Stand Out Wings and Posts at Adidas All In Classic
In part one of our coverage of last weekend’s Adidas All-In event, we acknowledged the performance of impressive lead guards. However, the off-ball guards and post players were also on their game. Here are seven that caught our eye. Derek…
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Continue ReadingIn part one of our coverage of last weekend’s Adidas All-In event, we acknowledged the performance of impressive lead guards. However, the off-ball guards and post players were also on their game.
Here are seven that caught our eye.
Derek Koch (2017) 6’9” C/F. Northwestern/Ohio Basketball Club 2017
Arguably the best post player all weekend long was Derek Koch. Controlled games physically (through scoring and rebounding), while also showing mental composure in highly anticipated games. When bouncy opponents drove to the rim, Koch never drifted away from his responsibility as rim protector. Keeps his arms raised and hardly ever fouls. Has great strength and size. Showed off a fluid jump-shot at times, but prefers to be inside. Controlled foot-work on post moves.
Pete Nance (2018) 6’8” W. Revere/Akron Bobcats
Pete Nance finds spot-up shooters and cutters, even when teammates aren’t aware they’re open. Drops soft bounce passes and slings cross-court lasers equally effectively. Most deadly on the high-post catch, where he can dish, make a turn-around jumper, or face-up to attack. There was never a time on offense when he was uncomfortable. Uses height to see passing lanes and avoid pressure from guards. Matchup nightmare for opponents.
Lonnie Grayson (2017) 6’1” W/G. Wyoming Cincinnati/Ohio Basketball Club Adidas White
You cannot help but notice the length of Lonnie Grayson’s arms, especially after he uses them to poke countless dribbles away from the opposing ball-handler. Those tips and deflections led to one-man fast breaks, where nobody is going to catch him given the elite speed. Even when he wasn’t the one starting the break, he’s always going to be involved because he catches up to the action in 2-4 steps. Adding a jump shot will be critical for his half-court offense, but Grayson is already destructive on the break.
Naz Bohannon (2017) 6’6” W. Lorain/Ohio Basketball Club 2017
The confidence that Naz Bohannon brought to the floor, which permeated to his fellow teammates, was noticeable. When both teams were struggling to score, Bohannon was able to spark the game through explosive athleticism and vocal leadership. Probably the best overall athlete in Cincinnati this weekend. Stops on a dime and rises above defenders on the pull-up jumper, which is instant offense. Opponents don’t want to dribble when he’s guarding them — fundamentally sound defensive stance.
Dominick Moegerle (2020) 6’3” W. St. Vincent St. Mary/SMAC Primetime
Displayed elite athleticism, not only does Dominick Moegerle jump high, he jumps quickly and softly. Doesn’t quite have the confidence or basketball-understanding to go along with his raw talent, but he’s also yet to even play a game at the high school level. Threw down a fast-break dunk with ease. As a finisher, he soars overtop of the defense and has great body-control in the air. Once he gains a couple more years of experience under his belt, likely one of the top players in Northeast Ohio.
Gavin Brown (2017) 6’3” W/G. Bloom Carroll/VCC NOVA-Brown
Teammates drive, and Gavin Brown settles behind the arch like a predator, just waiting for that kick-out so he can strike the opponent with a three-point shot. Elite catch-and-shoot. One of the best shooters PHO has seen all summer long. Also showcased some drive-and-kick abilities of his own, a skill he has from being a point guard just a few years ago. Brown can fill it up quickly, and the shot is about as reliable as they come. Any program could use someone who stretches defenses like that.
Nick Nakasian (2019) 6’2” W/G. Olentangy Liberty/Columbus Bears
Knock-down shooter with supreme confidence. Nick Nakasian isn’t afraid to drive in the lane and make a move around the basket, but his consistency from behind the arch was most noteworthy. Played in a game with only three other teammates on the court (due to injuries), and carried a good amount of the scoring load. By the looks of it, he will grow in height and therefore versatility, but the shooting will translate. Heady passer.