Top Swing Men in Washington – player notes
A term describing a player who can be used effectively as either a shooting guard or a small forward. This position is also commonly referred to as “guard/forward”.
Shooting guards and small forwards typically have similar roles in a basketball court anyway, especially when they are around the 6’6″ to 6’8″ height range. Thus, most players listed in these positions can be classified as swingmen.
Some of the best NBA players who have been labeled as swingmen include John Havlicek, Rick Barry, George Gervin, Clyde Drexler, and Paul Pierce.
CJ ELLEBY – Standing 6’8 Elleby has the size advantage on most opposing wings, giving him the ability to get his smooth jump shot off on just about anybody. He looks to become quicker and more shifty with his ball handling and movements this off season.
It doesn’t take long to see why Naje Smith, class of 2018 wing at Lewis and Clark High School, is one of the biggest recruits in Washington State. He has probably one of the biggest upsides to his game on this side of the mountain. A 6’7 shooting guard who can post up and take you off the dribble is very rare in these parts. Most guys at that height stay in the paint and use and assortment of jump hooks to dominate the other big men. Naje plays like a guard but has the body of a traditional post man in the Spokane area.
Dylan Sullivan to me is a small forward. He embodies all of the traits and skill sets of a small forwards. He is a very intriguing combination of size, fluidity and physicality on the wing. He’s capable of knocking down perimeter jump shots, but can also use his strength to overpower and expose mismatches against smaller defenders in the paint or off the dribble in transition and half-court situations. Dylan has defensive versatility, which is a strength of his, length and lateral speed allow him to guard all five positions on the basketball court. Dylan has a knack for jumping passing lanes and corralling steals which lead to easy baskets on the other end. The rising junior has improved his ball skills and ability to create his own shot over the course of the spring and summer.
Jalen Green, 6’6 – I have really liked Green for a while now and he is even more impressive now. He’s really agile and strong for a forward and he is becoming much more versatile. His jumper looked good and he is becoming a guy who could play up to four spots on the floor if needed. His post moves are still coming along.
Kessler Edwards, 6’7 Kessler was the best player in the gym on the day. He was aggressive and got to the rim, showed a really good jumper, and broke his man off the dribble. Kessler played good defense and is super athletic which helps him defend the smaller forwards. Look for Kessler to have a great summer and carry that momentum over into the winter.