Adidas Invitational (Class of 2021 Forwards)
Here is a look at some of the top Class of 2021 forwards and post players from last weekend’s Adidas Invitational in St. Louis:
Sam Thompson 6’8″ LHBA: A very skilled young big who knows how to operate around the basket. He moves well and has good footwork and an excellent shooting touch. He has good fundamental post moves and can finish with both hands. He has a high basketball IQ and a big upside.
Yaya Keita 6’9″ Gateway 16U: In terms of making rim runs, he was the most impressive big that I witnessed during the weekend, regardless of age division. His running ability and hustling led to many transition layups and dunks as well as a few chase down blocks. His offensive game is coming around, but he can score around the basket with his size. He is also an imposing shot blocker in the paint.
Seku Gassama 6’10” Gateway 16U: A very tall and long post player who has a pretty nice skill set. He uses his height to his advantage to score in the paint, but he also displayed some good post moves and footwork. On a couple of occasions, he knocked down a couple of nice turnaround jumpers from the baseline. He also runs the court well and blocked a number of shots on the defensive end.
Nathan Hall 6’5″ Gateway 15U: A young combo forward who plays with an endless motor. I was getting tired watching him. He played the top of a 1-3-1 zone defense and did a nice job causing turnovers and getting out in transition. He was an active rebounder on both ends and he scored on several cuts to the basket. He also knocked down a couple of 3-pointers.
Jerome Williams-Titus 6’4″ SEMO Bulls: A long athletic combo forward who is very active and quick. He was good off the dribble against bigger defenders and he did a nice job of attacking the offensive boards. He has plenty of bounce and he could knock down a short jumper off the catch.
Logan Wich 6’6″ Gateway 15U: A solid young post who had a productive weekend. He worked hard in the post and got good position and finished well around the basket. He was also a very effective rebounder.