AP’s ATown Showdown Notebook: Forwards & Bigs Pt. 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wings and bigs can be game changers at the high school level. Guys on this list are between 6'4 and 6'9 with the skill sets to accentuate their natural talent. Join me as we break down the top forwards and bigs from the event over two articles. Below is our first group of standouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Matthew Pointer | Elite Hustlers</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 product held his own against older competition while showing off its skill set. He made difficult passes out of the post look easy. Showed off movement skills in transition with an euro step floater and handling the ball in transition. Pointer was a consistent rebounder on both ends and didn't hesitate to put shots up after offensive rebounds. He could play his way into Florida's expanded 2025 rankings at the end of the summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1920965,"width":137,"height":137,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/IMG_1577.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/IMG_1577.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1920965" width="137" height="137" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marvin Warren | Memphis Blazers</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warren may be the best prospect at the event. The 6'6 forward does everything on the court while being a high-level athlete. He blocked two or more shots every game. Hit several threes off the catch and the dribble. He gets where he wants on the floor and can dish to open teammates when the defense collapses. He did it all without showboating and staying engaged, even against lesser competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reece Catchings | GATA Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Catchings is a true big with good hands and feet. He dunks with power and rebounds his area. The 6'10 center has a string frame and moves well for someone his size. Catchings can operate out of the post as passer and scorer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1675447"],"_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":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-643ebce88832d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ikemba Otuonye | Texas Takeover</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Otuonye was a matchup nightmare all weekend. During the high school season, he was listed as an off guard, but with his summer team, he plays the fort, where his ability to grab rebounds and push it on the break for transition offense. The 2023 prospect can find the open man on the break. He's physically built more like a tight end than a basketball player. In the half court, he's pushing everything downhill and finishes through contact. He's a good offensive rebounder that made several putbacks each game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rahkeem Atkins | 901 Ball Stars</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Atkins does the dirty work relentlessly. His motor runs high. He goes after every offensive board and runs the floor. He goes 100% on the defense to block shots and makes it tough for his man to get his shot off in man defense. The 6'7 forward has a winners mentality and moves when attacking the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->