2027 Forwards to Keep an Eye On
After taking a look at the guards of the 2027 class, we now move on to the forwards. These are all names to keep a look out for as we finish the high school season and get ready for the…
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Continue ReadingAfter taking a look at the guards of the 2027 class, we now move on to the forwards. These are all names to keep a look out for as we finish the high school season and get ready for the summer. Here is a look at some of the best small forwards/ power forwards in the Freshman class in Arkansas. This is in alphabetical order and is not a ranking.
Cannon Burks
Cannon Burks
Cannon Burks is a lanky forward who can play the 1-4. He is super confident with the ball and likes to be the one making plays. Burks is just as good off the ball as he is on the ball. His length and quickness give him a great advantage when he is attacking directly off the catch. His ability to knock down 3s make him a great floor spacer when he plays the 4. The defense has a hard time playing off of him because his size and shooting confidence gives him the ability to drive off a close out or just shoot over the defender. His one weakness is the weight he gives up to bigger opponents. This makes him naturally have to guard more 1-3 on defense so he doesn’t give up size to big 4s or 5s. Overall Burks is a great player and could keep getting better.
Elijah Collum
Elijah Collum
Most coaches would love to have an athletic forward that is a great 3&D player. Elijah Collum is this player. Collum loves to get out on the fast break and get above the rim. He attacks strong looking to dunk and isn’t afraid if someone is in his way. In a half court set he is great off the ball and has a great 3 point shot. His shot is smooth and quick, making it so hard for defenders to contest him. Collum’s great footwork on the catch also helps him get his shot off so quick. Not the strongest at scoring off the dribble, but him improving on this part of his game would make him become a full package player.
Jamal Holden Jamal Holden 6’7″ | SF Conway | 2027 State AR is a do it all player. He is as athletic and strong as anyone can be as a freshman. His athleticism lets him comfortably guard the opposing 1-3 and his size and strength makes him an anchor down low guarding 4s and 5s. Also loves to switch on screens and instantly pressure the guard when he’s switched on. Holden’s offensive game is in a limited role for Conway, but keep in mind he is a freshman playing varsity for Conway. He has a great base to his shot and incredible touch in the paint for his size. If you are not familiar with Jamal Holden Jamal Holden 6’7″ | SF Conway | 2027 State AR then you will be within the next couple of years, as he is going to be a dominant basketball player for the state of Arkansas.
Terris Jones
Terris Jones
Out of the players on this list Terris Jones is the best at leading an offense with his creating for himself and teammates. He is truly just as much a guard as he is a forward. The smoothness and comfort to his game is rare. Jones is a great facilitator for a forward and tough matchup for most defenses. When he attacks it’s almost impossible to tell if he is going all the way or going to dump the ball off to the big at the last second. In their game against Conway, there was probably 2-3 times he made a pass that even the receptor of the pass did not see coming. His shot is also super smooth whether it’s a pull up midrange or catch and shoot 3. Seems to have a great natural feel for the game.
Deion Sasser Deion Sasser 6'2" | PF Conway | 2027 State AR
Deion Sasser Deion Sasser 6'2" | PF Conway | 2027 State AR
The only true Power Forward on this list. In todays game it’s not as common to see a big bruiser who loves to post up and play bully ball. Sasser is this rare type of player. He loves creating contact and playing at the rim. His incredible touch around the rim lets him go to a few moves that he really has down and is comfortably going to. His 8 foot push shot is a go to that is tough to defend. Sasser uses his size well in the paint being able to get where he wants. Also is not afraid to step out and shoot 3s. His main advantage is making less mobile bigs guard him at the 3pt line. Even if Sasser is bigger than the other teams post, his quickness can come as a surprise. He has a quick first step and is great at attacking from the 3pt line.