Georgia available forwards – January 29, 2020

Chase Ellis of St. Francis (GA) is one of the state’s best available forwards. 

Atlanta, Ga.– The regular season is coming to an end, there are still forwards around the peach state that will help a college program next season. Here are several unsigned seniors that have took advantage of the spot light this season.

6’7” F Sola Adebisi (Cambridge)

Out of the forwards in Georgia that are still unsigned, there aren’t many with a higher ceiling than Adebisi. He has a ton of untapped potential and shows flashes of what he could become in each game that I watch him. An explosive leaper with really long arms, Adebisi makes above the rim plays with frequency on both sides of the ball. He isn’t just a dunker on offense; Adebisi is a capable passer, can knock down mid-range jumpers, and will slash from the elbow. He also has the ability to switch onto guards and defend them effectively because of how well he moves. If he keeps adding to the different parts of his game and fills out physically, I think he will surprise a lot of people in college.

6’6” PF Trent Gordon (Duluth)

Similar to Adebisi, Gordon’s jumping ability is a huge asset. He’s like a pogo-stick off of two feet and doesn’t need much space or momentum to rise to the rim. Gordon might not be bulky, but he does have some strength and is willing to fight through bodies in the paint for finishes and rebounds. He has a really good motor and will rebound out of his area as well. What I’ve liked about Gordon for a while is that he knows who he is and doesn’t worry about what looks good or cool. He doesn’t try to prove that he’s a guard or that he can shoot a bunch of jumpers, but instead gets things done inside and gives his team a boost with his energy and production.

6’5” PF Adonnis Tolbert (Denmark)

Although Tolbert gives up some inches to other forwards, he has a college-ready body and a unique game to go along with it. Tolbert has a muscular body that stays on balance through hits and powerful legs that help him as a finisher and rim protector. Although Tolbert can be a force inside, he also utilizes mid-range jumpers from a variety of spots when defenses focus on him down low. Tolbert really elevates on these shots and waits until he is at the peak of his jump to release it. This aspect of his game was on full display in Denmark’s recent matchup with Dawson County. Gaining more experience while continuing to add to his feel and overall skillset will help make Tolbert’s transition to college go more smoothly.

6’6” SF Perry Robinson VI (Kennesaw Mountain)

Robinson is a legitimate combo forward who plays on the wing or on the block equally well. When I saw him last week, Kennesaw Mountain took on an undersized North Paulding team that slowed things down and went zone most of the game. He stuck to working on the block and snatching offensive rebounds, finishing with a double-double. In other games, you’ll see him handling on the break, knocking down jumpers, and working the high post. Robinson has improved athletically since the summer and it seems like his motor has gotten consistent and not dependent on how things are going for him offensively. If he can maintain that approach, his diverse set of tools will allow him to be successful in college.

6’3” SF Chase Ellis (St. Francis)

It may not even be fair to label Ellis as a forward due to the fact that he can play a lot of different positions and does a lot of different things well on the court. St. Francis doesn’t have many true post players, but Ellis plays big for them and has a significant impact on winning. He consistently collects double-doubles, embraces contact on both ends, and does not mind having to guard guys who are taller than him. Ellis’ motor and toughness are his two best assets as he gives great effort and does the things that others won’t. His game might not always be pretty but it is productive and the type of versatility he has is what college coaches like.

Trent Markwith is a scout/evaluator for On the Radar Hoops.