Under the Radar Forwards who Could Have Big Opening Nights

<p>The opening night of Garden State basketball is only three days away and the excitement is palpable. Players are looking to start off their seasons on a high note, especially under the radar players in the front court. Here are under the radar forwards who could have big games on opening nights.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050390" first="Dylan" last="Seay"], 6’5 SF/PF St. John Vianney 2024</strong></p> <p>Seay had a solid debut season for the Lancers and should build upon it on the opening night against Middletown South. The 6’5 forward has a strong frame which he uses to get position down low and can finish through contact. Seay has a nice handle, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and get to the basket. He is a good rebounder and can pass out of the post. Seay’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways is something that should allow him to have a big opening night.</p> <p><strong>Darius Phillips, 6’7 PF Seton Hall Prep 2023</strong></p> <p>Phillips was a serviceable member of the Pirates’ attack last season and has the possibility for a big opening game against University. The 6’7 forward is comfortable playing on the perimeter as he has a good shooting stroke and his range extends past the three-point line. Phillips has a physical frame which he uses to draw contact around the basket and has a nice touch. He is a good shot-blocker and skies for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Phillips is set for a breakout 2021-22 season and it starts with a big game in the opener.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901947" first="Xavier" last="Edwards"], 6’3 SG/SF Hudson Catholic 2022</strong></p> <p>Edwards may not be the biggest forward, but he makes plays for the Hawks on both ends of the floor. The 6’3 wing attacks the basket with a purpose as he is a good finisher and can draw contact. Edwards has a nice release on his free throws and moves well off the ball. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and can defend multiple positions on the floor. Edwards is a two-way wing prospect who should make an impact against Union City on opening night.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1150270" first="Tyler" last="Koenig"], 6’9 PF DePaul 2023</strong></p> <p>Koenig had a strong summer season with All-In and should build on it in the season opener against Mahwah. The 6’9 post prospect knows how to get position down low, which allows for him to get easy buckets. Koenig has a good touch around the basket and shows the ability to hit shots in the mid-range with his touch at the free throw line. He uses his length to block shots and is a strong rebounder. Koenig’s ability to score around the basket is something that should help him in a big way against Mahwah on opening night.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1146490" first="Josh" last="Okocha"], 6’5 SF Monroe 2022</strong></p> <p>Okocha is facing a tough test against St. Joe’s Metuchen, but he should still be able to have a strong game on opening night. The 6’5 wing has a nice handle, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and finish around the basket. Okocha is capable of knocking down open jumpers from the perimeter and has a nice shooting stroke. He is a strong rebounder and is an underrated defender. Okocha is set for a big 2021-22 season, and it starts on opening against St. Joe’s Metuchen.</p>