2020 Rankings Update: Sleeper Power Forwards
Looking for size? Look no further, especially if you want a little skill to go with it. Our list of sleeper fours includes several guys who can finish athletically near the rim, defend multiple positions, rebound actively, and/or lure opposing…
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Continue ReadingLooking for size? Look no further, especially if you want a little skill to go with it.
Our list of sleeper fours includes several guys who can finish athletically near the rim, defend multiple positions, rebound actively, and/or lure opposing bigs away from the basket. Let’s get into it:
[no. 41] Jamir Simpson | 6-5 PF | Lima Senior / Apex Gold
Intriguing combo forward with a high ceiling because of his burst and ball skills. Simpson is a nightmare when he faces up or catches a pass while diving. Great lift on put-back attempts. Shows ball-handling ability in the open floor off the defensive glass. Talented.
[no. 55] Kaveon Ross | 6-5 PF | Walnut Ridge / Hidden Gems Black
Fiery competitor with bounce and a strong, thick body. 270 Hoops’ Zach Fleer once referred to Ross as a “play finisher” and that about sums it up — Ross is a catch-and-finish extraordinaire in the dunker spot. Capable outside shooter becoming more consistent in his ability to step outside for a jumper.
Central State and Walsh offered, joining Urbana as options.
[no. 58] Jagger Haynes | 6-6 PF | Massillon Perry / Wooster Warriors
Haynes was unfortunately absent at the GRBA Nationals and OHSBCA Showcase, so we haven’t seen him since the 2018 summer. A winter trip to Massillon looks imminent for that reason.
We like his ability to rebound outside his area as a lean forward with mobility. Unselfish on post-ups and often finds shooters. Haynes is a capable shooter himself, too. Soft touch over the shoulder on simple, efficient baby hooks.
[no. 80] Bilal Sow | 6-4 PF | Canal Winchester / Miller Factory
Skilled prospect with a lengthy frame. Sow possesses a layered inside game while being able to shoot it. Catch-and-shoot threat but he can also pull-up off one dribble if he gets an opponent to bite on his pump fake. Sow’s length is vital on defense and the glass.
[no. 84] Christian Parker | 6-5 PF | GlenOak / OPA – Talbert (NEO)
Parker’s best days are ahead of him and we’d bet a lot of D-III programs in Northeast Ohio are hoping to keep his talents close to Canton.
Fast kid whose speed is an asset in transition and the secondary break. Shows a feel in the short roll. Active screener who can also pop and hit a shot. Puts it on the floor for straight-line-drives and also scores on put-backs. Has a motor. Defends in space and can defend ball screens.
[no. 91] Aaron Ward | 6-6 PF | Winton Woods / EG10 Gold
Ward has a ton of tools — most notably his length and athleticism off the floor. Great lift on finesse finishes around the basket. Active offensive rebounder. Has the tools to defend a number of positions and cause mismatch problems.
[no. 92] Dante’ Wheeler | 6-7 PF | Elida / NW Ohio
Intriguing prospect who likes to score it off the bounce. Faces up and earnestly searches for opportunities to score it. Uses powerful spin moves and pivots to carve space inside.
Wheeler has some untapped potential and has faced multiple injuries in his high school career. We believe he has the chance to breakout at the next level with a little grooming from a collegiate staff.
[no. 100] Christian Pfieffer | 6-8 F | Amherst / Murphy AC
Long, slender frame. Pfieffer shows the ability to beat guys on straight-line-drives with long strides. Capable shooter. Hoists runners and short-range shots over the defense with his length. Mobile.
[no. 105] Joe Miller | 6-5 PF | GlenOak / TNBA Ohio
Effort big with a bulky body who flashes skill. Capable of finishing inside or spotting up for the triple. Fights for rebounds and moves guys to get to his spots.
[no. 107] Jordan Garland | 6-5 PF | North Royalton / Hardwork Basketball – Blue
Garland is a versatile forward who can stretch out opposing bigs and beat them up the floor. Solid frame that should pack on muscle at the next level. He occasionally will drive to the bucket in a straight-line and use his strength to finish through the teeth of the defense. Pretty skilled.