Unsigned Forwards in the Class of 2023 Top 125
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I took a look at some Unsigned Guards in the Top 125 earlier in the week, and now it’s time to check out some of the unsigned senior forwards in the class. It is a deep class and the ranging…
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Continue ReadingI took a look at some Unsigned Guards in the Top 125 earlier in the week, and now it’s time to check out some of the unsigned senior forwards in the class. It is a deep class and the ranging skill sets in this list emphasizes the unsigned frontcourt talent in the 2023 class. Here are just a handful of available forwards from the 2023 Top 125.
Strengths: Versatility, Athleticism, Rebounding
Breakdown: Olujic can do a lot of things well and with his size, provides good versatility on both ends of the court. He stands out as a rebounder with good effort and anticipation that helps him excel on the offensive glass. He’s also a more than capable dribbler, shooter, and passer, with the ability to run a set from the post and find the right option. Sometimes the dribble gets away from him in traffic, but he is a strong finisher at the rim and a lot of his shots come from off-ball opportunities.
Outlook: With his skill set and size, Olujic can fit into a lot of different schemes and lineups. He can contribute across the board, has the right mindset to fill whatever role is asked of him, and gives good effort in every department. One area that has a lot of potential for improvement is his outside shot. He’s already a pretty decent shooter from three but I think it can become a real strength of his game with more focus there and help him be an even stronger offensive threat.
Offers: Carthage College, Puget Sound University, California Lutheran University
Interest: D2/D3/JUCO
Highlights
Strengths: Motor, Rebounding, Strength
Breakdown: Zachman is a huge factor for Arlington with his ability to finish through contact around the cup and work the glass to add possessions for his team. He’s a good leaper and though his lateral quickness doesn’t quite match that, he has the natural ability to build on and get quicker. As a rebounder, he works for position, has good hands, and gets involved on both ends. He’s shown the ability to hit the three-ball and has had some big scoring outputs as of late.
Outlook: He’s technically a “big” for his high school squad but Zachman has all the skills to be a rebounding wing that can add scoring inside and out. If he continues to improve from beyond the arc, he could also fit in as an undersized stretch forward. He’s got a great foundation of skills that lend him to either position and he seems to be finding his groove as we approach playoff ball.
Offers: George Fox University, Pacific Lutheran University
Interest: Northwest University, Bellevue College
Strengths: Rebounding, Interior Finishing, Strong Hands
Breakdown: Aitken is a big body that anchors down low in the post but can also surprise you with a little athleticism in the open court. Right now, he spends most of his time around the basket, cleaning up misses, capping defensive possessions, and protecting the rim against drives. He can score inside but relies mainly on his strength to do so.
Outlook: For Aitken, the biggest improvement he can make is working on low post footwork. He has the athleticism and skill to incorporate more post moves, as well as from the high post and short corner, to improve his scoring ability. He has the potential to be a double-double guy with his ability to hold his position inside and his work rate. Chipping in a couple blocks, and setting some hard screens, Aitken could be a solid big man at the next level who even has some potential to play on the pick and pop with some more work on his jumper.
Offers: Pierce College
Interest: Whatcom CC, Highline CC, Tacoma CC, Luther College
Strengths: Athleticism, 3-Pt Shooting, Toughness
Breakdown: Bjornsgard shows the ability to impact the game across all facets; passing, scoring, rebounding, defense. He touches the ball a lot in Capital’s offense and is a nice shooter from deep with the strength and quickness to get to the hoop as well. Most of all, he plays hard and plays tough. He can switch around defensively and has the bounce to be a strong rebounder from the wings.
Outlook: There are a lot of ways he can make an impact at the next level. He can pop in to be a floor spacer who makes good decisions. He could fill in the forward spot in a smaller lineup and provide rebounding and transition buckets. With his skill set and athleticism, he could easily swap between small forward and an off-guard position at the next level, though at guard he would probably have to tighten up the handle just a bit to get meaningful minutes there.
Offers: N/A
Interest: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma CC, Whatcom CC
Strengths: Shot Blocking, Hustle, Rebounding
Breakdown: Howe is one of the better shot blockers on this list of unsigned forwards, combining great timing with length and hustle. A lot of what he does stems off of great hustle and the intention to get up and down the floor to get involved in every play he can. That rings true for his offensive game as well, as most of his buckets come either with him moving towards the hoop or cleaning up on the glass. He’s not as efficient working with his back to the basket, but there is room for improvement there.
Outlook: Howe could be a nice shot-blocking, rebounding forward, with the possibility of working the baseline space, corner to corner. He’s shown an aptitude to hit the corner three and actually has some good form on the jumper that shows he could start looking outside more often. Again, it comes back to his energy. He is an effective offensive rebounder and if he shows that outside shot can be incorporated more, could be a big threat finishing possessions on offense.
Offers: N/A
Interest: Northwest University, Whitman College, Buena Vista
Highlights
Strengths: Shooting
Breakdown: Wherever Blachly ends up, he is sure to do one thing – shoot. He is an excellent shooter that can hit all around the arc, stroke in the mid-range, and work his way around the key hitting the short jumpers. He is best coming off of screens, a pump fake into one dribble, or spotting up. He also shows some good vision and passing touch primarily from the high post. But really, it comes back to the shooting touch. He has a short shooting motion, keeps the ball high and can hit even with tights contests.
Outlook: Blachly can be a floor stretcher and knock down 3-point shooter wherever he goes. His shooting skill is apparent, but how he gets those shots is still up for debate. As I said earlier, he is excellent spotting up and shooting off a dribble or two. However, he needs to quicken up his feet in order to take players on head-up or create more space off the ball at the next level and expand his impact scoring the ball. He does have the awareness necessary to make the plays, but if he can quicken up a step or two, he’ll have the opportunity to make an even bigger impact with his shooting ability.
Offers: King’s College, University of Puget Sound
Interest: Pacific Lutheran University, Grove City, Cornell College, Whitman College