Never Forget Classic: Frontcourt standouts

Rome Runs hosted its annual Never Forget Classic on Saturday, bringing together a handful of top programs from the Tri-State region for one of the inaugural events of the fall season. Keep reading for a look at a handful of frontcourt prospects who stood out over the course of several sets in the afternoon.    Making his competitive debut with Ryan after a coaching change at Cristo Rey, Knight looked more than ready to make an instant splash in the Catholic League. A lynchpin to a rebuilding Raiders rotation, he was clearly still working his way into the flow of the system but his size, motor, and physicality were more than enough for him to make his presence felt. Knight was easily the most effective rebounder we saw all day and has a case for the best board man in the region, while his continuously improving conditioning makes him a much more consistent factor as a rim protector. As he continues to finetune his offensive skillset, Knight has clear potential to tap into and should be a target for D1 programs before long.     Matched up with an undersized Coatesville team that lacked a true frontcourt presence, Royal was the piece that put Perkiomen over the top, proving to be too much to handle up front on his way to a commanding double-double performance. Royal flashed his blossoming faceup game out to the perimeter but was most effective using his size and burgeoning athleticism to impose his will near the basket. He hit the glass hard for multiple efforts on both ends of the floor and was a constant factor running the floor for early offense. With his motor running consistently, Royal has all the tools to help a slew of D1 programs down the line.     Despite a lopsided final score, Roman's matchup with a talent-laded CATS Academy (MA) team was actually a close contest until the closing minutes, with Jackson serving as a main catalyst for the Cahillite attack. Stepping right into a marquee role after missing his freshman season due to injury, Jackson was effective serving as a hub for the Roman offense from a variety of spots on the floor within the halfcourt setting. He displayed outstanding patience, footwork, and touch on a series of faceup buckets over taller, lengthier defenders and his ballhandling served as an important release valve with Roman's guards struggling to handle the CATS pressure. Jackson's conditioning will have to continue to improve but his offensive skillset and feel for the game are a joy to watch and a nightmare for opposing defenses to handle.     The other half of a twin-tower frontcourt that will serve as the focal point for Roman this season, Lyn more than held his own in a matchup with lengthy and athletic opposing frontcourt. He continues to prove that no matter who is guarding him, you can all but count it as an automatic bucket if he catches with a deep seal and the defense doesn't send a double team. Lyn was consistently able to find his way to his right shoulder to finish inside with his strong left hand, and showed solid recognition as a passer out of the post when he did draw an extra defender. We'd like to see him continue to work the glass at a slightly greater clip but Lyn should prove to be a smart investment for D1 program that plays through the post.     Making his debut with CATS after transferring in from St. John's Northwestern (WI), Wunrok showed why he's been on D1 radars for years as part of a loaded Team Herro group that's been among the best 2027 teams in the country over the past few years on the circuit. Wunrok is blessed with a rare intersection of length and mobility that he puts to use on both ends of the floor, serving as a valuable rim protector and an efficient finisher off lobs or dumpoffs. He was effective playing out of ball screens, showing nice chemistry and timing with his point guards, and impressed on the other end with his ability to get up to the level of the screen before recovering back to the rim. Wunrok also showed flashes of touch and offensive skill that will be interesting to track into the winter. His physical tools and willingness to shine in his role are sure to continue attracting a wide range of D1 interest as he establishes a presence in the New England region.

Rome Runs hosted its annual Never Forget Classic on Saturday, bringing together a handful of top programs from the Tri-State region for one of the inaugural events of the fall season. Keep reading for a look at a handful of frontcourt prospects who stood out over the course of several sets in the afternoon.