Top Power Forwards for the 2024 Class
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The power forward position is always interesting because of how much the position has changed over the years. Traditionally power forwards were known to play with their back to the basket and do all of the dirty work for their…
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Continue ReadingThe power forward position is always interesting because of how much the position has changed over the years. Traditionally power forwards were known to play with their back to the basket and do all of the dirty work for their team. In this new age of basketball, we have seen the position expand to the perimeter more and overall have seen more athletic players in this role. Here are my top power forwards for the 2024 class.
Hodge is your modern-day stretch-four that can also do just about everything else on the court making him an all-around player. At 6’8″ with a high release point, Hodge can get his shot up over anyone with very little contest to him. On the perimeter, he will get his shots off pick-n-pops and is also sneaky at retreating to the three-point line whenever the attention is off of him. He’s a rebounding machine averaging double-digit rebounds last season while towering over everyone else. Hodge can guard multiple positions and does a great job of running the floor and picking his spots within an offense.
Konov is a sniper from downtown and seems to always be open even when the defense is smothering him because of his 6’7″ size and high release point. His teammates are always looking for him in catch-and-shoot situations on the perimeter and on pick-n-pop plays as well. His range will increase the more he makes in a game forcing defenders to have to play up on him more. Konov is automatic from the wings and looks to use his shot fake whenever he can to create more space. He’s even got a soft touch around the rim that he will use in different mismatches.
Sheehan can play both the inside and outside effectively throughout a game making him a tough guard for most opponents. He can play with his back to the basket and use his 6’9″ size to go straight up over defenders in most situations. He has great recovery timing on missed shots in the paint with him usually being the first to come up with the ball and going right back up with it. Sheehan can even step out to the three-point and hit multiple shots from that distance within the flow of an offense making defenders have to guess how he will score every possession. On defense, he can block multiple shots within one setting before coming away with the rebound.
Trotsko is another modern-day stretch-four at the power forward position that every team would love to have. He helps his team out in so many ways because of his shooting ability. This allows for more driving lanes for his teammates because defenders are hesitant to leave him open on the perimeter. Trotsko has a smooth shot that looks effortless releasing from his fingertips. He will find creative ways to get open to come off of off-ball screens onto the three-point line. His range extends far forcing defenders to have to press upon him the second he passes half-court. He is automatic from the corners and likes to use his effective shot fake to get defenders in the air.
Wood plays with a lot of aggressiveness and finesse seemingly always being near the basket looking to score at will. The lefty likes to play with his back to the basket for most of the game. His go-to move in the post is his post-spin move leaving defenders in the dust by the time he goes up for the finish. His finishing ability is on par with the best in this class. Wood can put the ball on the floor and will make some crafty finishes around the rim. He is an underrated passer always looking for cutting teammates in the paint. The midrange game is smooth for him as he will use pick-n-pops to get open in that area. On defense especially on the fastbreak Wood will look to chase you down sending your shot off the backboard making offensive players think twice before testing him in the paint.