Sleeper Forwards this AAU Season

A lot of the top AAU players are already on most radars this season but what about the less popular names? Here is a quick list of names to monitor as the AAU season gets underway as potential stock-risers at the forward spot. These guys have flashed big upside before and could end up being that next batch of players to blow up before the next high school season gets going.

Pawlose Aschalew Pawlose Aschalew 6'5" | SF O'Dea | 2024 State WA | Seattle Select UA Rise | 2024

He’s been stifled among talented rosters in the past few AAU and high school seasons, but this could be his best opportunity to break through and show his skills as a big and talented player. He’s been stuck a little bit between being a wing and a post and this will be a big season for him to define what kind of player he is going to be going forward.

Nick Schanno Nick Schanno 6'4" | SF Seattle Prep | 2025 State WA | Seattle Select UA Rise | 2025

Schanno is getting a chance to shine on the Under Armor Circuit and show just how deep Seattle Prep’s next wave of players really is. He’s got good size at 6-foot-4 and has already shown the skills necessary to thrive on the wings. This is a guy to start buying in on as he is just getting started in his development.

Makai Daniels Makai Daniels 6'6" | SF North Central | 2025 State WA | Beauchamp Elite 3SSB | 2025

This guy has shown the athletic upside with power, size, and burst and a big 6-foot-6 frame. He missed some games last high school season and didn’t quite get in a rhythm with a new team, but he could really surprise some people with his big play ability, especially if he can get that 3-point shot to go.

Miles Struss Miles Struss 6'7" | PF Seattle Academy | 2025 State WA | Beauchamp Elite 3SSB | 2025

Struss is another guy that I go back and forth between being a wing or a post going forward. He seems more comfortable operating from the mid-range and in, and likes to throw his strength around inside. But he does have good ball skills and has flashed the ability to create with the ball lin his hands.

Luke Allison Luke Allison 6'8" | PF Gig Harbor | 2024 State WA | Seattle Select UA Rise | 2024

Allison is the biggest kid on this list of sleepers, but he’s also the most raw player here. He is a massive kid at 6-foot-8 who can be a pillar inside, cleaning glass and defending shots. But his offensive game was lacking last season and a strong AAU season would do a lot in helping sow the seeds of a more well-rounded game for his senior season.

Wyatt Ulsh Wyatt Ulsh 6'6" | PF Lincoln | 2024 State WA | EBC Elite | 2024

Ulsh showed some force at the rim last spring and summer and proved to be a strong player off the ball with his length and leaping around the rim. If he can add another dimension to his game; post moves, mid-range shot, or passing, he would take a big leap forward this season.

Blake Garza Blake Garza 6'6" | SF Davis | 2024 State WA | Central WA Select | 2024

Garza is pretty similar to Ulsh except he has more ability to defend on the perimeter. If he can add another facet to his game, sure up that jumper or handle, he could make a big leap this season and become more of a two-way threat.

Colin Schmidtke Colin Schmidtke 6'6" | SF White River | 2024 State WA | FOH Seattle | 2024

Schmidtke is a big body who knows how to use his broadness with his back to the basket and has the touch to punish defenses from the mid-range and in. He could really impress this season if he stays aggressive and brings the action to the defense.

Dylan Wiggins Dylan Wiggins 6'6" | SF Bellarmine Prep | 2024 State WA | WA Supreme | 2024

Wiggins continues to expand his game to become a more reliable wing player and has really improved since the start of the last AAU season. I fully expect him to continue taking the next step forward in his progression and keep improving his handle and jumper, making him a larger offensive threat from the perimeter.

Layne Weir Layne Weir 6'6" | SF Bonney Lake | 2025 State WA | BDH Elite | 2025

The 6-foot-7 Weir is a big, strong kid with the body of a post player but can shoot it extremely well from outside. Once he finds his flow he could be a big-time player to come out of this AAU season and head into the high school calendar with some serious momentum.

Kane Wood Kane Wood 6'5" | SF Cleveland | 2024 State WA | BDH Elite | 2024

Wood is another guy who has a massive frame but mixes in the ability to put the ball on the floor and shoot a little bit. More consistency with the jumper would help him combat taller players inside, but Wood has shown the ability to do so at times and is definitely one to watch going forward.

Disma Kagarabi Disma Kagarabi 6'7" | SF Shorecrest | 2025 State WA | Seattle Select UA Rise | 2025

There will be a lot of shots opening up next season at Shorecrest and Kagarabi is in prime position to take them on. He has the size and has shown the potential skill to be “the guy” sometime in the future, the only question is when? This AAU season should help reveal just how far along he is on the timeline and whether he is ready to take the next step offensively.

Josiah Edwards Josiah Edwards 6'4" | SF Graham Kapowsin | 2026 State WA | BDH Elite | 2026

Edwards is a long forward that has already shown an ability to defend the rim from the help side. Although he is a little thin right now, he shows great toughness inside and won’t shy away from contact. He could be a younger guy that takes advantage of bigger opportunities this season to make substantial growth before suiting back up for his high school squad.