Antonio McInnis 6’4 190 2023 Churchland High School (VA) / BWSL Hampton Hoyas
Strength, athleticism, relentless energy, and effort allow Antonio to be a force in and around the paint on both ends of the floor. He has a powerfully built frame and is very strong and athletic. He has a good deal of quickness and agility which is no more apparent than when watching him catch a pass on the wing area and with a quick rip and powerful strides literally pound his way past defenders and attack the rim like a freight train. Antonio has a very good first step, quicker than you would expect given his size but he does stay low and keep his dribble low as he works in traffic. He is a punishing finisher and shows good touch around the rim as he does in the mid-range areas on catch and shoot opportunities. He’s a threat inside 18 feet as a shot-maker, good mechanics, and footwork. He attacks the rim with determined strides and plays through contact. Antonio moves off the ball nicely and pursues rebounds relentlessly on both ends of the floor. He’s quick getting into position when a shot goes up and he elevates off the floor quickly and with explosive lift. Doesn’t take much time to gather for second and third jumps but you better believe he will compete on the glass as fiercely as anyone you’ll play against. Pretty good passer on the move also.
On the defensive end, he moves his feet nicely and guards opposing bigs and forwards. He is quick enough to hedge a ball screen and recover and he defends the paint exceptionally well. Antonio is so active you have to keep a body on him as he can dominate the glass with his energy and effort combined with exceptional athleticism, timing, and powerful leaping ability. Doesn’t mind contact and physical play and in fact thrives on it! He’s a hard hat type defender and rebounder. His speed and agility in the open floor is impressive.
Antonio is used mostly inside at the AAU level but shows potential as a guy who can make plays on the perimeter as well. Very comfortable with the dribble and shows good body control as he drives to the rim. He can pass out of drives and makes the right pass. Lefty with a fluid stroke and sound mechanics hits shots in the mid-range at a good rate, also hits the occasional three-pointer. Antonio plays for one of the better skills coaches in Virginia in Coach Mike Holland who has trained a number of players including Providence big man Nate Watson, soon to be NBAer Cam Thomas, and the highly recruited Donald Hand, Jr so I expect nothing but big things in the future for Antonio. Coach Holland says Antonio has worked really hard, has a developing three-pointer, and expects he will be a more versatile threat, and expects big things from him. He’s certainly in good hands and has the work ethic and passion for the game that only suggests he can be as good as he desires to be.