Check out my analysis on some of the top 2024 forward prospects from the Austin/ Round Rock GASO! These guys really showed off their versatility on the offensive end, look for them to really be turning some heads as we go into July!
GASO Austin/ Round Rock: 2024 Forward Prospects
Check out my analysis on some of the top 2024 forward prospects from the Austin/ Round Rock GASO! These guys really showed off their versatility on the offensive end, look for them to really be turning some heads as we…
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Continue ReadingJayden Ford 2024 6’9 Belton High School (ProSkills ATX Brown)
Jaylen is an athletic forward with tremendous footwork, mobility and agility. He was great with his back to the basket, going quickly to attack a single defender. I was very impressed with his fluidity and ability to affect the game down low. He got into easy bunny hooks, but also played out of the high post and alongside another true center. I was very impressed with how well he was able to play off of him, and attack space whenever it gets opened up to him, flashing to the front of the rim for an easy dump off pass. Ford has all of the athletic tools to affect the game across all three levels, but I would like to see him work on shooting from the perimeter and tightening up his mechanics and shot from beyond the arc.
Sam McKinney Sam McKinney 6'6" | SF Buda Johnson | 2024 State TX 2024 6’6 Johnson (Buda) High School, TX (ATX Force 2023)
Sam is a skilled forward who finishes at a very high level underneath the basket. He displayed great consistency at the rim, and finished well on either side of the basket. I loved watching him manipulate his defenders with his back to the basket. It was fun watching him work on the offensive side of the ball. He is beginning to knock down the three ball from the outside with more consistency, allowing him to blow by the defense and be a true 3 and D threat. I was impressed by his handle out of the triple threat, he was great at getting into the teeth of the defense with an explosive and purposeful two-three dribbles. I was also very impressed by his body control when getting downhill, he knows how to contort his body to get out of the way of his opponents and getting around his defenders.
On the defensive side of the ball he has shown a lot of growth, even in the short time it has been since I saw him last. He is becoming more aware of cutting defenders behind him, and has increased his production on the glass. He actively boxes out his opponents, clearing the way for him to grab uncontested rebounds. I loved the one-two punch that he and his point guard have, and I am excited to watch them take over their district over the next two years!
David Punch 2024 6’7 Harker Heights High School (ASAK 16U Elite)
David has been absolutely dominant every time he stepped on the court this weekend, using his frame to routinely finish over defenders and through contact down low. His opponents often times resorted to simply hacking him to prevent him from getting to the rim and allowing him to flush a dunk on their head. He is a consistent free throw shooter, allowing him to punish defenders for lazy defense every time down.The most head turning aspect to his game is the ease in which he can get his shot up over defenders. He has a smooth jumper, paired with a high release point allowing him to confidently shoot over anyone on any spot on the floor. He is a natural shooter who you can tell has had very good coaching to fine tune his mechanics. I was also very impressed with his attention to detail as he attacked the glass on both ends of the court. He willingly boxed out his opponents and naturally seemed to seal off his opponents any time he wanted to. His overall dominance down low allowed the rest of his teammates to defend the perimeter with even more intensity, knowing that Punch was back their to clean it up. He is a natural rim protector and routinely ends possessions with strong defensive rebounds. I would like to see him work on developing his soft bunny hook with his weak shoulder, you can tell he is working on it already, but if he becomes to be even more consistent with his post moves and quick one dribble pull ups from the corner the sky is the limit for him!