2021 Introduction: D.J.Hughes
The class of 2021 is starting to get on the radar and our new series, 2021 Introductions, will bring to light some of the names you need to know. This is a quick profile series of some of the top names in the class along with our overall thoughts and projections moving forward. Today, we introduce Lawrence North’s D.J. Hughes.
D.J. Hughes
HT: 6’7
POS: PF
HS: Lawrence North
AAU: Indiana Elite 2021
Hughes is what you would want in a forward and in the class of 2021, there aren’t many better. The 6’7 power forward has a lot of skill already for his age and it is only going better. He’s a really versatile, athletic prospect with upside that should come over time.
When looking at how he impacts the game now, he’s got a really good face-up game that extends to the three point line. While Hughes isn’t a really a perimeter shooter right now, he’s got the ability to slash and drive from the wing and with his size and length, you aren’t going to deter him from getting all the way to the rim.
Where he excels, though, is from 10’ and in without the ball. He’s so wiry strong and able to get to any spot on the floor that he wants, with his length, it makes him a stellar rebounder. And with that comes the best part of his offense as a guy you don’t have to run offense for. He’s really good on the offensive boards and down low, he’s just too good to really slow him down.
What To Watch For: The biggest thing to watch for with Hughes is the perimeter game. He’s clearly talented enough on the interior and honestly, there isn’t much he can’t do right now at that spot on the floor. If his game is going to take off, it will be because he’s able to shoot from three and give that true stretch ability. It is definitely within reach and so long as it comes sometime before his senior year, the upside is going to hit and he’s going to be a very coveted talent.