GRBA Nationals: 2021 Report
We can’t imagine ever not going to the GRBA Nationals. The season’s final event always hosts diamonds in the rough. It’s also an opportunity to measure progress on prospects we hadn’t seen since the spring. The 2019 version was no different.…
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Continue ReadingWe can’t imagine ever not going to the GRBA Nationals.
The season’s final event always hosts diamonds in the rough. It’s also an opportunity to measure progress on prospects we hadn’t seen since the spring.
The 2019 version was no different. Here were the standouts:
Breakout Performer
Ben Knostman | 6-3 PG | Tippecanoe / Mid Ohio Pumas (Gilliland)
Knostman is an elite playmaker who delivers clever drop-downs with a live dribble, while also remaining aware of open shooters. Makes teammates better by gifting them wide open shots. Uses shoulder turns and spin moves to get into the lane, which takes advantage of his 6-foot-3 size.
Eventually, his passing prowess forces help-side to stay attached to their man. Knostman responded in those moments by scoring at the rim. He does so with either hand, often flipping up a creative layup after one of his famous spins. Finishes with length. Although he drives to pass, Knostman is a capable scorer.
New Names
Landon Tillman | 5-8 SG | Westerville Central / Ohio Hoopsters (Tillman)
Tillman opened the tournament with a 3-point shooting exhibition on Friday. He proved to be automatic with his feet set against a 2-3 zone, making more than a half dozen triples. Tillman is a capable ball-handler but he usually either shoots or passes without putting it on the floor.
Juan Jackson | 5-9 PG | Medina / TNBA South
Athletic, competitive guard with skill. He scored in the paint creatively. Effective mid-range shooter. Score-minded player that wants to get to the rim. Fights for loose balls.
Kyle Culler | 6-0 SG | Mentor / TNBA Ohio
Kuller will fit nicely into the Mentor’s starting lineup upon transferring from Gilmour Academy. Provides yet another outside shooting threat. He didn’t miss in the game we caught on Sunday, often benefitting from his man leaving to help the drive. Kuller moves well without the ball.
Quincy Clark | 6-1 PG | Westerville Central / Ohio Hoopsters (Tillman)
Clark played with pace and patience. Made good decisions against the zone, including quickly attacking the rim when he had a window. Unselfish player who made sure the ball was delivered to scorers when they were in position to go get a bucket.
Standouts
Tyrese Hughey | 6-6 F | Thomas Worthington / Ohio Hoopsters (Tillman)
For the second weekend in a row, Hughey’s improved ball skills and feel caught our attention. Connected on a contested turn-around jumper from about 15 feet. Made quick touch passes to cutters and open teammates on the baseline against a 2-3 zone look. His quickness off the ground was unmatched in Fort Wayne. Once thought of as a power forward/center, Hughey continues to flash the ability to make plays from the wing.
Aidan Noyes | 6-5 SF | Moeller / Mid Ohio Pumas (Seeman)
Noyes is beginning to pin down both an inside and outside scoring game. The combination of a consistent mid-range jumper and a dynamic first step allows him to hoist 15-footers whenever he wants. Noyes can also finish off one foot around the rim. Electric in transition. Grabs rebounds when he’s around the basket.
Carter Jones | 6-4 PF | Centerburg / Mid Ohio Pumas (Gilliland)
Active rebounder with a thick, strong body who likes to get out and run in transition. Shows ball skills in the open floor — especially after grabbing a rebound — by pushing pace with his dribble or outlet passes. Barrels down the court and finishes under control. Once Jones consistently hits shots out of the face-up, his threat to attack will be a nightmare.
Isaiah Moore | 6-3 PG | Beavercreek / OEBA 17U
The big fluid guard has filled out physically, passing the eye test with flying colors. Even in the 17U games, Moore was one of the most physically impressive athletes on the floor. Quick, too. Moore will need to become a quicker decision-maker. But he’s dangerous when he is decisive in turning the corner to attack down-hill. His length and size are a defensive asset.
Garrett Taylor | 6-6 PF | Marysville / Nova (Lemon)
Taylor used his light feet and springy athleticism to make plays around the rim. Dove into the paint on cuts and quickly finished one-handed push shots. He also came in on the blindside for rebounds. Capable shooter. Good second jump.
Josh Irwin | 6-6 PF | West Geauga / TNBA Ohio
Returning from ankle surgery, Irwin was bouncing around and appeared entirely healthy. Rare defensive communicator. Actively sets screens and continues to prove himself as a pick and pop extraordinaire. Lefty. Executed a few advanced post-up counter moves out of the face-up.