Ballin Under 1 Roof: Standout Small Forwards
Ballin Under 1 Roof was a Division I live period event that hosted mostly non-D-I programs and a treasure trove of underrated prospects from the Buckeye State. (Also, go back and read about the bigs if you missed that. Shooting…
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Continue ReadingBallin Under 1 Roof was a Division I live period event that hosted mostly non-D-I programs and a treasure trove of underrated prospects from the Buckeye State.
(Also, go back and read about the bigs if you missed that. Shooting guard and point guard recaps will publish over the next 24 hours. )
Shane Garcia (2021) | 6-4 SF | Toledo St. John’s / All Ohio Gold
Garcia made a concerted effort to get to the basket. Dished a couple clever drop-downs while coming down-hill on a straight-line-drive. His length allowed him to float runners over smaller guards. Putting it on the floor more often is making Garcia more of a threat when he catches it on the wing, as he was already a known catch-and-shoot option.
Defense against wing-forwards was Garcia’s calling card this weekend, though, consistently providing resistance against top 50 Ohio prospects like TJ Pugh, Evanell Lighty and Deshaun Huffman. His length pays off on that end, resulting in tipped passes, contested shots, and rebounds. Stayed in front of wings and was able to absorb contact on powerful drives. Played hard.
Brandon Gibson (2020) | 6-4 SF | Chaminade Julienne / Shining Star – Price
An athletic wing who can get directly to the basket on powerful straight line drives and finish through contact with his right. The ball doesn’t stick in Gibson’s hands. He plays with the unselfishness of a guard. Possesses the defensive versatility to defend most perimeter players and undersized forwards.
Andrew Harp (2022) | 6-4 SF | Elder / Shining Star – Price
Harp possesses mature size and an athletic build on the wing. Through actively cutting and screening, he created open shots for himself and others in the motion offense. Quick shooting stroke that extends to the 3-point line. Sees the floor and spaces appropriately. Early signs point to Harp developing into a scholarship wing.
Keveon Mack (2022) | 6-3 SF | Start / C2K Lima
The tallest player on C2K Lima at 6-foot-3 — and the most athletic — Mack played the role of forward and rim defender. He may even continue in this role for a guard-heavy Start team. He showed flashes of skill on face-up moves from the elbow, including a nice spin move attacking the basket. Mack’s athletic tools and rebounding ability are interesting.
TJ Pugh (2021) | 6-5 SF | Shelby / Extreme Heat
Compared to last July, we were able to check-out a trimmer version of the combo forward on Friday night. Despite leaning out, Pugh is still really good at using his body when attacking the basket. He’s someone who uses any number of pivots and turns with a live dribble to push his way into the paint. His most effective and consistent shot is a short-range fall-away just off the block. Pugh has also added a shiftier pace to his handle and flashes transition passing ability. Played a lot of primary ball-handler despite being someone who will likely need to create out of the triple threat at the next level, a role he should be able to transition to.
Ricky Radtke (2021) | 6-6 SF | University School / SMAC Attack
Skilled forward who might be a more natural defensive fit at the 3. He’s mobile enough and his physical profile lends itself to defending on the perimeter, rather than banging inside with posts. Projects to the D-II collegiate level, in our opinion.
Radtke was curling around screens and scoring the ball like a wing, too. Had one transition finish with the off-hand from underneath the backboard, where he had to reach out and touch it off the glass despite a defender barreling down. Good shooter.
Brayden Sipple (2021) | 6-4 SF | Blanchester / Shining Star – Price
Sipple is a natural athlete with length, bounce, and a pretty jump shot. His on-ball defense on the wing is tremendous — he extends to block shots defending the drive or contest jumpers. Likes to grab rebounds and push in transition and looks comfortable in the open floor. Sipple’s potential is at the Division I level because of these tools and raw skills. Continuing to play against high competition — environments where his motor needs to be revved up to stay on the floor — will benefit Sipple.
Stefan Stanic (2021) | 6-4 SF | Normandy / SMAC Attack
Boundless energy. Stanic is an active defender who chased down loose ball rebounds and flat-out competed. Has the size and athleticism to guard two or three positions. He combined power and skill as a straight-line-driver. Didn’t avoid contact in the paint. Occasionally opened lanes with a crossovers at the top of the key before coming hard down-hill. Connected on two-of-three 3-pointers, too, shooting them with confidence.