. In Fort Wayne at the GRBA National Championships, we watched a couple Ohio 2018 prospects show their ability to do just that.
In this recap, we’ll highlight those kids, along with a couple bruisers who could play a true center role in college.
Tre Williams, 6’6”-6’7” F/C, All Ohio Black/Reynoldsburg
Dechlan Kirincic, 6’6” F, Ohio Basketball Club – Classic Impressions/Gilmour Academy
Kirincic raised our eyebrows during a game with Hidden Gems Black on Saturday. He stretches the floor on offense with his spot-up shooting. When he’s not awaiting passes from beyond the arch, Kirncic is looking for back-to-the-basket opportunities from point blank range. He’s a strong kid, which helps him gain position near the basket, including for rebounds.
Caiden Landis, 6’6” F, Hidden Gems Black/Logan
Landis guarded Dechlan Kirincic in that OBC game. Landis was also effective from the forward position, but in a much different way. Landis could also come into college as a stretch-4 type, but his shooting isn’t quite consistent enough yet. However, he makes up for the jump-shot shortcomings with mobility and hustle on defense. Landis can switch onto anyone, including guards for any given possession. His feet also allowed for a couple elusive moves with his back to the basket, namely quick drop steps. Landis is also comfortable with the ball up top and has shown the wit to make smart passes as the ball rotates from side to side.
He looks the part of a scholarship player, given what is being expected from forwards on the defensive end. This was yet another weekend where he stuck out amongst other forward prospects in Ohio, solidifying himself as someone too talented for D-III ball.
Bryan Washington Jr., 6’6” F, Ohio Basketball Club – Classic Impressions/Cleveland Benedictine
Washington showed nice activity in the paint, freeing up wide open opportunities for layups once his guards delivered the ball. He has good feet at 6’6”, so we assume he could defend a couple different spots. Washington’s energy and quickness also put him in position for a couple offensive rebounds in Fort Wayne.
We haven’t seen Washington be super consistent over the past two weekends, but he appears to have the makings of a contributor at the D-III level.