2023 Forward Prospects: RCS Sports Season Opener

Michael Oaks 2023 6’9 St Thomas High School

Michael is an agile forward who can get it all done on the floor, especially defensively. I was very impressed with his lateral agility and ability to move his feet and get around his opponents. He has really improved in that area over the last year, which is not an easy thing to do! He is a natural finisher down low, going up strong and finishing with consistency even through contact. He has showed an ability to play out of the high post, and alongside another high level forward prospect. He is tasked with creating out of the high post, in addition to cleaning up the glass and protecting the paint. His awareness and how he understands how to attack spacing is at a very high level, even with the defense forced to pack the paint and protect it against two skilled 6’8 and 6’9 prospects. Oaks is one of the best unsigned forwards left in the Houston area, and he was a man on a mission during his time on the court this weekend.

Jake Pike Jake Pike 6'7" | PF Houston St. Thomas | 2023 State TX 2023 6’8 St Thomas High School

Jake is another top forward prospects still left in Texas, a supreme athlete with an ability to hammer home impressive dunks but also an ability to dance on the perimeter and score from range. I have been very impressed with how well he has developed his agility and foot speed over the last two years, nimbly attacking the basket every time he steps on the court. His ability to get downhill with a live dribble is already at a very high level, and it is very impressive to see at someone his size. Pike’s ability to get downhill and get to the rim always has his opponent’s on their toes. Where he separates himself from other bigs is how well he is able to score from the outside. He has great shot mechanics and an ability to quickly get shots up off the catch, always staying ready to quickly fire shots from the corners and wings, even on the break!

Jadyn Toppin Jadyn Toppin 6'9" | PF Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy | 2023 State TX 2023 6’8 Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy

Jaydn has explosive leaping ability that allows him to shut down the gym with some impressive dunks and tip dunks! I loved his energy and willingness to contest every shot on the defensive end. He has quick feet and an ability to defend the perimeter and even block three point jumpers after having both his feet in the paint. His ability to defend the perimeter does not stop with his ability to block shots, he has active hands and a good nose for the ball on when to attack passes in the passing lane. His ability to close space is elite and will make him an incredibly valuable weapon at the next level. He recovers well and can slide over to protect the rim after his teammate gets beat off the dribble, he had an incredibly impressive block on the weak side. He has a very quick spin move that allows him to create space in the mid post and on the block. I was very impressed with his ability to get to the rim, even with some crowded spacing playing with another dominant center and another athletic forward who all live in the paint. Toppin has all the tools to become a consistent weapon on the offensive side of the floor and can become a valuable weapon at the next level.

Noah Martin 2023 6’7 Cypress Creek High School

Noah is a skilled big who has really added some range to his game in addition to being an effective post presence. He is consistent down low, and has an ability to finish with either hand with soft bunny hooks and turn arounds, allowing him to calmly finish over smaller defenders with his back to the basket. He works really well on the glass, chasing down long rebounds and back tapping the ball out to his guards. His aggressiveness and ability to fight on the glass is a real weapon for his team, allowing them all to get a few more offensive possessions and really seal the game against teams. While I would like to see him continue to develop his handle, he is a very consistent big prospect who will fight hard for you on the interior, and can knock down open shot opportunities if you give them to him!

Joseph Tugler 2023 6’7 Cypress Falls High School

Joseph was at it again, scoring at will down low and causing havoc on the defensive side of the ball. He finished jaw dropping lobs and tip in dunks for easy clean up on the glass, and was always in the right spot down low to be ready for a dump off pass. He fought against some smaller athletes down low from Beaumount United, which gave him some problems until he realized he could effortlessly back them down, and then quickly turn around. He quickly used power moves out of the post including drop steps and quick turn around over both shoulders. The University of Houston commit had the coaching staff in attendance to watch him compete, and he did not disappoint