(Jermaine Coleman)

 

Part two of the Indy Heat Showcase break down looks at 2023 and 2024 prospects. The event brought the main teams of the Indy Heat, Illinois Wolves, C2K Elite, and Grand Rapids Storm together for a one-day showcase.

 

Tae Tae Johnson (2024) was the most consistent 2024 prospect on Saturday. At 6’1”/6’2”, Johnson has excellent size for a point guard in his class. He’s also a superb athlete that slashes to the basket whenever he wants. The Illinois Wolves and C2K Elite had a couple of centers protecting the rim, and that did bother him a bit. As a point guard, Johnson handled the ball well, made plays for others, and distributed it. He is shaping up to be a high-major prospect.

 

Ajani Washington (2024) had many flashes off the dribble and shooting on the move for Indy Heat 15U. Washington had a big freshman season for Concordia, and he is carrying it off to the travel season. He is a quick, wiry guard that can score in bunches. He is best in the 12-feet and in range as a shooter and finisher.

 

Troy Cicero (2023) showed his speed in the open court and also made outside shots. Cicero is a consistent performer for the Illinois Wolves. He is an undersized guard but makes up for it with his athleticism and motor. In many circumstances, his defense is leading to the offense for the Wolves.

 

Cam Christie (2023) started slowly before displaying his complete game in the second half against the Indy Heat. Christie is an excellent shooter that likes to pull up in the mid-range. He knocked down shots all over the floor against a solid defense in that second half against the Indy Heat. As he continues to get bigger and stronger, Christie is proving his high-major projection more and more.

 

Triston Nicholls (2023) is a versatile guard that led C2K Elite all weekend. He made spot-up threes, posted smaller defenders, and created for his teammates. At six-foot-two and long arms, Nicholls dominated the game against the Indy Heat 16U. He is a player to track going forward.

 

Chico Johnson (2023) is a six-foot-two point guard for C2K Elite. He played well as a playmaker for others with his size, length, and quickness. He showed the ability to score a bit, but Johnson’s playmaking for others stood out the most. Johnson’s upside is high.

 

Jamie Hodges (2023) is a bulldog, and he proved that all day. Hodges is fantastic off the dribble, and he lived at the basket in both games. Despite his size, Hodges finishes nicely in traffic with a diverse layup package. Behind his competitiveness, Hodges performs consistently each time he takes the floor.

 

Jermaine Coleman (2023) displayed his shooting ability on Saturday. At 6’5”/6’6”, the lefty has a smooth outside shot. That is where most of his production stems from right now. He will need to expand his game to solidify a high-major projection, but Coleman’s size, athleticism, and shooting ability give him outstanding promise.

 

Ashton Williamson (2023) made his most significant impact as a defender and passer. That is not unusual for Williamson as he is a lockdown defender when he is focused. Most of his scoring came after creating turnovers with his pressure defense. He also made a few great passes while on the move, but Williamson will need to continue refining and expanding his offensive game to reach the high-major level.

 

Jesse McColloch (2024) made a great first impression with his size, hands, and touch. As a 6’8” center, McColloch runs and challenges shots in the paint well. He stayed on the floor and walled up consistently. There are not many players McColloch’s size at this level, and he backs it up with a solid skill base. The C2K Elite center is a prospect to remember.