S. Granville Jamboree: Wake Forest High School Preview

<p>The Wake Forest Cougars are set to be an exciting bunch in 2021-22 under their second season under head coach Greg Ackles. They’ve got a few seniors and juniors set to make waves this year as they look to make a splash in the new conference alignments. Take a look at some prospects to keep an eye on for them.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="1332546" first="Jaden" last="Valentine"] | 2022</h5> <p>Valentine is a 5-foot-11 point guard that really sets the tone at the lead guard spot for Wake Forest High. He’s got nice quickness and length he uses well to get to his spots in the paint and make plays for others. Defensively, he uses his IQ to force pressure and make himself felt as a stopper and leader. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="1332622" first="Cem" last="Oztamur"] | 2022</h5> <p>Oztamur is an underrated forward prospect with some potential as a rebounder and rim-runner in the rotation. He should do well to give his squad some rim protection and athleticism with his size at 6-foot-5. He’s an unsigned senior to keep an eye on.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="1278008" first="AJ" last="Smalls"] | 2023</h5> <p>Smalls is a confident combo guard in the Wake Forest backcourt with a ton of presence on the perimeter. He’s a solid catch and shoot and off-the-bounce 3-point threat that can get hot in a hurry. As he shows off his ability to operate off the bounce, look for him to draw some attention from college coaches.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="1216311" first="Dashaun" last="Grant"] | 2023</h5> <p>Grant is another guard in the Wake Forest backcourt that really gets after it on both ends. He’s a quick guard that likes to get downhill and make plays in the paint and create in the midrange area. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="1086709" first="Nigel" last="Lucas"] | 2023</h5> <p>Lucas is another guard in the Wake Forest rotation with a ton of potential as a shooter, defender and playmaker. He’s a 6-foot guard that can fill it up from deep and operate off the bounce, giving them another ballhandler to work with in the lineup.</p> <h5>Jaevian Austin | 2024</h5> <p>Austin is an emerging forward at 6-foot-6 with a ton of potential in the Wake Forest frontcourt. As he finds his niche in the rotation as a rebounder, rim-protector and perimeter threat, look for his stock to grow in the 2024 class.</p> <h5>Kavon Simmons | 2025</h5> <p>Simmons is yet another young guard prospect for the Cougars to keep eyes on given his length and ability at 6-foot-1. He’s a young lead guard that can shoot the ball and defend at a high level already. He should play some key minutes off the bench with his ability.</p>