Nike Cup: Players That Impressed
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This past weekend I was at the Nike Cup in Columbus. This article will cover the players that impressed me this past weekend. Antione West Jr Antione West Jr 6'3" | SG Toledo Whitmer | 2025 State #132 Nation OH…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend I was at the Nike Cup in Columbus. This article will cover the players that impressed me this past weekend.
Antione West Jr Antione West Jr 6'3" | SG Toledo Whitmer | 2025 State #132 Nation OH (2025) – G 6’2 – Whitmer – All-Ohio Red 15u
West has been a player I’ve seen play multiple times and every time I do I walk away more impressed because he is always adding something to his game to get better. This weekend I was impressed with his playmaking ability. He isn’t the main scorer anymore and he showed he can do more for a team than that. He has a great pace to his game, along with a good handle on the ball. He made very good passes and made sure to get everyone involved. West made the right play every time down the court. I loved him showing this off because he will have to adapt more into a point guard role at the next level.
Kellon Smith Kellon Smith 6'1" | CG Shaker Heights | 2023 State OH (2023) – G 6’3 – Shaker Heights – All-Ohio Select 17u
Kellon Smith Kellon Smith 6'1" | CG Shaker Heights | 2023 State OH is a flat-out bucket. Can do it from all three levels and makes it look easy. I really loved his off-ball movement this weekend. He was making great cuts and coming off of screens very aggressively. He has great timing for his pull-up jumpers. Smith also has good strength to get to the rim consistently.
Preston Steele Preston Steele 6'5" | PF Africentric | 2023 State OH (2023) – W 6’6 – Columbus Africentric – Hidden Gems 17u
Steele is a very nice raw and athletic prospect. He showed this weekend that he can take some responsibilities of playing a wing as well. He played more inside than out for Africentric this past year. He was very good at getting to the rim all weekend. Used his strength and quickness to get there. Once he got there used his bounce to elevate over most every defender. Has great touch around the rim. I loved the defensive intensity he brought all weekend as well. He can guard all positions on the floor.
AJ McBride AJ McBride 6'5" | SF Moeller | 2024 State OH (2024) – W 6’5 – Moeller – All-Ohio Red 16u
McBride has some freakish athleticism. Very raw prospect. He is very quick with some major bounce. McBride has some very good size and length. His athleticism gives him the ability to be a lockdown defender on anyone. He played very well in that role this weekend for Red.
RJ Keuchler (2023) – F 6’5 – Pickerington Central- Hidden Gems 17u
Keuchler is a very big kid that uses it very well. He was bullying players in the post all weekend. Not much can stop him from getting to his spot and finishing his shot. Showed a good ability to finish with either hand. He attacks the glass very hard on both ends as well. I also really like the way how smooth and well this big kid moves. Good motor.