2020 Forwards: Most To Prove (Part 1)
With the 2018-19 season quickly approaching, there are endless prospects out to show they can play with the big boys at the next level.
Over the last few weeks, I broke down point guards from the 2019-2021 classes that had a lot to prove. Now, it is time to look at a different positional group.
Here’s a look at five 2020 forwards who will be looking to do just that here this season.
ICYMI
The sky is the limit for Isaiah Adams. The 6’7″ Paxon forward continues to display a keen aptitude for attacking, reliable defense and overall upside. Adams holds offers from UMass, UNF and FAU currently. He has a key chance to be the guy in Jacksonville and for Paxon, he is certainly the top contributor on both ends of the floor. Adams is No. 10 overall in the 2020 Prep Hoops Florida rankings.
Moving over from SLAM Miami, Kentron Poitier will be suiting up for a scrappy Palmetto group this fall. The 6’4″ guard/forward is as athletic as they come and highly built. His work on the break is steady and he is already fitting into the aggressive approach that the Panthers employ. To ensure college looks, he’ll have to take the reigns at his new spot much like he did at his old one. Poitier is No. 11 in the 2020 Florida rankings.
For University School, they continue to get talented prospects. 6’6″ forward Jace Howard is no different and he will come in right away and provide them with inside help next to 2019 forward Vernon Carey Jr. and 2020 guard/forward Scottie Barnes. Howard is a quick twitch shooter, but he could stand to be more aggressive at times. I expect him to find his groove alongside a talented cast. Howard is No. 22 in the 2020 Florida rankings.
For E1T1 16U this summer, Zachary Anderson turned some heads. He showed that he could be a ballhandler at times and a key driver to the cup. At 6’5″, Anderson has burst, agility and slashing ability on his side. Apopka has a good one and I think he will be able to run away with the leadership role there this season. Anderson comes in at No. 25 overall in the 2020 Florida rankings.
A prototypical high school big man, Nathan Montaque comes in at 6’6″, but plays a lot taller than his current frame. Montaque has a nice mid-range floater and can mix it up inside often. His defensive prowess is what separates him from others right now. Look for Montaque to have a steady junior campaign for Somerset, a team ready for a state run with 2020 guards Brandon Garcia and Dudley Blackwell on its side. Montaque is No. 78 in the 2020 Florida rankings.
Photo credit: Triple Threat Hoops