PrepHoops 250 Expo: Aaron’s 5 impressive 2021 players
One week removed from the PrepHoops 250 Expo, there is still plenty to process. A handful of players showed good upside and development from the last time I saw them. Ola Ajiboye (Von Stueben 2021) Ola Ajiboye was challenged on…
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Continue ReadingOne week removed from the PrepHoops 250 Expo, there is still plenty to process. A handful of players showed good upside and development from the last time I saw them.
Ola Ajiboye (Von Stueben 2021)
Ola Ajiboye was challenged on the court in front of me and lived up to the test. The long and rangy forward is listed at 6-foot-6 but looked on the same level height-wise with Ahmad Tims. Ajiboye, who holds offers from Illinois-Chicago and Chicago State, had a knockdown mid-range game and ran well in transition. He didn’t shy away from stronger opponents and attacked the glass with authority.
Henry Krzyzewski (Metea Valley 2021)
Henry Krzyzewski is a 6-foot-8 forward with good size that shows good intangibles in the post. For one, he used good footwork to make himself available on the block and has good hands. He is comfortable passing the ball out of the post if he can’t get leverage for a good look at the rim. He gained solid rebounding position on both ends of the court and secured tough rebounds. Impressively, he wasted zero time taking a missed shot and throwing an outlet pass to get his team in transition.
Zach Odom (Plainfield East 2021)
Zach Odom hit the first shot of the Expo and showed complete confidence in his game. It showed as the game wore on, scoring in transition and looking smooth with his 3-point shot. The 6-foot point guard that reads pick-and-roll opportunities well, showed tight, clean handles and good awareness to pass the ball on pop opportunities.
Ahmad Tims (Hinsdale South 2021)
Ahmad Tims is playing in the shadow of his 6-foot-8 brother, Aaron (2020), but played equally well. The younger Tims brother is 6-foot-6 and had an electric dunk off an offensive rebound. He had a smooth shooting stroke and used his athleticism to secure rebounds. His helpside defense was impressive in an open-run setting, showing a good understanding of the game and willing to do the little things.
Devon Vanderheydt (Washington 2021)
Devon Vanderheydt will be a third-year varsity player at Washington Community and has fine-tuned his offensive game. He showcased everything in the Expo, becoming active and making a difference off the ball. The 6-foot-6 wing posted up and was able to get two feet in the paint to elevate and convert a right-handed hook shot. He had a nice spin move to go baseline for an easy lay-in. He ran the floor and had good spacing in transition, leading to a pair of easy dunks. He does a good job of setting his feet for easy catch-and-shoot opportunities.