Mayhem in the Plex: 17U Defensive Forwards

<p>These are forwards who showed the matched up well against two to three different positions, both on the interior and perimeter. As the game becomes more and more perimeter oriented with greater spacing, having guys with size who can deter threats in space will be a growing commodity. While the majority of these names are not primary offensive options, they make opposing primaries take difficult shots.</p> <p>Ved Bulusu - Team United - Reedy - 2023<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4610-rotated-e1652222797236.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1452460 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4610-rotated-e1652222797236-300x294.jpg" alt="" width="236" height="231" /></a></p> <p>Bulusu was a versatile defensive forward at 6’8 who was capable switching between the perimeter and post onto multiple positions. When switching onto guards, the forward was more than capable shifting his hips quick enough to keep drives towards the sidelines. He was consistent keeping his hands high enough to deter shot attempts that could have been taken without this discipline. Another surprise was his patience, he rarely leaped out of position to chase a block, instead keeping both hands high to contest shots without fouling. On offense, Bulusu could use more reps in the pick and roll since he is still a bit skinny posting up guys.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1295863" first="Will" last="Bronson"] - Hard Hoops - Jesuit - 2024</p> <p>Bronson has been a consistent performer in the low post and offensive glass thanks to his 6’7 frame and excellent footwork. Playing up an age group, Bronson did his best to deter shots around the rim by maximizing his length and limiting how often he fouls opponents. Typically used as a low post threat, Bronson has soft touch around the rim both on put backs, short fades, and the occasional hook shot. Another real respectable aspect of his game has been his screen setting, where he gets in a stance, becoming a brick wall for opponents.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4622-rotated-e1652222709901.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1452458 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4622-rotated-e1652222709901-300x255.jpg" alt="" width="231" height="196" /></a>Corey Upkins - Top Achievers - Plano Senior - 2023</p> <p>Playing the five for Top Achievers alongside 6’8 forward Jackson Seale, Upkins was a terror inside due to his strength, length, and energy every possession. At 6’6 or 6’7, Upkins understood his role as a defensive forward with limited offensive usage. He rarely stagnated offensive possessions, where he was quick to swing the rock or make a decisive move in the paint. While it’s tough to say how much he weighs, he must be above 215 lbs, allowing him to contain opposing bigs without issue.</p> <p>Elijah Melchiorre - Just Play Elite - Katy Taylor -2023<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4600-rotated-e1652222589229.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1452456 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4600-rotated-e1652222589229-300x292.jpg" alt="" width="210" height="204" /></a></p> <p>Melchiorre was easily the most energetic prospect in the gym all weekend, demonstrated through his limitless motor. Standing at 6’5, the forward was a constant pest on both ends of the glass in part from his energy but also thanks to his plus wingspan. While he was often in the right place at the right time, Melchiorre was more than capable getting up higher than opponents and even ripping the ball out of their hands. Melchiorre was dependable against multiple positions both in the post and perimeter, thanks to his wingspan and quick hips he was a legitimate defensive stopper this weekend.</p> <p>Riley Mink - Oklahoma Swarm - Cyril - 2023</p> <p>Mink was a unique evaluation at 6’6 considering his long arms and quick lateral mobility. Although a bit skinny at 150 lbs, he was stronger than expected when going for weakside blocks and contests around the rim. Currently, he is capable matching up against two-guards while continuing to be effective as a help side defender. On the other end, he hit a few threes off the catch and showcased multiple flashes as a driver around size. Continuing to work on the ballhandling speed and weight gain will be imperative to Mink going forward.</p>