Hustle in the Sun: 2024 forward standouts

<p>The Prep Hoops Circuit was back in town this weekend for the <strong>Hustle in the Sun </strong>at Inspire Court in Gilbert, AZ. There were 65 teams from the 15-17U levels. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I am focusing a lot on the 2024 class this week, since it is obviously the class I know the least about due to COVID, and many didn’t play varsity yet or even have a season. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There wasn’t a lot of size, as the guards dominated this weekend in 15U, but here were some of the top 2024 forward standouts: </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1066495" first="Aeramiah" last="Binford"] <strong>(PAL Elite 2024)</strong></p> <p>-A wildly athletic forward was awarded the top athlete and seems to get a little better each tournament. He plays above the rim after he rips through with a nice handle. His ability to defend multiple positions makes him unique and his skill is improving. </p> <p><b>James Pulliam (Pluto Prospects 2024) (Pictured)</b></p> <p>-Another athletic forward can dribble through traffic some and bounce up to dunk the ball. He is long and active near the cup with good hands. He rebounds the ball at its highest point and runs the floor well. He was his teams focal point and when the defense collapsed on him, he usually found the right guard open showing good awareness.  </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1152192" first="Hunter" last="Wales"] <strong>(AZ Select 2024-3)</strong></p> <p>-A top shooter who was a slight notch below [player_tooltip player_id="1162452" first="Grant" last="Woods"] for the best shooting forward in 15U. He can put the ball on the floor and pull-up off the dribble from mid-range. He has a quick shooting release and a soft touch. He rebounds the ball and can handle it in the open court.   </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1128461" first="Jaevyn" last="Yancey"] <strong>(AZ Select 2024-3)</strong></p> <p>-A long forward was awarded the top shot blocker at the event. He moves fluidly around the court and is starting to polish up his skill. He can score on hook shots and has a nice stroke from mid-range. He can even extend out to the 3 at times. The upside is high for this forward.  </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1162452" first="Grant" last="Woods"] <strong>(AZ Select 2024-2)</strong></p> <p>-Awarded the top forward shooter. He can shoot it with range beyond the 3pt line and has a consistent approach to his release. He rebounds well in his area through traffic, as he jumps up quickly to corral the board. He plays a cerebral game and looks like he is still growing.  </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1193883" first="Erik" last="Crispin"] <strong>(Legion of Hoops 2024)</strong></p> <p>-A wing forward who takes long strides into the lane and can score it around traffic. He predominantly uses his right hand but it doesn’t seem to matter scoring the ball. He uses his wingspan to collect steals and rebound. The younger brother of Jamison is already 1-2 inches taller and shows a bright future. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1193884" first="Damien" last="Williams"] <strong>(Legion of Hoops 2024)</strong></p> <p>--Another long freshman from the Wolves program with upside. He moves well around the court and can make a catch-3 plus rebound in his area. He can use some more seasoning but is definitely one to track. </p>