2023 Forwards to Watch This Season

This is my list of 2023 forwards from across the state who I believe have a real chance to make a real difference for their teams. Expect them to begin to rise in ranks and start getting some attention from the next level! Be on the lookout for my other articles on the 2022, 2023 and 2024 athletes!

Chase Cain Chase Cain 6'7" | PF Shadow Creek | 2023 State TX 6’6 2023 Forward Shadow Creek High School

Chase is an incredibly lanky and long athlete whose size seemed to fill up the paint and affect opponents on both sides of the floor. He moves very well for his size and showed a real ability to stay in front of quicker guards and hold his own against larger forwards looking to bang down low. He came out and blocked jump shots and turned away shots down low with ease. He ran the floor well and dove without the ball to give his guards an open target to fire passes in down low, which he turned into easy bunny hooks over pretty much anyone. He needs more post moves besides his simple hooks, but he has time and when he does, he will begin to dominate on both sides of the floor. I also believe he needs to focus on the outside in aspect to his game, and work on his pull up jumper as well as his handle and ability to get to the rim.

Cole Allen Cole Allen 6'4" Pittsburg Oklahoma | 2023 TX 2023 Forward 6’4 Pittsburg High School

Cole is an athletic big who can put the ball on the floor and attack the basket or destroy you in the post with his back to the basket. He is great at using his size in the post and displayed some impressive hook shots and up and under to get around defenders. On defense, he slid over to protect the rim well and can slide his feet and pick up guards in the half-court. He is an aggressive on-ball defender who uses his frame to swallow up opponents with the ball. He is also good in the passing lanes, seeming to find his way to a few steals every game. I would like to see him focus on his set shot and his shot off the dribble and work on adding the third level of the floor to his game. He has all the tools to become an elite offensive weapon.

Akintola Akinniyi Akintola Akinniyi 6'7" | PF Denton Guyer | 2023 State TX 2023 Forward 6’6 Guyer High School

Akintola is a strong post presence who has great touch on his bunny hooks and post fades. He possesses great strength and knows how to use his frame and strength to his advantage down low. On offense, he is a patient scorer in the midrange and paint. He does not get rushed into looks and can pump fake his opponents to death. He offers great rim protection and is very aware of sliding over and cutting off passing angles. I would like to see him work on his ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the rim out of the triple threat.

Caleb Davis 6’5 Wing/ Forward 2023 Houston Defenders 15UA

Caleb is a large forward who is great at finishing down low. He is already such a massive player and force he can score over pretty much anyone downlow. He is very strong for his age and he utilizes that size very well. He is a great rim protector and came up with many blocks throughout the tournament, a testament to his basketball intelligence to poke the ball free as his opponents go up for shots. He is a good outlet passer after he gets rebounds, and always seemed to make the right read.

Trey Evans Trey Evans 6'4" | SG New Home | 2023 TX 6’3″ 2023 Wing/ Forward 6’4 New Home High School

Trey is an impressive wing who rebounds with the best of them. He goes after every board possible. I was impressed with his ability to move without the ball and set his teammates up with back screens. On defense, he is a good rim protector and works hard to cut off passing angles with his massive frame. I would like to see him focus on boxing out on every play, it will make his life much easier as he continues to fight hard on the glass. Evans has plenty of potential and should be on coaches’ radars.

CJ McCain 6’7 Power Forward 2023 Texas City High School

CJ is a relentless finisher who punishes defenders who try to leap with him and contest him at the rim. His ability to finish and bully the opposition in the paint was eye opening during this tournament. He showed great skill at getting to a multitude of rebounds and tip in opportunities for himself. His size for his age makes him a dominant player, but I would like to see more work in his post moves. His strength and hustle he plays the game with should translate over so well to destroying defenders in the paint with his back to the basket. He is also a fantastic rim protector and forces every shot down low to be adjusted.