2017 D1 Small Forward Targets

Here is our look at the potential D1 small forwards in the class of 2017.<h2>High-Major Targets</h2>Charles Payton (Bloomington) Stellar athlete with strength at 6’6”. Loves to attack the hoop with authority in both half court and transition. Defensive presence both blocking shots and guarding on perimeter. Javon Pickett (Belleville East) Pickett is a smooth scoring wing that can score at all three levels. He has a smooth handle and passes it well. Once he adds strength should be a plus defender. Justin Smith (Stevenson) High upside wing that is super athletic in the open floor. Can really shoot the ball from deep with a nice looking shot. <h2>Mid-Major Targets</h2>Trevian Bell (Joliet West) Bell is a physical and athletic 6’5” wing that can get to the hoop and score in bunches. Has the potential to get into HM consideration with a strong junior season. Nana Akenten (Bolingbrook) No small forward helped themselves more on the circuit than Akenten. He is an explosive wing and 6’6” that attacks the basket, has clean shot mechanics, and can defend multiple positions. <h2>Low-Major Targets</h2>Romon Douglas-Watkins (Peoria Manual) Douglas-Watkins has tremendous upside with his size at 6’6” and length to be a go to scorer and perimeter defender at next level. Romelo Burrell (Morgan Park) Burrell is a wing with considerable upside. Just scratching the surface of abilities especially on perimeter, but athleticism and physical tools make him a D1 player. Coreyoun Rushin (Westinghouse) Athletic wing with potential that is best offensively in transition and hitting the offensive glass. Plus wing defender. Marvin Bateman (Belleville Althoff) Plus plus shooter with size that is money in catch and shoot. If he develops game off bounce will move into MM. Oliver Stephen (Edwardsville) Stephen is another great shooter from the metro east. Flashes more to game, but is big time shooter. <h2>On the Radar</h2>TJ Smith (Marian Catholic) Struggled with injuries, but if he can put a consistent season together at Marian Catholic will have D1’s recruiting him aggressively. Jameel Alausa (Chicago U-High) Long and rangy combo forward that is still learning perimeter game. Upside! Te’Mon Green (St. Rita) Explosive athlete with quick first step and can finish at the rim. Injury late in summer held him out of action. Doug Wallen (St. Thomas More) Classic tweener forward that does everything well, but doesn’t really fit either position. Kid just makes plays and wins though.