Adidas Invitational: 2023 Forward Evaluations
The Adidas Invitational took place over the past weekend in Fishers, IN and a ton of great basketball was played. The live period was in full effect and our in-state prospects put a good showing in front of a big…
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Continue ReadingThe Adidas Invitational took place over the past weekend in Fishers, IN and a ton of great basketball was played. The live period was in full effect and our in-state prospects put a good showing in front of a big chunk of college coaches from all over the map. Today, we take a look at some of 2023 Forwards (including one 2025) that stood out for me.
David Meriwether – 6’10 PF/C – Indianapolis Metropolitan – Team Teague 2023: Meriwether is a true post that really emphasizes his defensive play. Natural shot blocker and protects the rim so well. Just on his size alone, he clogs the lane and made it somewhat difficult for the smaller guards to score at the rim. On offense, there were times that his aggressiveness was not as high as it needed to be and noticed a little bit of walking down the court as well. His height helps him see the floor well and does have solid timing for a big and can make some sharp passes. Still some more work to be done here but as the saying goes, you cannot teach size and Meriwether has legit size. Still a ton of untapped potential here.
Patrick Schott – 6’5 PF – Perry Meridian – Indiana Elite Swish 2023: Schott is power forward that is naturally strong and powerful. He is a true post 4 that does all of his scoring close to the basket. Was one of the best rebounders that I had seen all weekend and I swear he had to have over at least 12 boards when I watched. Was real solid on the pick-and-roll and when the ball was dished to him he used a good amount of explosiveness to go up on the offense. Schott played like a beast and is easily a walking double-double.
Trent Sisley (2025) – 6’6 PF – Heritage Hills – Indy Heat 2024: Sisley is a young, highly skilled power forward that was playing up with the 2024s here. Already so developed and balanced with his game, Sisley was finding all sorts of ways to score and his pull-up jumper was money. Can play any spot that is asked of him and do it effectively for the most part. Real high vertical and takes advantage of his athleticism on both offense and defense. With him only being an incoming freshman, it is going to be scary how good he is going be in the next few years. Keep Sisley on your radar because this guy will be one the top players in the 2025 class the next 4 years.
Nathan Berg – 6’0 SF – Forrest Park – DistinXion 2023 Red: Berg is a smaller yet aggressive small forward. Battles on both ends and used his strength with what ever he was doing. Had a strong And1 and showed that he will do what it takes to grab rebounds as well. Fairly versatile on defense and showed that he can guard multiple spots. Still needs a little more skill-development but was really liking the intensity and toughness he was playing with. Berg played his tail off.
Nickens Lemba Nickens Lemba 6'6" | PF Southport | 2023 State IN – 6’6 PF – Southport – Team Indiana 2023: Lemba is a power forward that is naturally gifted athletically and physically. Seen him a couple times the past month and both times I have been so impressed with his willingness to crash the glass as hard as he can to get the rebound. Playing defense does not seem to be an issue with him and he is skilled and built well enough to guard all spots. Offense is where you see his rawness at times and sometimes he just looks a little out of control around the basket. More development is going to be key for him long term but with his athleticism, speed, and strength, coaches should be willing to take a chance on him.
J.J. Morris J.J. Morris 6'6" | SF Argos | 2023 State IN – 6’5 SF – Argos – Team Indiana 2023: Morris is a taller wing that can mix it up inside and out on both ends. The offensive flow of the game was real guard heavy so other than a very solid post up move that showed off his soft touch around the basket, that was pretty much it for Morris here offensively. However, his defense was pretty spot on here and he crashed the glass aggressively on both ends. This was my first time watching Morris in person and the main thing that jumped out to me is that he plays with a calm and controlled composure and never shows frustration if things don’t go his way. Morris played hard and found different ways to contribute here. Even though the offense was not there today, he is known to be able to score in a multitude of different ways. Morris is an overlooked prospect that you should keep an eye on.