2024 Rankings: Top Small Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Junior class is deep with talent and well on the way to 15 or more D1 commitments by signing day next year. Here's a look at the top small forwards in our updated Junior rankings. This does not include any players ranked in the top 10 in the class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1119447"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One of the best Class A players in Kentucky, Hand is athletic and aggressive on the court. He's shown he can score in bunches and is capable of carrying his team on offense for stretches when needed. His college ceiling remains to be seen but Jacob should be a scholarship level player in college.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1497251"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Williams has a chance to be the biggest breakout star in Louisville this season. With his length and athleticism, Dayton has the physical tools to be a difference maker for the Bears but needs to put it all together for a full season and his stock will take off.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["932792"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Elijah is one of the more underrated college prospects in the western part of Kentucky and, like Williams, has the physical tools to earn scholarships for the next level. Decker could be the X factor in a push towards a regional title for Ohio County in the 3rd region.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1650726"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Williams is the highest ranked new name in this update and could soar higher. Antonio is a freak athlete whose skill level is catching up with his physical gifts. Look for the 6'7 wing forward to have a big Junior season and his college stock could take off in the next year or so.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1089540"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Staying in Hopkinsville, Bateman is another player who could be a breakout talent this season. Derrell has D1 potential as a slashing wing who gets into the paint and finishes at a high level. His jump shot is still a work in progress but Bateman has all the tools to be a big time player this season and moving forward.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Other Names to Know:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1287889' first='Zane' last='Whitaker'], Magoffin County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1088805' first='Hudson' last='Blank'], Dixie Heights</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1288982' first='Alex' last='Johnson'], Trinity</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1598053' first='Nolan' last='Wahl'], CAL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1287891' first='Keaton' last='Baird'], Spencer County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->