Desmond Watson
Live basketball was back today in Columbus, at least for a couple of hours, as Central Ohio’s top rising seniors came together for the 270 Hoops 2021 Challenge. With the action being broadcast on YouTube, this event served as a de facto live evaluation event for the participants, as dozens of NCAA D1 and non-D1 college coaches watched the stream. Triple Double Prospects was in the building for the duration of the event, as we noticed several standout performers….
Desmond Watson – ’21 SF Columbus DeSales: A junkyard dog wing who is quickly becoming one of the state’s most heavily recruited rising seniors, Watson was one of two dominant scorers on the day in leading his team to the championship. Known primarily as an athletic slasher who can finish in traffic, Watson showed today that he’s capable of making jumpers in rhythm as well, making him a tough matchup at any level. Given his defensive abilities, motor, athleticism and increased scoring skill-set, Watson is only going to add to an offer sheet which already includes double-digit NCAA D1’s such as Bowling Green, Miami (OH), Cleveland State and Ohio.
Keaton Norris – ’21 PG Hilliard Bradley: Despite the success that his older brother, Braden Norris, has had on the NCAA D1 level, the younger Norris brother has stayed somewhat under the radar statewide up until this point. That changed on Sunday, as the 6’0 sharpshooter lit up the competition, knocking down long range shot after long range shot in leading his team, along with Watson, to a championship. As well as Norris shoots the ball, he’s far from a specialist, as he also is a poised and crafty point guard who showed an ability to find teammates, make skip passes and make appropriate decisions in transition; making him a candidate to break into our next ranking update as one of Ohio’s top 2021 point guards.
TJ Pugh – ’21 SF Shelby: An athletic and powerful 6’6 wing, Pugh is the prototypical small town Ohio sleeper who emerges every recruiting cycle. He began generating some buzz last year, but really took steps on Sunday to place himself firmly in NCAA D1 recruiting circles, as Pugh showed tremendous physical tools which give him upside at the next level. A more than capable shot maker with a big and athletic frame, Pugh has versatility as a scorer while also having the size and mobility to guard different positions as well. While schools are just beginning to learn all of what Pugh can do on the court, expect to see his recruitment skyrocket in the coming months.
Quincy Clark – ’21 PG/SG Westerville Central: One of the players whom we weren’t very familiar with heading into the event, Clark was very impressive as a speedy scoring guard, as well as with his on-ball defense in pressuring the ball. He’s a combo guard at heart and one that likes to score, as Clark is both skilled and quick with the ball, allowing himself opportunities to create jumpers or to take it to the rim to score in either the half-court or transition. We don’t know much about where his recruitment stands right now; however, showings like this certainly will help his case with college coaches.
Honorable Mention: Tyrese Hughey (’21 PF Thomas Worthington), Jalen Sullinger (’21 PG Thomas Worthington), Maceo Williams (’21 C Gahanna Lincoln), Casey George (’21 PG Pickerington North), Eli Burke (’21 PG Columbus Africentric)
You must be logged in to post a comment.