Hoosier Hoops Report

The 2010 IBCA Top 100 Underclassmen Showcase brought out some of the top players and college coaches in the state. Some of the notable players attending the event were Washington’s Cody Zeller, Park Tudor’s Yogi Ferrell, and Hamilton Heights’ Austin Etherington. Some college coaches in attendance I saw were Indiana’s Tom Crean, Purdue’s Matt Painter, Butler’s Brad Stevens, IUPUI’s Ron Hunter, Ball State’s Billy Taylor, and several assistants from schools such as North Carolina, Purdue, Michigan, Illinois, Creighton, Ball State, and Evansville. Just as a disclaimer, there were plenty of other coaches that I’m sure I missed or failed to mention. Personally I really like this event because it focuses on Indiana High School basketball players, and gives the college coaches a chance to evaluate kids solely from Indiana. Below is my recap from today’s events.

Cody Zeller (Washington)- Zeller certainly lived up to his recent North Carolina playing offer in front of North Carolina assistant coach C.B. McGrath. In the game I watched, Zeller had 14 points and 12 rebounds, not once even allowing an opponent to contest for a rebound. When Zeller goes up for a rebound, his combination of height, effort, hands, length, and athleticism make it an easy task most of the time. Outside of rebounding, Zeller showed the usual versatility in his offensive game. He slammed in two dunks (one an impressive poster quality reverse one handed jam), scored from second chance opportunities, and knocked down a few mid range jumpers as well. Defensively, there was just no one who could frustrate Zeller. Cody was dominant even against several opponents close to him in size, rejecting shots and giving up no room in the paint. Each time I watch Zeller, he solidifies his reputation to me as a player. We all know he needs to add strength, but his skill, motor, and versatility makes Zeller a big time player.

Bryson Scott (Fort Wayne Northrop)- This was my first time watching Scott, and I was impressed. Bryson scored 14 points in the game I watched, but also had 22 and 23 in other games. I didn’t see him shoot a jump shot, but he didn’t even need to to be effective. The first thing that stands out about his game is his ability to get to the rim as a ball handler. He’s good tight handles and a nice first step that allows him to get by defenders. Once he gets by an opponent, he’s got the strength, craftiness, and body control to finish plays after contact. On three straight possessions Scott took an opponent to the rim and scored using either a contested floater or layup. He’s tough and strong, although his 6’1 170 pound frame could hardly be described as bulky. This ability to take opponents to the rim strong allows him many opportunities at free throws. Once at the line, Scott can knock them down at a proficient rate. One possession he had that really impressed me was when Scott fought for an offensive rebound and scored on a contested reverse layup. It’s hard for me to rate him as a defender or shooter at this point, but he didn’t play bad defense, and I didn’t see him shoot enough.

Glenn Robinson Jr. (Lake Central)- This was my second time watching Robinson, and it was an impressive outing. The first thing that sticks out about Robinson is his explosive athleticism. Add in nice length and a great motor, and he throws down dunks that other players would normally lay in. He’s a good but not great ball handler, allowing him to get by most opponents and draw contact or score an easy two points. He’s got a nice stroke from the foul line, so if defenders are really hassling him he can score points one at a time. His length, athleticism, and motor also make him a good rebounder out of the backcourt. At 6’5 I see him as more of a small forward with the ability to slide over to the “2″ as his game becomes more skilled. He had my favorite play of the day when he grabbed an offensive rebound and came back up with a clean one handed slam over a defender.

Brenton Scott (Fort Wayne Nothrop)- Brenton isn’t as heralded as his twin brother Bryson, but showed that he’s still got plenty of game. During one game I watched, he knocked down 3 three pointers in a 2 minute span. He’s definitely got the ability to take the ball off the dribble, but may not be quite as good of a handler as his twin. From what I watched, Brenton is a little more likely to look to set up opponents first off the dribble, whereas Bryson looks to score at the rack. He’s a smart passer, and has the ability to get teammates the ball in the right situations.

V.J. Beachem (Fort Wayne Harding)- Beachem isn’t always the most productive player on the court, but he shows you those flashes that make you realize how good he could be. He’s 6’6, has great athleticism, great length, quickness, and is smooth with the ball in his hands. He still needs to improve consistency as a shooter, but you can see the potential from the tip of the game. Also, he needs to add strength as he is very skinny, but he has the kind of length that could make him a factor inside as well. His length and quickness allow him to project as a versatile defender, potentially able to guard the 2, 3, or even 4 with added strength. He’s a player that might not be as productive as others right now, but could become a standout basketball player in the state of Indiana.

Alex Pritchett (Bedford North Lawrence)- Pritchett is a solid post player. He gets the ball on the block and uses a great arsenal of footwork and post moves to create separation from defenders. Today he showed a nice drop step and spin move in the low post. He’s very strong with the ball once he gets two hands on it. Once he gets separation from the defender he can score using the glass or a nice hook shot over his shoulder. Even if he misses the shot, he still looks good doing it. I didn’t get to see him shoot the ball much, so I can’t comment on his shooting touch outside the paint. He’s not the fastest guy on the floor, but he’ll hustle and run his hardest on both sides of the ball. He’s a rugged rebounder, and although he’s not a great leaper, he’ll out hustle less motivated players on the glass.

Jeremiah Jones (Merrillville)- I only watched Jeremiah for one half, but I saw some nice things out of him today. What first stuck out to me was he was comfortable dribbling the ball to his right or left, not allowing his opponent to predict his next move. He wasn’t looking to shoot first, taking the ball to the rack and scoring in the paint. He took opponents off the bounce for a couple of baskets, and then slipped out past the defense to knock down a three pointer on one posession. I believe his best work is done when he creates off the dribble and cuts without the ball, leading to high percentage shots and using his athleticism to his advantage.

2010 IBCA Top 100 Showcase Notebook