Unsigned Defensive Forwards: The Finale
Jaedon Eddens – 2022 – Oklahoma Wolfpack – OKC Storm Homeschool The 6’5 wiry wing was a nightmare to score against inside the paint, thanks to his blend of length and verticality. Although fairly skinny, Eddens used his frame as…
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Continue ReadingJaedon Eddens – 2022 – Oklahoma Wolfpack – OKC Storm Homeschool
The 6’5 wiry wing was a nightmare to score against inside the paint, thanks to his blend of length and verticality. Although fairly skinny, Eddens used his frame as an advantage to be a versatile defender. He proved to be more than capable shifting with guards or staying straight up against opposing bruiser forwards. Eddens also proved to be one of the most prominent dunker threats in transition. Having to play the 5 for Wolfpack, the wing was a pest on the glass with his long arms, easily reaching above opponents. As the jump shot continues to be ironed out, Eddens could be an intriguing off-ball defensive wing, capable guarding 1-4. Schools looking to further develop his strength and shooting touch should have eyes on the young wing.
Skyler Kimberlin – 2022 – 3T Training – Mountain View-Gotebo High
One of the tallest guys in the gym at roughly 6’8, Kimberlin is a unique defensive talent who is comfortable guarding on the perimeter or the interior. While quite skinny, the forward is fairly quick on his feet versus guards. As well, his long arms aid him contesting shots all around the floor, on multiple occasions tipping away three point attempts. I cannot emphasize this enough, Kimberlin is especially mobile in the fullcourt, often times being one of the first guys down the floor. Kimberlin is also a dependable free throw shooter, possessing a fairly high release on the form. Given his high center of gravity, the shooting touch will be necessary for him as a stretch 4 at the college level. As of now, Kimberlin has an offer from Bethel College.
Caleb Crosby – 2022 – 405BadBoyz – Mid-West City (title photo)
One of the most active defensive instigators in the building, Crosby should be a name for colleges to keep an eye on. At roughly 6’7, the lefty was emphatic as a help side rim protector. As of right now, he is more than capable guarding 1-4, either on the perimeter or interior. Crosby’s latest improvements have come on the perimeter as a shooter, most consistently off the catch. After this weekend, it was clear I undervalued Crosby’s inside touch, especially on short floaters. Crosby is capable being deployed as a roller, notably slipping screens to gain an early advantage. The two areas of improvement for Crosby will be body control on defensive possessions along with a bit more confidence with the right hand.
Pascal Crosby – 2022 – 405BadBoyz – Epic
The other Crosby brother on here is an excellent rebounder, screen setter, and rim protector at roughly 6’7. His physical strength is by far his biggest key, where he can bully opponents in the paint for rebounding position. A fundamental defender, Crosby does well keeping both hands up against drivers. Luckily for his frame, Crosby can take direct hits to the chest without backing down or bailing out the driver with a low blow. This strength plays out on offense too, where he is more than capable attacking the rim with the left hand. On four occassions, he caught the defense sleeping and scored with a major bump, although Crosby was unfazed.