2021 Under the Radar Small Forwards

<p>The 2021 class is loaded with high level small forwards. Patrick School’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850498" first="Jonathan" last="Kuminga"] </strong>is viewed as the top player in the country for 2021,while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850499" first="Trey" last="Patterson"] </strong>of Rutgers Prep is a big-time small forward prospect. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850509" first="Zarique" last="Nutter"] </strong>is an athletic wing who will play at a high-major school, while Camden Catholic’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850506" first="Zach" last="Hicks"]</strong> is a smooth scoring prospect. They are not the only four high-level small forwards in the 2021 class as there are a bunch of sleeper prospects. Here are the top under the swingmen in the 2021 class.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900295" first="Matthew" last="Delaney"], 6’6 St. Augustine</strong></p> <p>Delaney is more of a small forward/ power forward combo, but he is still eligible for this list. The 6’6 junior is tough to keep off the boards and has a nice touch around the basket. Delaney is a good passer out of the post and can put the ball on the floor. He has a nice looking shooting stroke and is a solid post defender. The Hermits won the Non-Public A South and they are looking to repeat with Delaney looking to build on a strong junior season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900302" first="Zaba" last="Bangala"], 6’8  St. Benedict’s</strong></p> <p>Bangala is the most underrated prospect in the 2021 class due to his versatility. The Swedish native can put the ball on the deck, knock down shots from behind the arc and score through contact. Bangala has a strong frame that makes him capable of playing the four or even the five in a small ball lineup. He is a tough rebounder and solid post defender. Bangala is a high major player and will solidify that status in 2020-21 at St. Benedict’s.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850512" first="Josh" last="Rivera"], 6’5  St. Thomas Aquinas</strong></p> <p>Rivera transferred to St. Thomas Aquinas from Roselle Catholic and is ready to help the Trojans defend their GMC title. The lanky forward is one of the better defensive wings in the class due to his combination of length and athleticism. Rivera moves well off the ball and is a capable three-point shooter. He may come off the bench because of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850510" first="Tristan" last="Jeffries"]</strong>, but Rivera has the length to play the small-ball four. St. Thomas Aquinas will be one of the top teams in Central Jersey this season with Jeffries and Rivera on the wing.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900353" first="Isaiah" last="Hill"], 6’4 Union Catholic</strong></p> <p>Hill will play shooting guard at the next level, but his length and explosion make him a dynamic small forward right now. The 6’4 wing has a quick first step and knows how to finish around the basket. Hill is a good three-point shooter and is capable of getting hot in a hurry. He is a tough rebounder and solid passer who can run the offense in a pinch. Hill missed the majority of the season with an injury and is ready for a huge senior season for Union Catholic.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900313" first="Matteo" last="Strikker"], 6’5 Patrick School National</strong></p> <p>Strikker is a point forward prospect capable of playing three positions on the floor. The 6’5 forward plays with great court vision and is a good passer. Strikker is a solid ball-handler who knows how to beat his man off the bounce. He is not just a slasher as he can knock down jumpers from behind the arc. Strikker is a skilled small forward prospect capable of making plays with the ball in his hands who should be on college coaches’ radar next season.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Players to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900335" first="Derrick" last="Bueno"], 6’5 Paramus Catholic</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850522" first="Malik" last="Austin"], 6’5 Hudson Catholic</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900310" first="Kunga" last="Tsering"], 6’5 Hasbrouck Heights</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900314" first="Babacar" last="Diallo"], 6’6 Patrick School National</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900341" first="Daniel" last="Hayden"], 6’5 Life Center Academy</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900364" first="Dominick" last="Barlow"], 6’5 Dumont</strong></p>