Up and Coming Wings Put Name on Map at The Platform

The Platform brought some of the region's top independent and circuit teams to the windy city, showcasing a deep pool of young talent. Among the standouts, a versatile group of wing and forward prospects consistently popped. Combining size, motor, and multi-level scoring ability, these up-and-coming players proved they are names to keep a close eye on over the next few high school seasons.   Here is a breakdown of the wing and forward standouts who made a major impact over the weekend.   [player_tooltip player_id='2869216' first='Kellen' last='Myers'] | 6'4” | [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] | 2028   Myers looks the part immediately with a great, athletic 6-foot-4 frame that he uses to impact the game on both ends. He flashed intriguing multi-level scoring potential, proving he can produce both facing up on the wing and physically operating down in the paint. Myers was equally impactful on the defensive end, playing with high energy to disrupt passing lanes, force errant throws, and spark transition opportunities. While his handle is still a work in progress, his physical tools and two-way productivity make him a highly promising high school wing prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='2819792' first='Andre' last='Charles'] | 6'2” | [program_tooltip program_id='2075622' first='M14' last='Hoops'] | 2028   Charles is an intriguing forward who plays much bigger than his listing, utilizing his long-armed, slender frame to maximum effect. He plays with a patient, slow-grinding style on the block, out-maneuvering opponents with smart footwork to carve out space. He was a major factor on the offensive glass with multiple putbacks, and he left his mark defensively with a spectacular, two-handed "volleyball-style" rejection. Despite giving up some bulk inside, Charles found creative ways to produce out of the post and projects as a highly versatile piece who can be effective both on the perimeter and around the basket.   [player_tooltip player_id='2620864' first='Sidy' last='Doumbouya'] | 6'4” | LVL | 2027   A bouncy, high-flying wing, Doumbouya put his athletic gifts on full display on both ends of the floor. Defensively, his explosive elevation and timing allowed him to record multiple highlight-reel blocks. Offensively, he is a terrific slasher who attacks the paint without hesitation, embraces contact, and finishes with a soft touch around the rim. He plays with a relentless motor and high activity level, and defenders have to stay alert—Doumbouya is the type of player who will catch a sudden, unexpected poster dunk if given a runway.   [player_tooltip player_id='2895441' first='Malik' last='Arogundade'] | 6'5” | Work Foundation | 2027   Arogundade is a physically imposing forward who already understands how to utilize his frame to dominate the lane. He showcased excellent body control and a reliable array of interior moves, frequently freeing himself up with slick, effective spin maneuvers. Pairing his physical strength with a high-revving motor, Arogundade worked relentlessly on both ends of the floor to control the paint and impact the game.   Maxwell Cygan | [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] Basketball | 2029   Only a 2029 prospect, Cygan played with a mature, highly skilled approach on the wing. He excels with his off-ball movement, possessing a great understanding of spacing and knowing exactly how to get open, particularly when slipping screens to slice up defenses. He made a living in the mid-post and elbow areas, stuffing the stat sheet with highly efficient scoring. Furthermore, Cygan is incredibly quick off the floor, utilizing a strong second jump to secure offensive rebounds and convert quick putbacks.   Judah Kalvig | [program_tooltip program_id='2075622' first='M14' last='Hoops'] | 2027   Kalvig is an incredibly unique offensive threat who plays with an unorthodox flow that keeps defenders off-balance. He put his scoring package on display by hitting a tough, Dirk Nowitzki-style one-footed fadeaway, while doing the rest of his damage camping out in the short corner or converting on hard baseline drives. There is simply no denying how effective Kalvig is when he gets into a rhythm.   [player_tooltip player_id='2439344' first='Chas' last='Ontiveros'] | 6'4” | IL Outwork | 2027   Ontiveros was a relentless force inside all weekend. The active 6-foot-4 forward scored efficiently in the paint by using quick spin moves and nimble footwork to create scoring angles. Though slightly undersized for an interior position, he consistently outworked bigger defenders with sheer energy, physical toughness, and explosiveness around the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='2823116' first='DJ' last='Brown'] | 6'4” | Geek Squad | 2028   Brown is a winning player who consistently impacts the game with his toughness and high-IQ plays. He showed his clutch gene by knocking down a momentum-changing three-pointer, then immediately sprinted back to make a stop by sliding his feet and cutting off a drive. He rebounded aggressively, pushed the break himself, and played with an aggressive yet controlled approach throughout the weekend.

The Platform brought some of the region's top independent and circuit teams to the windy city, showcasing a deep pool of young talent. Among the standouts, a versatile group of wing and forward prospects consistently popped. Combining size, motor, and multi-level scoring ability, these up-and-coming players proved they are names to keep a close eye on over the next few high school seasons.