Prep Hoops Special: Best Combo Forwards
Combo forwards are front court players that can play inside as well as on the wing. They are a valuable commodity because they allow a team to seamlessly switch up between big lineups and small ball lineups. Here are a…
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Continue ReadingCombo forwards are front court players that can play inside as well as on the wing. They are a valuable commodity because they allow a team to seamlessly switch up between big lineups and small ball lineups. Here are a few of the best combo forwards in the state this year.
Timmy Allen (2018) – A strong, athletic player who can score in bunches, Timmy Allen is one of the best players, and prospects in the state regardless of classification. Allen can flat out score and will have a dominant season leading a very talented Desert Ridge team. Already possessing high major Division 1 offers, this young man has a game similar to that of Carmelo Anthony and Jabari Parker in the sense that he has a naturally big body, yet is quick of foot and can get past a defender and finish at the rim with sneaky athleticism. If you play off of him, he will knock down the mid-range jumper consistently and can step out to the 3.
Majok Deng (2019) – A do it all type of player, Deng has the ability to handle the ball against pressure, knock down long range shots, yet still rebound at a high rate and finish strong inside. The two areas that really separate Majok from most players in the state are transition and defense. In transition, he can push the ball himself and make decisions, or he can fill the wing and finish with dunks on either side, yet has the ability to run the trailer spot and create from the top of the key or make a rim run and post up. Defensively, Deng can protect the rim against penetration, while also having the ability to switch onto a guard on a pick and roll. Majok Deng is one of the most well rounded players in the state, and although young, looks like he will transition seamlessly into whichever college system he enters. High- Major Division 1 prospect.
Gabe McGlothan (2017) – Two words best describe McGlothan: Explosive Athlete. This forward is a load to handle in the paint, as he shows tremendous effort on the glass and will follow up everything he gets his hands on with a powerful dunk. Over the summer, Gabe showed an improved handle and perimeter shot that will allow him to be more effective on the wing, thus making him a match-up nightmare. McGlothan will sign with a Division 1 school in the near future.
Bryce Davis (2018) – Playing with the Compton Magic during club season has really improved the confidence of Bryce Davis to expand his game and it should pay big dividends for not only him, but his Deer Valley squad as well. He has some of the best interior footwork of any post player in the state and is physical and long. With a soft touch and a knack for play making, Davis has all of the tools to move to the wing, but was just lacking the experience and confidence, which he should show this season.
Logan Matulis (2017) – The most unknown player on this list, Matulis has played in basic obscurity for the last couple of years. Playing on a senior laden team last season at Mountain Pointe, he failed to see consistent minutes, yet had some impressive scoring stretches. Logan has the length to play the 4 position, and the shooting range that rivals any wing in the state. Not to mention, he can put on a dunk show with just about anyone. Look for Logan to be among the top scorers in the state this season and begin to gather college offers.
This should be an interesting year with the new alignments and the return of playing region opponents twice. Tactical adjustments will be key when facing familiar teams, but the players on this list give their team an automatic mismatch when they step on the court, making it difficult to game plan against. You will be hearing these names a lot over the next few months.