2029 Small Forwards To Monitor

The debut edition of the Illinois Class of 2029 rankings were released last week. In this article, we will take you through some Small Forwards on the list and a breakdown of their games.    Dodd first caught our attention during the spring with Just Guard and we continued to monitor his development throughout the remainder of the summer. The 6'3 Forward from Fulton offers intriguing positional versatility and possesses the tools to impact the game at multiple spots on the floor. He has the ability to stretch the defense as a spot-up shooter from the wing while also using his strong and physical frame to score inside against smaller defenders. Dodd plays above the rim at times and can finish with authority while consistently taking advantage of favorable matchups both on the perimeter and in the paint. He also runs the floor extremely well showing good speed with and without the ball while capitalizing on transition opportunities. With the versatility to fill roles at the 2, 3, or 4 positions, Dodd is an intriguing prospect whose all-around game and physical tools make him one to continue following closely.     Chlubna earns a spot in our initial Prep Hoops Class of 2029 rankings as a versatile perimeter prospect capable of playing either shooting guard or small forward at this stage of his development. He competes with a balanced team-first approach that brings a high motor and versatility to impact the game in a variety of ways on both ends of the floor. Coming from a successful St. Patrick program known for producing fundamentally sound and tough players, Chlubna's style of play is no surprise. He provides excellent positional size which gives him the ability to contribute as a wing while consistently stretching the floor with his perimeter shooting. His feel for the game, basketball IQ, and willingness to do the little things make him an effective all-around player today while his long-term projection points toward developing into a true shooting guard. With his combination of size, skill, and upside, Chlubna is a prospect worth keeping a close eye on over the years to come.     Pittman earns a spot inside the top 150 of our initial Prep Hoops Class of 2029 rankings release. Although a bit undersized for a traditional forward position, he has the versatility to slide to the wing while still making his biggest impact in the frontcourt. His relentless approach on the glass stands out immediately as he consistently attacks rebounds on both ends of the floor and wins his share of hustle plays through sheer effort and determination. Around the basket, Pittman embraces contact, finishes through physicality, and plays every possession with a high level of energy. Defensively he anchors the paint as an effective rim protector while routinely disrupting drives, altering shots, and providing timely help-side defense. His combination of toughness, rebounding instincts, defensive presence, and nonstop motor makes him an impactful frontcourt contributor with the ability to change games in ways that extend well beyond the box score.     PHI had the opportunity to evaluate Jones multiple times during June with his scholastic team in the Oregon Summer League and at the Crossroads Midwest Showcase in Normal. Jones possesses a long and mobile frame that immediately stands out and gives him considerable long-term upside. While his overall skill set is still developing, his athleticism and natural ability to make plays provide an encouraging foundation for continued growth. Defensively Jones plays with an aggressive mindset showing a knack for anticipating passing lanes and generating turnovers while applying consistent on-ball pressure. His length also allows him to challenge shots at the rim while making sound rotational decisions as a help defender. Offensively Jones has already flashed intriguing finesse and feel hinting at an expanding skill set that should continue to evolve as he matures. As he adds strength and further refines his game, the physical tools, defensive instincts, and athletic upside make him a prospect with valued long-term potential.     Sallis is already regarded as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the c/o 2029 for football. Although that maybe his long-term path, his athletic tools translate exceptionally well to the basketball court as well. Already standing 6'3 with a strong and physically mature frame, he possesses several qualities that make him an intriguing player on the hardwood. Sallis runs the floor with outstanding pace consistently beating defenders down the court in transition much like he creates separation from defensive backs on the football field. He finds easy scoring opportunities with timely rim runs showcasing soft hands, confidence, and polished footwork when establishing position around the basket. He also makes a consistent impact on the glass while utilizing his size, length, and unselfish motor to create valuable second-chance opportunities for his team. With his blend of athleticism, physicality, and feel for the game, Sallis has promising long-term potential and is a multi-sport athlete worth following closely at Immaculate Conception.

The debut edition of the Illinois Class of 2029 rankings were released last week. In this article, we will take you through some Small Forwards on the list and a breakdown of their games.