2025 Review: Next Level Forwards
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These forwards bring high motors on either end of the floor, doing their part to prioritize their defensive upside before anything else. Although bringing widely varying skill sets, these prospects all garner collegiate upside. Kenyon Aguino Kenyon Aguino 6'7" |…
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Continue ReadingThese forwards bring high motors on either end of the floor, doing their part to prioritize their defensive upside before anything else. Although bringing widely varying skill sets, these prospects all garner collegiate upside.
Kenyon Aguino Kenyon Aguino 6'7" | PF Volcano Vista | 2025 State #257 Nation NM – Volcano Vista
Aguino is a sturdy forward who possesses excellent touch and footwork at 6’7. The incoming junior has been incredibly productive throughout the summer, boasting 32 points and 14 rebounds per game from his time at Section 7. Boasting quick footwork getting to turnarounds off the pivot, Aguino finds ways to not only be a threat, but absorb contact while attacking the basket. Another aspect of his refined game has been the streamlined free throw form, knocking down an efficient clip from his high volume of drawn fouls. A unique aspect to Aguino’s game has been his soft touch in the mid-range and push shots, proving confident taking shots off the glass. His continued growth attacking from the perimeter will be a noteworthy area for the forward, given his dominance inside the paint. Coming into his junior year, the forward boasts offers from New Mexico State, Cal Poly, and CSU Northridge.
Daniel Lovato Daniel Lovato 6'5" | PF La Cueva | 2025 State NM -La Cueva
Lovato is a physical prospect who embraces the fundamentals within his role. Effective as a two-way rebounder, the incoming junior is mobile and wiry strong, proving especially tough to keep off of the boards. On the defensive side, Lovato seeks box outs first, before utilizing his quick bounce to spring up before opposing rebounders. While around the rim, Lovato keeps both arms up to force tough shot attempts, this is all on top of quick help rotations to stunt driving lanes. On the offensive end, Lovato brings an efficient style of play, most active on quick rolls towards the rim or self-created drives following rip throughs.
Thomas Adams Thomas Adams 6'2" | SF Sandia | 2025 State NM – Sandia
Adams will be a valuable two-way presence, boasting a knock down jump shot and a high motor on the defensive end. The wing prospect possesses a high release on the jump shot, allowing him to get off shots through incoming contests. A knockdown shooter on spot-up jumpers, Adams will be a valuable shotmaker who has room to grow following the departure of quite a few seniors. Another aspect of his impact is defense, capable of matching up with three positions at the point of attack. The little things matter to Adams, like getting into his low stance with wide arms, ready to be there on the drive or quickly shift hips following a self-creation move. His vision of passing lanes is impressive, making him impactful swiping away the ball from passing lanes over the top. Adams has garnered an offer from division II program, Adam State, likely not the last for the wing.
Mason Howell Mason Howell 6'8" | C Sandia | 2025 State NM – Sandia
Howell is an intriguing forward who boasts notable length complemented by a high motor. They are especially active crashing the glass on either end, putting his body on the line every possession. Howell has active hands on the defensive end, keeping an arm up to contest at all times, embracing contact around the rim. He boasts quick instincts once the ball hits the rim, quickly roaming to a potential landing spot.