Colorado Top 250 Expo: Standout 2024 Forwards
At the Prephoops Top 250 tournament, I had the opportunity to cover some of the upcoming 2024 forwards. All of these players are considered complementary pieces that are not primary ballhandlers as of now, although that can change given their…
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Continue ReadingAt the Prephoops Top 250 tournament, I had the opportunity to cover some of the upcoming 2024 forwards. All of these players are considered complementary pieces that are not primary ballhandlers as of now, although that can change given their age. They vary widely in playstyle, yet one aspect remains true for all of these players, maturity.
Johnnie Reed Johnnie Reed 6'6" | SF Windsor | 2024 State CO – When thinking about Reed, the first word that comes to mind is effort. In two of his three games, respectively he grabbed 12 and 18 rebounds. Every single possession that mattered, he fought for second and third chance opportunities and repeatedly dove for loose balls. At Windsor High School, Reed had to play the center that anchors the defense not just through positioning, along with consistent communication to direct rotations. Passing the rock was another strength from Reed, who averaged 4.6 assists per game. He was especially active on kick-outs from offensive rebounds and drives. Defensive intensity has never been an issue Reed, who shifts his feet well by adapting to the opponents every move. I cannot wait to see Reed’s shot-making development throughout the years, as his shooting is easily the x-factor in his long term development.
Tommy Wight – One of the better floor spacers for his class at 6’5, Tommy Wight was consistent spacing the floor with his three-point gravity. He hit multiple threes from the wing, off the catch, where his form was too quick to contest. On two occasions, Wight used a right hand in and out move to easily shoot over opponents 6’4 or taller. Wight has a clearly defined role with both his club team and high school, shoot the rock. While his shooting is formidable, I was hoping to see more drives off the bounce as a way to accurately determine his vision and passing accuracy.
Brady Greene – Greene was a nonchalant force around the rim, demonstrating his fundamentals on box outs and ambidextrous touch. It was evident that every time there is a chance to tag a body and get low, he does it instinctually. On multiple occasions, the 6’6 wing grabbed a defensive rebound, pushed the break, and set up easy assists in two on one fast breaks. Greene has similar facets to Reed, most notably his team first playstyle that prioritizes the dirty work first. Shooting is still an area I would like to see more from Greene, especially off the catch.
Owen Alleman – The only 2024 player at 6’7, Alleman displayed encouraging perimeter defense. With his length and slight build, he has the capable measurements to hound guards. I also liked
how often he set on-ball screens for his team. Another important aspect of his screen setting was how he dove, yet found his defenders body as a way to stunt them from guarding the ballhandler. On multiple occasions he posted up smaller guards, effectively using the incoming double to create an open shot for his teammate. Alleman could have had five or six potential assists from those possessions alone. I would like to see Alleman work on his short floaters and standstill shooting, since his height is too much to deal with for most Colorado athletes.