Show Me Showdown: Must See 2025 Forwards

<p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-0175.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1468937 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-0175-e1653939620283-205x300.jpg" alt="" width="160" height="234" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1444139" first="Thon" last="Bill"] - ET21 Buckeyes - Timothy Christian</p> <p>Bill was the one true big man from this tournament, at 6’8, he deterred shots and made dynamic plays around the rim. Playing up for the 2024 Buckeyes, the forward was primarily getting his work as a low usage rim roller, however he had a major impact as a screener and interior defender. Starting off with screens, he was prevalent creating scoring opportunities through down screens and setting up flares for shooters, his wiry frame allowed him to make a big impact quickly. As a rim protector, Bill was elite digging into opposing forwards and using his long arms to create difficult opportunities around the rim. On multiple occassions, Bill blocked shots off the backboard in transition and the half court. Continuing to maximize his length through steady high hands and digging into perimeter threats will allow him to be an unstoppable defensive anchor. Another area of intrigue was his free throw shooting, where he proved to have a smooth form that will translate to the mid-range with more usage. Off the bat, I would assume he is an easy division 2 talent with a few tweaks down the line.</p> <p>Docker Tedeschi - Illinois Bears - Benton<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-0029-e1653939440758.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1468931 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-0029-e1653939440758-267x300.jpg" alt="" width="175" height="197" /></a></p> <p>Tedeshi will likely be getting a lot of praise from this tournament, at 6’6, his lanky and lengthy frame combined with rare IQ proved he is one of the top projects at this tournament. Although Tedeshi is already a two-way talent, he shined most on defense due to his shot blocking. Although I was not counting, he must have averaged four plus blocks per game and the impact from his contests cannot be understated either. While he is slender, he was more than capable switching onto opposing perimeter threats while playing fundamental defense against bigger bodies. Offense was where his IQ shined, largely due to his outlet passing vision in the fullcourt and his ability to hit cutters out of the high post. While his jumper is slow, he made his free throws and flashed a few made triples off the catch, arguably his biggest swing skill outside of gaining necessary weight.</p> <p>Dietrich Richardson - Peoria Pride - Manual<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-0128-e1653939703564.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1468939 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-0128-e1653939703564-210x300.jpg" alt="" width="159" height="227" /></a></p> <p>Although only about 6’4, Richardson boasts a long wingspan that allows to guard 1-3 already. As of now, Richardson would be classified as a wing due to his ability to play off-ball on the perimeter and attack closeouts. Offensive rebounding was a clear strength of his when committed, where his exceptional reach allowed him to get the ball before anyone else. He proved that he could stretch out to the three point line, while occasionally attacking hard closeouts. As his perimeter skills continue to improve, Richardson should be a high efficiency complementary wing at the NCAA or NAIA level.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-0031-e1653939550225.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1468933 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-0031-e1653939550225-244x300.jpg" alt="" width="168" height="206" /></a>Mitchel Edwards - Illinois Bears - Carmi White County</p> <p>One of the top shooters from this weekend regardless of class, Edwards was elite off the catch and used his height to disrupt guards. Multiple games he posted more than three made triples and even posted a six three game over the weekend. Edwards also proved to be quick on his feet guarding perimeter threats, although his high center of gravity allows opponents to dig into his chest, throwing him off balance. Continuing to work on his ballhandling will be essential for Edwards, as his shooting gravity forces defenses to play so far up.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>