Welch is a player I saw with Compton Magic 16s at 3SSB Session 1, as well as with his high school team at the California Scholastic Live tournament at the end of June, and he was up to his usual post dominance and showing he can be a threat from the perimeter at the Invitational. The 6-foot-8 forward is relentless on the boards, provides his team multiple possessions on offense, and limits opponents to single shot possessions, and is a top-notch shot blocker and rim protector. Welch gets good positioning in the post, has good hands to receive entry passes, and the footwork and back to the basket moves to score within 15 feet of the basket, either with the jumper or at the rim. Welch can throw it down with force, but also finish with creativity around the basket, as was evident with the smooth up and under lay-up through traffic. Welch is a threat off the screen, with the ability to dive off the screen or pop out to the 3-point line, where he is able to spread the floor with the jumper. Welch makes good reads from the high-post and plays within his skill set as a stretch four. 

Welch has a good set of tools to work with. He was able to score in and around the paint with foot work, and touch around the rim. His jump hook was working. He used one or two dribbles to get to his paint, and mid-range jumper. He’ll move the ball. Standing 6’9 he can change some shots, and get his fair share of rebounds.

Nick displayed a versatile scoring package with pretty good touch around the rim, finishing efficiently in a variety of ways. His length and high motor on the boards made him a consistent presence on both ends, while his ability to stretch the floor out to the three-point line adds to his offensive value. Welch also showed good passing vision and ball-handling skills for his size.