Spring Stock Risers - The Forwards II

We continue to take a look at Spring Stock Risers in New England by checking in on the forwards.   Each of these five prospects has elevated their games this spring, while improving their status as a recruit.    Okpara, an athletic hybrid forward out of Wilbraham & Monson Academy, has impressed this spring with his motor and versatility while running with the Middlesex Magic on the UAA circuit. A quick twitch athlete, he's long, lean, and has a quick first and second jump. He plays with a high motor, is an incredibly versatile defender, and can really clean up on the glass on both ends of the floor. He's impressed this spring as a slasher, paint finisher, and disruptive defender in passing lanes.     Nwosu, a physical scorer out of Premier Prep, has taken his game to another level this spring while playing for The Club New England. A mismatch forward, he presents difficulty for opponents due to his combination of size, athleticism, and perimeter skill. He can make plays off the bounce out of the trailer position, knocks down shots in catch and shoot situations, and has the ability to make plays for himself and others off the bounce. When he's engaged, he does a great job of rebounding on the defensive end of the floor and he can guard both forward spots with his agility.     Tambedou, an elite athlete out of Putnam Science Academy, has turned heads with his motor and ability to score the basketball while running with RI Elite. There might not be a prospect in his class that can match his combination of athleticism, motor, and physicality. He finishes plays with authority around the rim, has an explosive first step off the bounce, and can pop into space or roll hard to the rim out of ball screens. Defensively, he is capable of single-handedly controlling the glass and is an elite shot blocker from the help side.     Gretz, a high level shooter out of Phillips Exeter Academy, has stood out for playing to his strengths while helping the Middlesex Magic win a lot of games in the Hoop Group's HGSL. The hybrid forward does a nice job of moving without the basketball, is a tough cover as a pop guy out of ball screens, and has a compact release on his jumper. He can show and go on the perimeter, finishes over size in the paint, and continues to show signs of increased athleticism. Defensively, he has a high compete level and is capable of guarding either forward spot.     Higgins, an exciting prospect out of Brewer, has made a name for himself while playing up the for Maine Gym Rats. One of the top young forwards in the region, he has good positional size, elite length, and should only get better as he starts to fill out his frame. He's a good athlete, a fluid mover, and shows impressive ball skills for someone of his age and size. He can attack in straight line drives from the perimeter, has a good nose for the ball on the offensive glass, and shows touch on his jumper out to the three point line. Defensively, he has great instincts as a shot blocker and is switchable when needed on the perimeter.

We continue to take a look at Spring Stock Risers in New England by checking in on the forwards.

Each of these five prospects has elevated their games this spring, while improving their status as a recruit.