Impressive Forwards: Chi-Town Tip-Off
We had a boatload of talent at the Romeoville Athletic Center in the 15U, 16U, and 17U divisions. This 3-day event was over Easter weekend but that did not keep the talent at home! Read below to see who stood…
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Continue ReadingWe had a boatload of talent at the Romeoville Athletic Center in the 15U, 16U, and 17U divisions. This 3-day event was over Easter weekend but that did not keep the talent at home! Read below to see who stood out at the Chi-Town Tip-Off.
Impressive Forwards
Calvin Robbins |6’5 PF| Mac Irvin Fire 2024
He is very bouncy and explosive. Robbins can play above the rim and slam dunk with authority. He was great on the glass and Calvin scored many points on O-board put-backs. He is a lethal offensive threat. Robbins is a big-time player and an impressive athlete.
George Vrahoretis |6’5 F| Ignite Hoops 2023
He is a nice player and a standout athlete. George looked good scoring from the block with a lefty finish. I liked the looks of his drop step. He also showed a sweet floater from mid-lane. Vrahoretis has a feathery soft touch. On defense, he blocked shots and forced turnovers. Vrahoretis is a skilled all-around player.
Kelvyn Darshan Thomas |6’4 F| My Journey 2024
The kid is long, he moves well, and the game looks effortless for Kelvyn. I liked his ability to finish in traffic, he showed great concentration and body control. Kelvyn is a quick jumper and he is efficient with the ball. He did a nice job on the boards, especially on the offensive end. Kelvyn is also a shot blocker and rim protector.
JJ Brock |6’5 F| United Persuit 2024
He is lanky, long, and a star athlete. Brock was effective at scoring around the basket. He seemed to have great hands. JJ is a quick and clean finisher at the cup. I like his versatility as a defender. Brock also boards up. He has a nice skill set and his motor is admirable.
Dylan Derda Dylan Derda 6'7" | PF Penn | 2023 State IN |6’6 F| 5 Star 2023 Windy
His length is impressive, Dylan had some of the longest arms that I saw last weekend. I loved the way he tracked the ball in the air and went up to grab it. He catches high and finishes high. Coaches love this! It does not allow the D to get a hand on the rock. Derda moves well up and down the floor. He was impressive on the glass. Dylan grabbed many O-boards and he also scored on put-backs. On defense, he is a shot eraser and he always gets a hand up to contest.
Thon Bill |6’8 F| ET21 Buckeyes 2024
He was playing up an age group but you could not tell by how he played on the court. Bill is a long-armed lefty that was impressive as an athletic rebounder. Thon is a smooth finisher at the rim. He also produced points by scoring on O-board putbacks and by knocking down free throws.
Quentin Heady Quentin Heady 6'5" | SF Hillcrest | 2023 State IL |6’5 F| God’s Gift 2023
This athlete stuck out as a shot-blocker and paint protector. Quentin took away many good looks from his opponents. He is strong, very athletic and his vertical is substantial. Heady has impressive basketball instincts. He scores around the basket and Quentin can also stretch the floor by hitting triples. Like the other players on this list, Heady was impressive on the O-glass.
Davion McClendon |6’4 PF| Next Generation 2025
He was an 8th grader playing up a level at the Chi-Town Tip-Off. You certainly could not tell by how he played. Davion is big, strong, and athletic. He ran the floor well and he does not shy away from contact. Davion is a hard worker that attacks the ball for rebounds. McClendon also shared the ball. Davion has a ton of upside and potential.