Orlando’s Most Underrated: David Appelgren
Few reputable basketball breeding grounds currently hold the same assortment of talent as Orlando.
With the world’s most prized recruit in Duke-bound 6-foot-7 RJ Barrett at Montverde Academy, UNC-signee Nassir Little at Orlando Christian Prep, and homegrown Orlando product (and 2018 NBA draft prospect) Anfernee Simons now at IMG Academy, five star guys are spread across the city.
With the exception of heavily pursued and multi-positional 7-foot-1 Class of 2019 prospect Balsa Koprivica at Windermere Prep, Orlando’s wealth of talent is largely comprised of guards/forwards.
Lesser known and out of the national spotlight program NTSI Orlando features an unheralded and promising big in 7-foot-1 Center David Appelgren.
All the way from Sweden, Appelgren has a deft 3-point touch and a steadily evolving back to the basket game. He’s displayed both aspects en route to averaging 15 points and six boards early in the 2017-18 campaign.
“Nobody has really seen him yet and because of that he’s actually flying under the radar as pretty much an unknown as of right now,” NTSI Orlando head coach Shaun Wiseman said.
“We envision him as a mid major caliber recruit when it is all said and done. He’s improved exponentially since he got here going from a 3-point shooter to a guy who can back you into the post and really using his body effectively. Incarnate Word is interested in him but he really hasn’t been seen out there yet.”
Wiseman has traditionally groomed international prospects throughout the years. His prep and high school programs have churned out the likes of Anas Mahmoud (West Oaks/Louisville), Damir Hodgson (Arlington Country Day/Arkansas Little Rock), Koch Bar (Arlington Country Day/Bradley), Jayden Hodgson (Arlington Country Day/Bradley).
While Wiseman won a 2015 SIAA Florida State championship with Corey Sanders-led West Oaks, he’s gone south since then. He said prioritizing winning is an aspect which mirrors Appelgren’s upside.
“He’s always a safe bet to win the plus/minus whenever he is on the floor,” Wiseman explained.
“The key with him is his willingness to do the little things. He takes charges. He dives for loose balls. He pursues 50-50 balls. He really has a winning mentality to his game.”