Toledo Top 64: Forward Report
jacWell over 30 college coaches made their way to Lourdes Univ. to see Northwest Ohio’s top talent compete in the Toledo Top 64 on Saturday. The inaugural event was a rare opportunity to see kids in an area that otherwise…
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Top 2020
Doesn’t include Breakouts
Ben Westrick | 6-7 PF/C | Ottawa-Glandorf: First of all, Westrick is in great shape. He ran the floor like a cross country athlete and, no kidding, barely had a sweat going two hours into the event. Continued to build his reputation as a shot-blocker on help-side or against his man. Westrick can defend in space on the perimeter, sliding all the way down into the paint before rejecting a layup. Didn’t have to shoot much Saturday because of his effectiveness inside.
Top 2021
Cliron Hornbeak | 6-9 C | Toledo St. Francis: There’s nothing the defense can do when Hornbreak catches on the block and stretches out for a simple finish. He’s a problem on the low-block, defensively too. Impressive standing reach that changes shots. Controlled the glass for long stretches. Turned 16-years-old two weeks ago.
Top 2022
Jagger Landers | 6-6 C | Antwerp: Landers displayed agile feet and a soft touch — a pair of attributes we didn’t see in Fort Wayne during late-July. The progression in those two areas is obviously very promising. He tracked down rebounds outside of his area. Performed a few drives coming across the lane.
Sleeper
Colin Nutter | 6-5 PF | Old Fort: Under the assumption that Nutter is a hard-worker, he’s going to be a heck of a prospect in a year or two. Nutter is a lean athlete with agile feet. Showed elevation on his jumper, even if his attempts were mostly within 12 feet. Simple shot selection where he favored skill/touch instead of power — in other words, he takes what the defense gives him. Defends in space.
Again, it’s going to be a year or two until we see the full version of this kid. But, I’m all in.
Standouts
Martin Beredo (2022) | 6-7 PF | Toledo St. Francis
Beredo is yet to fill out and his thinner frame made it difficult to compete against the behemoths of Northwest Ohio. Similar to what we just wrote about Nutter, though, Beredo’s best ball is ahead. Loved his competitive spirit. Possesses the motor of an active rebounder. Great length and size. Natural scoring touch.
Sean Craig (2022) | 6-5 PF | Northview
Craig is an instinctual forward. Tracks down rebounds, including on the offensive side of the ball. Effective scorer in the shallow mid-range. Creates shots with the spin move but is comfortable settling for the jumper, too.
Curtis Jackson (2020) | 6-6 PF | Rogers
Nearly the event’s Top 2020 Forward, Jackson grabbed attention from a number of college coaches. His tools are easy to spot — agile feet, explosive leaper, strong shoulders, capable 3-point jumper. Still needs to learn the game a bit but could be a difference-maker as early as his sophomore year of college. Flashed ball-handling that could translate to the short roll or face-up.
AJ Jump (2022) | 6-6 PF/C | Southview
Jump mostly spotted up, leaving the interior duties to Team Butler teammate Ross Thompson. The 6-foot-6 big man has a pretty clean stroke and is consistent enough to pull a defender away from the rim out of respect. Strong, sturdy build.
Jamir Simpson (2020) | 6-5 F | Lima Senior
Simpson shot the 3-ball well as a trailing forward and spot-up shooter. His explosiveness was also on display with rebounds in traffic and slam dunk finishes. Fluid athlete who can spin and squeeze through tight spaces in traffic.
Jackson Sizemore (2020) | 6-8 C | Perrysburg
Sizemore recognized and exploited mismatches when an underclassmen or smaller defender squared him up. Showed balance and strength on spin moves. Made quick moves after catching passes in a crowded lane. Created shots (for himself and others) with timely and solid ball screens.
Ross Thompson (2021) | 6-7 C | Cardinal Stritch
Thompson is raw but big and athletic. At this point in his development it’s about potential and he has a lot of it. Love the way he competes and tries to block every shot, grab every rebound. Active arms/hands.
Frank Waganfeald (2021) | 6-7 C | Oregon Clay
Waganfeald displayed a knack for finishing from tough angles underneath the basket. He cleans up messy possessions with second chance finishes. Great hands. Waganfeald proved he can score out of the face-up or with his back to the rim.