2021 Forwards That Should Be On College Radars

<p>Prep Hoops Wisconsin continues to dive deep into the 2021 class, highlighting the forwards needing college attention.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="880031" first="Kyle" last="Yu"]</strong><br /> Height: 6’5”<br /> School/Grassroots Team: Madison Memorial/Wisconsin Academy<br /> Outlook: In a college system, Yu could be molded into a backcourt or wing player, but at this stage, he’s specialized in the forward position. Yu is a straight-line attacker with the patience and footwork underneath the rim to score against centers. While he hasn’t added a pull-up jump shot to his repertoire, his set three-point shot has sound mechanics.</p> <p><strong>Jameer Barker</strong><br /> Height: 6’2”<br /> School/Grassroots Team: Racine St. Catherine’s<br /> Outlook: As the number two option on a top-five team in the state, Barker somehow remains under the radar. Nonetheless, a knack for aggressive scoring at all three levels makes the lefty a pure scorer. As far as early takes go, I see him being a high-volume scorer on a college roster.</p> <p><strong>Charlie Bender</strong><br /> Height: 6’3”<br /> School/Grassroots Team: Lake Mills<br /> Outlook: The Lake Mills product can connect on catch-and-shoot looks, but he picks up quite a bit of steam attacking the rim and has carved out a niche scoring off the dribble.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="880003" first="Victor" last="Desmond"]</strong><br /> Height: 6’6”<br /> School/Grassroots Team: Onalaska/Wisconsin Playground Club<br /> Outlook: Desmond wasn’t the number-one option this season, but his skillset still merits high praise. Defensively, he can lock down any position one-on-one with his length and hands, and on offense, Desmond finds the lane easily and can power through defenders for buckets inside. A more refined outside shot could help him reach his ceiling, but he still has time, and colleges should note his high skill level and potential.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="879996" first="Jadon" last="Melvin"]</strong><br /> Height: 6’4”<br /> School/Grassroots Team: Hartford/Wisconsin Surge<br /> Outlook: Melvin can slice through defenses effortlessly with his size and gracefulness. His reliable three-point shot also allows for lineup versatility, as he could easily play guard or forward with his intangibles.</p> <p><strong>Cayden Rankin</strong><br /> Height: 6’6”<br /> School/Grassroots Team: Darlington<br /> Outlook: The Darlington forward exploits his tremendous athleticism and bursts of speed on both ends. He’s able to jump passes, spark transition, and work through defenses to score with ease.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="804954" first="Mack" last="Sebert"]</strong><br /> Height: 6’4”<br /> School/Grassroots Team: Fon Du Lac/Wisconsin Crusaders<br /> Outlook: Although Sebert’s solid frame and height screams power forward, his fluid shooting stroke and tendency to play on the perimeter makes him more of a small forward or wing. Scouts should stay on the lookout for him this summer, especially if he becomes a more aggressive scorer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="880032" first="Jevan" last="Boyton"]</strong><br /> Height: 6’5”<br /> School/Grassroots Team: Madison East/Wisconsin Premier<br /> Outlook: Boyton is a traditional gritty forward that succeeded in a complementary role this past season. His prospect appeal comes from interior toughness, first as a rebounder and defender, then as a secondary scorer, as he can clean up misses and muscle through bodies in the paint.</p>