All In Hoopfest: Central Ohio Fs
Over the entire week, we’ll be highlighting the impressive performances from Ohio prospects at the All In Hoopfest in Louisville. We started on Monday with the Breakout Performances. Now, we’re taking a trip all the way around Ohio by checking in on players in accordance to their state region and position.
It’s time to wrap up the Columbus-area, by taking a look at the forwards.
Andrew Golda (2018), 6’8” F/C, VCC-NOVA (Beard)
First of all, Golda moves around at 6’8” very well. He can run the floor, cause disruption against screens, and crash in from the perimeter to snag rebounds. With that being said, there’s likely going to be a place for him on a D-II or NAIA roster, despite having no offers currently.
We were also impressed with his ability as an on-ball screener this weekend. Golda was setting a ton of screens for Garrett Tipton, and he showed great awareness in doing so. Depending on the defensive look, Golda would intelligently take what the defense was giving him, whether that meant he roll or pop for a jumper. He scored the ball in both scenarios.
Tre Williams (2018), 6’6”-6’7” F, VCC Ohio Warriors Pro Bound
Apparently, Williams hasn’t received a scholarship offer to this point. This is sort of surprising, given the amount of athleticism Williams shows at his size. Not only is the incoming Reynoldsburg senior tall, he’s also one of the strongest built post players around. On Sunday against EBC, Williams took advantage of his playing time by running the floor gracefully and finishing off an oop. He can also have an immediate impact for any team on the boards.
Nicholas Carlson (2018), 6’6” F, VCC-NOVA (Beard)
Carlson’s biggest impact is going to come from scoring the basketball. At any given spot in the half-court, Carlson is able to produce a high-percentage look.
Let’s start on the outside: he’s one of the better shooters from the 4-spot in Columbus. Carlson’s shooting ability spreads the floor and allows him to be played with another big, one who may be more of a post presence. Anywhere inside the arch, Carlson is likely to put his defender on his back and make a quick post move for a shot. He likes to go to his hook shot with the right, but has clever moves to set it up.
Antoine Smith (Prep School), 6’7” F, Ohio Basketball School
Smith is going to prep school next season, therefore affording him another grassroots season. For OBC, Smith ran the pick-and-roll with their group of point guards. Whether he’s popping or rolling, Smith is going to finish the play at the basket when the ball is thrown to him. He’s attacks the rim with force and looks for contact when he’s met with resistance.
Wesley Williams (2018), 6’7” F, Hidden Gems Orange
Early in the weekend, we questioned whether or not Williams was tough enough to play the post. Turns out, that was an error in our behalf. Instead, the incoming senior at Columbus South should be valued by scouts as a scorer. He had a reverse layup off the dribble, multiple elbow jumpers, and a couple and-ones in a close win against MoneyBall East.
This Hidden Gems group has maxed out on their abilities almost this entire season. Williams deserves a lot of credit for their success, as he’s their primary rebounder and is able to open up looks for guards by grabbing attention from defenses.
Adrian Nelson (2018), 6’7” W/F, VCC Ohio Warriors Pro Bound
Jah Bennett (2018), 6’7” F/C, ISG-Hidden Gems
Bennett started the weekend off properly by dominating a first half against Advanced Game on Friday evening. He stuck out in a game full of D-III prospects with his strength and mobility, as plays around the basket looked sort of easy for him. His stride and footwork are a bit unusual, but he makes up for any of that with his reach and shot-blocking ability. Bennett also shot the ball with confidence from deep when he trailed the play. While Bennett doesn’t seem like a player who is going to create his shot consistently, he is capable of finishing inside and shooting from deep.
Bennett received an offer from Kentucky State recently. He’ll probably have way more options open up throughout his senior season at Africentric.