2018 Rankings Breakdown: Baltimore Forwards Part 2
The 2018 player ranking breakdowns continue with the forwards from Baltimore. If you haven’t already, be sure to give the other breakdowns a read:
Brandon Watson | 6’8 F | Mt. Carmel/Team BBC | #59 overall
Watson is a long, athletic forward who can score in a multitude of ways. His athleticism always makes him a threat in the paint or in transition to throw down a power dunk. What’s most impressive about his offensive game is his shooting touch from outside. His ability to knock down the deep ball makes him even more difficult to guard in ball screen situations because it gives him the option to roll or pop. Even when he does roll and gets a quick pass that leaves him 10-14 feet out, he is good at quickly adjusting his feet and converting the jumper. Watson’s length and jumping ability forces opponents to know where he is at all times on defense. He currently holds no offers, but New Hampshire and Delaware have expressed interest in the 6’8 stretch forward.
Eric Turner | 6’5 F | St. Frances/Crusader Nation | #70 overall
Turner is an elite athlete who is a capable scorer from all three levels. The 6’5 wing/forward player has a well-built body that allows him to finish through contact around the rim. Turner shines brightest when his team is in transition. He does a good job of filling the lanes and finishing above the rim whether it be off his own dribble or catching a lob. Because of his size and jumping ability, Turner is a solid rebounder as well.
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John VanSyckle | 6’9 F | C. Milton Wright/Team Melo | #79 overall
Van Syckle is a big body frontcourt player. Due to his limited athleticism, you’ll normally see him filling the center position, but it doesn’t stop him from running the floor relentlessly. While athletes can make plays with their given talents, Van Syckle works hard for his. The opportunities he creates for himself occur by crashing the glass hard and converting off of offensive rebounds. He isn’t an above average shot-blocker in terms of looking at the stat sheet, but his presence forces opposing players to distort their shot, which sometimes can be just as effective.
Ciaran Sandy | 6’5 F | Gilman/Team Melo | #92 overall
Sandy is still a raw prospect, but he has the tools and upside to be a versatile wing that can be featured as a stretch forward. He won’t kill a team from deep, but can hit a shot here and there when left open. Where Sandy shines is in transition or one-on-one situations when his athleticism is on display. The long 6’5 wing/forward does a good job of running the floor and filling lanes. As the summer continues, Sandy has improved on corralling a rebound and pushing the ball himself. His instincts defensively are solid and his anticipation allows him to be a threatening shot blocker in the half court or open floor.
Brendan Medley-Bacon | 6’11 C | Archbishop Curley/Team Melo | #95 overall
Medley-Bacon is another very raw prospect, but his size alone makes heads turn whenever he walks into a gym. He still needs work in the weight room, but his length is undeniable. With that being said, not many smaller guards can get their shots over the 6’11 big man. He has soft touch on his jumper to about 12 feet out, and while his post game still needs some work, Medley-Bacon can feast on baskets off of offensive rebounds.