Prep Hoops’ Midwest Cup: Top 2018 Forwards (Part 2)
Hakeem Odunsi, 6’5 G/F (Iowa Dynasty 17U)
We could have classified this versatile Iowa City West wing as a guard because of his elite vision and passing ability. His handles are well-developed for a wing, though not quite sharp enough to be considered a full-out point guard; but his ability to find open guys and deliver dimes to them for easy buckets was eye-opening. Odunsi is a big wing with high-level size and has a nice fluid jumper to pair with his savvy passing ability. He’s one of the more intriguing prospects in Iowa’s 2018 class.
Tanner Foster, 6’5 F (Intensity 17U)
Iowa Intensity may not be so much of a sleeper anymore on the Iowa grassroots scene, but this Lynnville-Sully stretch-four is. He was magnificent during an “upset” win over Martin Brothers, notching 15 points in the win, including some timely 3s in the second half. His lean and athletic frame is long, and his ability to hit from deep and snare rebounds on both ends of the floor make him an intriguing prospect.
Van Rees, 6’6 F (Martin Bros 17U)
He’s a bull under the hoop, and whether it’s with Sioux City East or Martin Bros, Rees has a penchant for getting buckets in bunches. He wasn’t so much showcasing an ability to step out and hit a jumper, or put the ball on the deck, simply because he was so dominant under and around the hoop. He’s not the biggest or strongest post in Iowa, but he makes the most of what he’s got, and his knack for scoring and snaring boards makes him one of the most productive players in the state.
Carter Bachman, 6’6 PF (Team Iowa 17U)
This Ankeny Centennial post has proven himself to be one of the more efficient bigs in Iowa over the past nine months. He doesn’t look to score a ton, but when he does, odds are it’s from a well-calculated shot attempt from around the hoop. He’s not the biggest or most athletic, but he uses his length and basketball IQ well to be a key piece on the floor. Look for him to be a steady hand under the hoop for the Jags next winter.
Logan Hoffman, 6’4 F (Pump N Run Black 17U)
The more we see of this thick but fluid stretch-floor, the more we like him. He’s undersized for a post, but has the ability to play from the perimeter, where he can get his shot off more often than not thanks to his above-average height for a wing. His skill-level is high, and he uses it; we’ve seen him take over a game both with his jumper, or his array of moves in the post. Hoffman had a fantastic junior season with Tipton, and should post huge numbers next winter as a junior.
Dadrian Hoambrecker, 6’4 SF (Dynasty 17U)
It was the first time we’ve seen the Burlington turned Iowa City West prospect play from the perimeter in, and he certainly belonged. Hoambrecker was like in fish in water in his wing/slasher role, and not only was he skilled enough to can a 3, he was big and athletic enough to slash to the rim and score. There’s a lot to be excited about with the big and developing wing, it will be interesting to see how he’ll be used by the Trojans nest season.