Sleeper Forwards from Week 12

Josh White

January 21, 2022 @ 04:13 PM

This edition of sleeper forwards has an old school vibe with tenacious defending, rebounding, a wining plays that might not count in the stat sheet. Here are some of the more underrated prospects we’ve observed throughout the week. [player_tooltip player_id="972997" first="Ti" last="Scruggs"] 6’6 PF/SF Hazel Green 2022 Scruggs is a small ball four with a junkyard dog mentality. His ability and willingness to inflict his physical frame on others is reminiscent of a linebacker looking to wreak havoc in the backfield. Scruggs continuously uses his size and strength to contribute to the boards and his scoring efforts. He’s well-coached and understands the importance of attacking favorable matchups in the post and when going for rebounds. Scruggs is a solid athlete who fights for position, can make catches in contested areas, and finish through contact as an interior presence. As a rebounder, he’s quick with his second jump and can wreck a game with his offensive rebounding. Payton Chitwood 6’3 SF/PF Cleveland 2022 Chitwood is the type of player that’s needed on every team. He contributes with energy, defense, and winning plays that may not show on the stat sheet. Chitwood does a great job of winning with effort, especially on the defensive end. His ability to junk up the game with deflections, forcing jump balls and challenging shots with contest generates stops and disrupts opposing offenses. Dadrian Sanders 6’4 PF Deshler 2023 Sanders is a rangy forward who can anchor a defense. His ability to time, challenge, and block shots consistently make him a valuable asset and the heart of Deshler’s defense. He also can be active in passing lanes and disrupt offenses. Though he specializes in defense, Sanders contributes as a rebounder and floor spacer. He’s consistent with his effort on the glass and puts himself in a position to grab defensive rebounds often. As a shooter, he possesses an adequate jumper and forces defenses to help when Deshler goes to a 4-out 1-in set. Devious Woods 6’4 SF/PF Lee 2023 Woods is an aggressive slasher whose length and athleticism make him a solid complementary piece for the Lee High Generals. He’s a long 6’4 with an impressive wingspan and stride that can eat up space in the half-court or transition. Woods is also crafty with his finishes, especially when using the inverted euro, or the veer euro to throw off the timing of defenders and give himself an easy look at the rim. With his solid athleticism, Woods can also be a lob threat and play above the rim when the opportunity presents itself. Adam Kesserwani 6’6 C Houstoun Academy 2022 Kesserwani is an elite rim protector who anchors the defense and serves as the enforcer for Houston Academy. He does an excellent job of maintaining an attitude and presence on the defensive end that rallies his teammates. Though he won’t wow you with athleticism, Kesserwani makes heady plays and seems to always be on time when rotating, making him nearly unavoidable when other teams attack the rim.