Colby’s 2022 Baltimore Stocks Risers-Forwards
Now that we’re a week into the month of August, the dust has settled and allowed us to take in the action from last month. Throughout the week, I’ll be scanning the various classes and positions to talk about prospects…
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Continue ReadingNow that we’re a week into the month of August, the dust has settled and allowed us to take in the action from last month. Throughout the week, I’ll be scanning the various classes and positions to talk about prospects who helped boost their stock with their play. I already broke down the guards, which can be found at this link. Now it’s time to move onto the forwards (wings as well).
Cameron Whitmore Cameron Whitmore 6'7" | PF Archbishop Spalding | 2022 State #30 Nation MD | Archbishop Spalding/Team Melo
Whitmore made himself a national name during the DMV Live period in June where he caught the eyes of blue blood programs. Early in July, he announced his list of top 10 schools including Maryland, Villanova, North Carolina, Georgetown, Illinois, Notre Dame, Louisville, Penn State, Miami and Florida. In mid-July, UCLA offered Whitmore, but it’s unsure if they are a program he’ll add to that list. The 6-foot-7 versatile wing/forward has unique athleticism and ability. He put on an absolute show at Peach Jam in front of the likes of Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and other huge figures involved in the game of basketball. There’s no hint as to when he’ll make a decision, but last I talked with Whitmore he was aiming for sometime around when his senior season begins. He’s willing to wait a few weeks after the first official game to be sure he is making the decision that he is most comfortable with.
Carmelo Anthony & Amar'e Stoudemire GOT OUT OF THEIR SEATS for Cam Whitmore @carmeloanthony @amareisreal @_camwhitmore_ @nikeeyb pic.twitter.com/zYBn1bhp1u
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 18, 2021
Gavin Walsh Gavin Walsh 6'7" | PF Loyola Blakefield | 2022 State MD | Loyola/Team Melo
Walsh made the move to play on the 17U roster for Team Melo after debating whether or not he should reclass to 2023. He will stay in 2022 and evaluate his recruiting situation following his senior season at Loyola, but Walsh did a nice job of showing what he is capable of at Peach Jam. He’s a versatile stretch four who can be valuable in pick-and-pop scenarios. He also has ability to put the ball on the floor for one or two dribble attacking closeouts and finish around or above the rim. He’ll still need to improve on his lateral foot speed to become a more dependable defender, but that’s expected as he continues to improve his body and athleticism overall. Walsh holds offer from UMass, UMBC, Albany and Loyola (MD).
Cesar Tchilombo Cesar Tchilombo 6'9" | C John Carroll | 2022 State MD | John Carroll/Global Squad
Due to the lack of true wing prospects in the Baltimore area for this class, I’m throwing in a few forward/center prospects who enjoyed a productive July. One being Tchilombo. A 6-foot-8 forward who fills majority of time as the center on his team, Tchilombo is a name I constantly hear about at events that I’m unable to attend. A scout or college coach will contact me with questions and compliments about his game and the first thing that both will say is that they admire how hard he plays. Tchilombo is aware of his strengths and he looks to showcase them while stay committed to his role. He’s a tenacious shot-blocker and dominant rebounding presence defensively. Offensively he can be an effective pick-and-roll threat. He posts on the block, but isn’t a black hole. Tchilombo can score consistently over his left shoulder, but also has great awareness as a willing passer when double teams come his way. He’s quick to locate cutters or spot-up shooters opposite of him for open looks. What many may not know, Tchilombo has a decent three-point shot. He’s yet to break it out on a consistent basis, but during his time in the EBA Summer League he hit a few as the trailer in transition and they looked very smooth on his release. If he can make this another staple of his game, there’s no doubt more schools will get involved. Tchilombo holds offers from Howard, Longwood Siena and Mount St. Mary’s.
Aidan Mess Aidan Mess 6'7" | C Mount St. Joseph | 2022 State MD | Mount St. Joe/Mid-Atlantic Select
Mess performed at a steady rate throughout the two weekends of DMV Live. In the process he caught the eyes of some low-major programs who should continue to track him closely. He carried that production over into the month of July with Mid-Atlantic Select and displayed his versatility as a shot-maker from three, mid-range and operator on the block with his back to the basket. Mess isn’t a guy who is going to thrive in isolation situations on the perimeter, but he’s a high IQ big man that who makes good reads after he sets ball screens. He has good feel for when to pop, when to soft roll to the mid-range or when to rim-run and have a big presence on the catch. Defensively he’s a workhorse on the glass and approaches this aspect as every rebound belongs to him. Mess isn’t the most athletic player you’ll find, but he understands his strengths and plays angles while defending ball screens to make opposing guard’s reads more difficult. Look for Mess to have quite a productive and efficient senior season playing alongside junior forward Amani Hansberry Amani Hansberry 6'7" | C Mount St. Joseph | 2023 State #52 Nation MD . Mess holds an offer from Navy.
Adam Walden Adam Walden 6'9" | C Baltimore Polytechnic | 2022 MD | Our Savior Lutheran/Team Choo
Walden was a presence in the paint for Team Choo throughout the summer. He brings good size at 6-foot-9/6-foot-10 along with a good motor and work ethic. The biggest thing with Walden is keeping his confidence high and you could tell with Team Choo, he understood his role and expectations to maximize his production. As a result of his play in July, Radford and Delaware State extended offers. Walden uses his big frame to battle for inside position on rebounds. He can disrupt shots in the paint and does a decent job of rim-running on the break. He’ll head to Our Savior Lutheran for a post-grad prep season to further polish his game and possibly gain a few more offers.