Indy: Top 16U Frontcourt Prospects
There were five tournaments in Indianapolis this weekend, including the EYBL and UAA circuits. With that being said, there was obvious high school talent on display all throughout the city, including from Indiana’s eastern neighbor. So, we’re recapping all of the action by Ohio’s top performers. Today’s focus is on the 2020 class.
John Hugley, 6’9” C, All Ohio Red EYBL / Brush
Hugley’s activity level and court-vision have moved at least one notch up since last summer. He has a good feel for the court on the left block and is a willing passer with his back to the basket. However, his defender is begging him to pass it because Hugley is unstoppable when he takes a crab dribble directly into the opponent’s chest. His right-handed hook is a very high percentage shot. Hugley also ran the floor well and is getting off the floor with more explosion.
Jaedyn McKinstry, 6’5” F, All Ohio Gold / Toledo St. John’s
McKinstry combines power and mobility to be a factor inside the arch and in transition. He can either attack the rim or hurt defenses via the pass on the inside. His quick footwork makes him very tough to stop in the paint. Excellent athlete. McKinstry even stepped out and shot the triple when we watched him. Quality rebounder because of strength, effort, and leaping ability.
Mo Njie, 6’8” C, C2K Elite / Centerville
Even on the UAA circuit, Njie continues to block a ton of shots at the basket. In just a short period of time, Njie has established himself as easily the best rim protector in Ohio’s 2020 class. Also, he hardly ever fouls shooters. His length and instincts on that end are hard to find.
From the short corner and free throw line, Njie’s shooting touch looked rather solid. Njie also recorded an and-one dunk, which speaks to his aggressiveness and athleticism.
Luka Eller, 6’8” F, C2K Elite / Lake Catholic
Eller is deceptively very strong. He routinely forces his opponents backwards when spinning over either shoulder on the block. Although Eller is appropriately known as a stretch-four, he’s really impressed on the block this spring with those powerful quick moves. Division I programs looking for a versatile forward need to look no further than Eller.
Grant Whisman, 6’7” W/F, Mid Ohio Pumas Elite 2020 / Middletown Madison
Whisman, who received an offer from Cleveland State on Friday night, has noticeably improved in a couple of areas. Most importantly, he’s simply more aggressive around the rim. Last summer, he mainly shot 3-pointers. On Saturday, Whisman was found running the floor and finishing through contact. The physicality and bounce have come a long way.