High Upside 2024 Forwards from Mayhem at the Plex

<p>These are some names that have unheralded potential down the line. The bar minimum was 6’4 or taller while demonstrating a dominant trait, primarily defensive instincts. Combined with their size and instincts, there is no doubt that these names will garner offers down the road. </p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4700-rotated.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1454985 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4700-rotated-e1652495060483-196x300.jpg" alt="" width="145" height="222" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1217196" first="Jae’Coby" last="Osborne"] - Fresno Flyers Elite - Elkins</p> <p>Osborne was sensational due to his vertical athleticism and lengthy frame. Standing at 6’4 or 6’5, Osborne likely possesses a +5" or longer wingspan, allowing him to easily block shots or deter perimeter shooters. Defense is an area he has all the tools to excel at, since he was capable guarding just about every position this past weekend. While some shifty guards were able to beat him to the rack, Osborne’s long strides and fundamental defensive posture made opponents’ lives terrible. Offensively, Osborne’s perimeter skills are still catching up to his post dominance. He proved to be dominant in the triple threat, making the most of his pivot foot to explode past defenders. Continuing to develop the jump shot off the catch will be necessary for Osborne, as he is an obvious D2 or better talent as is.</p> <p>Malachi Okunbor - EAD - Braswell <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4590-rotated-e1652494904986.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1454977 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4590-rotated-e1652494904986-300x278.jpg" alt="" width="223" height="207" /></a></p> <p>Okunbor was an electric shot creator off the dribble while displaying exceptional length that suffocated opposing creators. His explosive handle allowed him to change directions on a dime, making him a legitimate three level scorer in my book. He showed time and time again, the ability to hit side steps, step backs, and pull ups coming off the screen or isolation. He was more than capable hitting off balance shots out to college distance and more importantly displayed the ability to create space for those shots. Given Okunbor’s lengthy wingspan and quick hips, he was able to hang with just about anyone one on one,  although adding some strength will aid him down the road.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4691-rotated-e1652494973864.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1454981 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4691-rotated-e1652494973864-300x250.jpg" alt="" width="252" height="210" /></a>Ethan Moss - F5 - McMillen</p> <p>Moss was an excellent complementary wing with F5, at 6’4 he was dominant guarding 1-3 and did well scoring off a couple dribbles. The forward was more than capable taking a hit to the chest while retaining his balance, rarely getting ran off the line by physicality. What makes Moss so versatile is his wingspan paired with his wiry frame, you will not expect his strength at first but he cannot be underrated. On the other end, Moss was capable hitting spot up threes and making the right reads out when attacking closeouts. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1451311" first="Israel" last="Akeye"] - Next Level</p> <p>Although raw on offense, Akeye has all the tools to be an elite defensive athlete. Standing at 6’6 with at least a +3" wingspan, Akeye was impossible to stop on both ends of the glass, averaging 8-13 boards per game. The forward displayed soft touch when going for rebounds, often tapping it to himself if needed. On defense, he was everywhere on the block due to his length, straight up arms, and ambidextrous shot blocking. Quite a few times, Akeye looked to push outlet passes after the defensive rebound, another area that will bolster his team winning. Going forward, the keys for him will be adding strength along with continuing to work on the jump shot.</p>