Brawl for the Ball: Power Forward Report
More than anything, college programs are looking for size. Always. So we shifted our lens a tad bit in Grand Rapids, paying extra attention to Ohio’s post prospects at Brawl for the Ball. We found a multitude of prospects who differentiated…
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Continue ReadingMore than anything, college programs are looking for size. Always. So we shifted our lens a tad bit in Grand Rapids, paying extra attention to Ohio’s post prospects at Brawl for the Ball.
We found a multitude of prospects who differentiated by level, skill-set, and physical profiles. From there, we split it up into a two-part recap of 4s and 5s. Here is our Power Forward Report, click here for the one on centers.
If you’re interested in point guards or wings, we posted on those earlier in the week, too.
Prospects with Offers
known players on the recruiting scene who exceeded high expectations (click name to view list of offers on their Player Profile)
Tyler Eberhart (2020) | 6-6 PF | Kenton Ridge / Mid Ohio Pumas (Staib)
We’ve long written about Eberhart’s face-up scoring ability. (And we repeat, programs looking for a 4 who can create from the pinch post as a passer and scorer, Eberhart is your guy.) His back-to-the-basket ability, though, is what shined on Sunday morning. Going to either hand, he touched shots off the glass through contact. Played with a lot of energy. Scored clutch baskets all weekend, too.
Tyrese Hughey (2021) | 6-6 PF | Thomas Worthington / C2K Elite
Hughey is the best prospect we saw all weekend. Not even close. He has separated from his pack of 2021 classmates in Central Ohio. While another kid from that class could emerge in the next few seasons, right now it’s not close — Hughey is that guy.
First of all, his already-impressive two-foot bounce has improved. He finished a back-side lob over someone’s head, through contact. His put-backs are electrifying. Hughey’s elevation also comes into play on contested short-range finishes, where he displays his touch. Speaking of touch, his free throw stroke is good and indicates that he may become a pick-and-pop threat when he reaches college. In fact, his 3-point attempts looked pretty good. Hughey was also effective putting the ball on the floor after ripping through from the 3-point line, notably flushing a one-handed dunk after a single dribble.
Defensively, Hughey flashed upside as a rim protector. Covers space quickly and has the burst to turn away layups at the rim. Playmaker on defense, both in the halfcourt and the open floor. He’s able to get behind or in front of a post-up in an instant, combining fluidity with foot speed and power. Finally, Hughey’s impact in their full-court trap was felt whenever he checked in — I’d go as far as saying it was the difference in their 63-56 Saturday morning win over Oakland Elite.
Joshua Whiteside (2022) | 6-6 PF | St. Charles / Nova (Reese)
Whiteside is a versatile forward with a strong body. He shows something new every time we watch him, too. In Grand Rapids, it was his ability to go coast-to-coast off the defensive glass. He showed handle and feel in the open floor, creating several shots for himself and others. Defends without fouling while also keeping guys away from the rim — utilizes his chest.
Sleepers
unheralded college prospects
Curtis Jackson (2020) | 6-6 PF | Rogers / Hopson Elite
Jackson is still figuring it out, but man oh man does he show flashes. Explosive leaper who can finish at the rim and rebound when he decides to actively pursue the ball. Shoots it well from the outside when he has space. Agile forward. When he plays with a level of engagement, Jackson really impresses.
Magnus Entenmann (2021) | 6-8 PF | Upper Arlington / Nova (Lemon)
Pick-and-pop threat — not a specialist, though — with a lanky build and plenty of upside. Shoots it very consistently. Scored over the shoulder without having to back his way into point blank range. Rather, Entenmann is comfortable hoisting the baby hook from six feet. Patient inside and he keeps the ball high on finishes.
Also, you’re not going to see many 6-foot-8 guys who are this well-conditioned. Entenmann played long stretches without tiring or losing a step. I’m sitting there thinking, “Wow, he’s still out there running like that?!”
Luken Hill (2020) | 6-5 PF | Sheridan / Mid Ohio Pumas (Justice)
Hill is a pretty well-rounded player when it comes to skill. He does, however, have some upside physically due to his frame and length. Capable ball-handler who attacked from the wing, often scooping across the middle of the lane for finishes. Scores with either hand at the rim. Made an occasional outside jumper. Hill rebounded and contested shots despite not possessing prototypical verticality. He can stay in front of guys when defending the wing.
Stock-Riser
proved to be a top-flight guy in his class
Kebba Njie (2022) | 6-8 PF | Centerville / C2K Elite 16U
Njie surely has the athletic upside and size that Division I programs need to see from a 6-foot-8 forward. He also checks so many intangibles boxes, though. We appreciated Njie’s unselfish approach as he actively screened, entered the ball into the post, made the right cross-court pass, etc. Good feel. Njie is also extremely versatile, proving capable of guarding literally every type of player thrown in front of him.
New Names
first impression on a new discovery
Garrett Taylor (2021) | 6-6 PF | Marysville / Nova (Lemon)
Taylor scored efficiently. Made open outside jumpers and displayed skill on quick moves when he received a post touch. While Taylor will need to develop a body capable of playing more inside, his shot-making and height is promising.
Will LeMaire (2020) | 6-6 F | Westerville Central / Mid Ohio Pumas (Justice)
LeMaire intrigued us for four reasons: shooting ability, size, growth potential, and motor. Hasn’t quite filled out, so he could add size in a college weight room. Shoots it very well off the catch. Finally, we found LeMaire on the floor fighting for a loose ball several times.