Emerging 27'/28' Forwards And Bigs From The Platform

The Prep Hoops Circuit wrapped up its' final Illinois stop of the season this past weekend as The Platform brought together talented programs from across the Midwest at multiple Chicagoland venues. I spent all three days in Bedford Park evaluating prospects in the 15U, 16U, and 17U divisions. In this article we take a closer look at a half of dozen emerging forwards and bigs who elevated their play and left a strong impression with their performances throughout the weekend.    An intriguing post prospect from Birmingham Groves, Jones is 6'6 big that brings force and power to the front court. During the team's early morning game on Sunday, he ran ahead of the defense multiple times to finish with authority above the rim. In the ½ court setting his presence was seen in a big way as well while converting on catches underneath and dropoffs from his guards. Rebounding wise, Jones sticks around the basket for opportunities and also converted on a couple put backs while keeping the ball high. His length and size will force opponents to adjust their finishes on the defensive end while on the offensive end he will draw extra help defense on the catch. A 4 or 5 man that still has more upside to go.     Lemons started out the game on Sunday morning with a near dunk off of 1 step on the opening possession. He has a 6'4 athletic build and showcased more versatility throughout the game playing bigger than his size. On the offensive end he knocked down a smooth fadeaway jumper from mid range and added another pull up off of the bounce. His shot looks fundamentally solid throughout. He also had some aggressive takes to the basket vs more size. On the glass, Lemons will battle for second chance opportunities while squeezing the ball at it's highest point off of misses on the defensive end. At times he looks like he could very well fill a small forward 3 man's role at the next level with the skills he brings. Overall Lemons displays a physical and positive presence mostly working around the basket while having shot making ability from around the 15 foot marker.     Watched Butler's game in the fist set of tip-offs on Saturday morning. He brings true size with length into the 4 or 5 man's role. Showcased athleticism with a drive down the middle and 2 hand dunk off 2 feet. Also caught an alley-oop on a fast break where he went pretty high to get it. In the ½ court setting, Butler showed a lot of screening action to help his guards get free and into open space. Tallied him for multiple screen assists from the big fella. Defensively helps take space up on drives and will challenge shooters shots to contest. Waubonsee Valley big that should be on coaches' radars for senior campaign.     Konkol utilized his 6'6 broad frame and strong lower body to effect the team's early Sunday afternoon contest. He created consistent production around the basket with well equipped hands and feet vs more size and athleticism. His poise and ability to run the floor for his position gives him an advantage. He had one defensive rebound where he secured it and took it coast to coast for a score through contact. In the ½ court setting he made a sharp cut to the rim off the ball, an and1 finish, and kept the ball high for another point blank range bucket. Konkols' physicality is evident throughout as he drew multiple whistles while enduring contact. The upside is here to track heading into junior campaign.     Elliason establishes himself as an interior presence with scoring touch and feel around the basket. In the early afternoon game on Saturday, he was able to draw multiple fouls 10 feet within while getting to the basket. A consistent rebounder, Elliason crashes for board opportunities on both sides of the ball and came away with various second chances. He will also time well for screening opportunities on or off the ball and will flash or dive accordingly to open space. There was more versatility shown with his ability to stretch the floor for a step back knock down 3. A developing lengthy 4 man that will keep making impact statements as an incoming junior.     First time seeing the big from Edgewood. Caught in the early afternoon game on Saturday and he competed adequately on both sides of the ball. Attacked the paint with purpose and drew a couple whistles on strong dribble drive action while starting from 10 feet and in. Poised on the catch after gaining positioning on the black for turn and score finishes. Creates quality scoring opportunities and will draw help on touches in the paint. With continued development the upside is certainly here.

The Prep Hoops Circuit wrapped up its' final Illinois stop of the season this past weekend as The Platform brought together talented programs from across the Midwest at multiple Chicagoland venues. I spent all three days in Bedford Park evaluating prospects in the 15U, 16U, and 17U divisions. In this article we take a closer look at a half of dozen emerging forwards and bigs who elevated their play and left a strong impression with their performances throughout the weekend.