Great Lakes Classic: New Forward Discoveries

<p>Northeast Ohio basketball is special for countless reasons. The magic can be boiled down to two things, though — talent and the community’s enthusiasm for the game.</p> <p>Because of it, there’s no other place I’d rather be on opening weekend. Great Lakes Classic, a 12-game opening-weekend event at Cleveland Heights, brings together well-known recruits versus eager underdogs with a backdrop of edge-of-their seat spectators ready to lose their minds for anyone who provides a highlight.</p> <p>Today's two-part <em>New Discoveries</em> recap touches on the freshly discovered prospects that we went to Cleveland in search of.</p> <h6><strong>Jamol Coles (2020) | 6-5 C | Cleveland Heights<br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><em>stats: 8 points, 3 rebounds (two games)</em></span><br /> </strong></h6> <p>Coles' combination of broad shoulders, length, and very springy legs are intriguing. He has room to fill-out, yet is already an effective rebounder who tracks down the ball. Showed speed and ball skills going coast-to-coast for a finish on Friday. Runs with a smooth stride.</p> <h6><strong>Davon Smith-Johnson (2021) | 6-5 SF | Cleveland Heights</strong><br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><em>stats: 6 points, 6 rebounds (two games)</em></strong></span></h6> <p>Smith-Johnson is their physical wing, who is most effective using his body around the basket. He defends both forward positions and can slide his feet to stay in front of the dribble-drive, even ending a few one-on-one defensive stops with blocks. Flashed straight-line-drive ability although he struggled to handle in tight spaces. Shot well with his feet set. He doesn't have a dynamic skill-set but his size is an asset.</p> <h6><strong>Donald Hughes (2020) | 6-5 PF | Orange<br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><em>stats: 11 points, 6 rebounds</em></span><br /> </strong></h6> <p>Hughes is a slashing specialist whose length and raw athleticism allowed him to compete with Cleveland Heights' rotation of big, athletic wing/forwards. When afforded space to attack, Hughes' spin moves were effective. Takes long-stride gather steps. Uses the glass on finishes. Showed bounce pinning a shot off the backboard and throwing a dunk down with authority. Played with energy. The raw athlete may need an extra year of development before entering a college rotation, but he has tools to work with. </p> <h6><strong>Chol Nygueny (2020) | 6-7 C | Glenville<br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><em>stats: 3 points, 5 rebounds</em></span></strong></h6> <p>Nygueny didn't check in until the late-third quarter but earned big minutes down the stretch of a close game. He's a really long athlete with good hands and energy. Slight of frame and uncomfortable with the ball unless he's quickly finishing. Agile block-to-elbow as a shot-blocker. His upside as a rim-protector and rebounder would make the development process worth it for an in-state college program. </p> <h6><strong>Nelson Johnson (2023) | 6-6 PF | University School<br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><em>stats: 2 points, 1 rebound</em></span></strong></h6> <p>Johnson runs extremely smoothly for a young 6-foot-6 player. Checks a lot of boxes athletically. Lot of room to fill-out and he's likely not done growing in terms of height. Looked comfortable with the ball in his hands, attacking the rim with confidence a few times.  </p>