2021 Uncommitted Forwards Putting up Big Numbers
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The 2021 season has been filled with explosive starts with multiple players putting up big numbers in the shortened year. Dumont’s Dominick Barlow Dominick Barlow 6'7" | SF Dumont | 2022 NLG has been a one-man wrecking crew as he…
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Continue ReadingThe 2021 season has been filled with explosive starts with multiple players putting up big numbers in the shortened year. Dumont’s Dominick Barlow Dominick Barlow 6'7" | SF Dumont | 2022 NLG has been a one-man wrecking crew as he is averaging 29 points per game thus far. The 6’7 forward will be doing a postgrad year, but he is far from the only uncommitted forward kicking off his year with a bang. Here are the 2021 uncommitted forwards who are putting up big numbers.
Janaie Coates Janaie Coates 6'8" | PF University | 2021 State NJ , 6’8 PF University
The Phoenix were supposed to take a step back with the losses of Spencer Joyner Spencer Joyner 6'4" | PG Arts | 2023 State NJ and Elijon Nix Elijon Nix 6'0" | PG Arts | 2023 State NJ , but Coates has stepped up his game. The physical 6’8 forward is averaging a team-high 24 points per game and has grabbed 15 rebounds in both games so far. Coates loves to finish above the rim, but he is showing a nice touch around the basket and an ability to pass out of the post. He plays with relentless energy on both ends of the floor and is a solid shot-blocker. Coates’ impact for University has been noticeable and could find himself on the All-Group 1 team with more 20-15 games.
John Horner John Horner 6'6" | SF St. Augustine | 2021 State NJ , 6’6 SF St. Augustine
The Hermits have a stout frontline tandem of American commit Matt Delaney and University of the Sciences commit Keith Palek Keith Palek 6'7" | SF St. Augustine | 2021 State NJ , but Horner is making a name for himself as well. The 6’6 wing paced the team with 14 rebounds and swatted two shots. Horner has a nice release on his jumper, but also has the ability to take the ball off the bounce and finish above the rim. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and is an underrated passer. Horner just picked up a D2 offer from the University of the Sciences, but that list should grow with more solid performances.
Omarion McNeal Omarion McNeal 6'6" | PF Olympus Prep | 2022 State NJ , 6’6 PF Wildwood
McNeal has been an absolute force for Wildwood over the past two games as he has gobbled up 42 rebounds. The 6’6 power forward plays with a relentless motor and attacks the basket like he is going to rip the rim out. McNeal is more than just a dunker as he has a nice touch around the basket and is a solid passer as he dropped six assists against Pitman. He has the athleticism to defend multiple positions and is a good shot-blocker. McNeal has four double-doubles in his last five games and is capable of more as the season progresses.
Aidan Kehoe Aidan Kehoe 6'11" | PF Canterbury | 2022 State NLG , 6’10 PF Pascack Hills
Springfield commit Jacob Morales Jacob Morales 6'4" | SF Pascack Hills | 2021 State NJ might be leading the charge for the Cowboys, but do not sleep on Kehoe’s play so far. The 6’10 post player knows how to get position down low and can finish through contact. Kehoe has a nice release on his jumper and is one of the better free throw shooting bigs in New Jersey. He uses his length to swat shots around the rim and sets good screens in the half court. Kehoe is averaging 18.7 points per game and should see his stock rise if he continues putting up numbers like that.
Zubair Lee Zubair Lee 6'5" | SF Eastern | 2021 State NJ , 6’5 SF Eastern
Lee’s scoring numbers will take a drop with Tazir Cantey Tazir Cantey 6'0" | PG Eastern | 2021 State NJ in the fold, but his play in the first four games are worth noting. The lanky 6’5 wing averaged 24.5 points per game, eclipsing the 20-point mark in every game he played. Lee attacks the basket hard and is able to finish through contact. He is capable of knocking down open perimeter jumpers and is a good on-ball defender due to his length and quickness. Lee should continue to put up big numbers for Eastern, which should see his stock rise in the process.
Other Prospects to Watch:
Derrick Bueno Derrick Bueno 6'7" | PF Roselle Catholic | 2021 State NJ , 6’6 PF Roselle Catholic
Carsten Schumm Carsten Schumm 6'7" | PF New Providence | 2021 State NJ , 6’7 PF New Providence
Joe Lardaro Joe Lardaro 6'5" | PF Freehold Township | 2021 State NJ , 6’5 PF Freehold Township
Cam Tweedy Cam Tweedy 6'6" | PF Olympus Prep | 2021 State NJ , 6’6 SF Olympus Prep
Antoine Arnett Antoine Arnett 6'5" | SF Peddie | 2022 State NJ , 6’5 SF Sterling
Ryan Smith Ryan Smith 6'5" | SF Robbinsville | 2021 State NJ , 6’5 SF Robbinsville