Texas Top 250 Expo 2023 Forwards

<p>There was plenty of talent on display at the Prep Hoops Texas Top 250 Expo in Dallas. This is my in-depth analysis of each of the players in attendance. Be on the lookout for the rest of my top player’s list and my coverage of all the athletes.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1295871" first="Cole" last="Allen"] 2023 6’4 Pittsburg High School</p> <p>Cole is an athletic big who can put the ball on the floor and attack the basket or destroy you in the post with his back to the basket. He is great at using his size in the post and displayed some impressive hook shots and up and under to get around defenders. On defense, he slid over to protect the rim well and can slide his feet and pick up guards in the half-court. He is an aggressive on-ball defender who uses his frame to swallow up opponents with the ball. He is also good in the passing lanes, seeming to find his way to a few steals every game. I would like to see him focus on his set shot and his shot off the dribble and work on adding the third level of the floor to his game. He has all the tools to become an elite offensive weapon.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1295872" first="RICHARD" last="LEMBOYE"] 2023 6’4 Mansfield Summit High School</p> <p>Richard is an impressive athlete with some real leaping ability. He seems to jump with ease, even multiple times while fighting for a rebound. He is ferocious on the boards for a wing, you can tell he thrives in the paint. He is a ferocious attacker going downhill, especially in the frontcourt.  He finished every opportunity he had on the fast break with some jaw-dropping dunks. He is an elite on-ball defender who can move his feet well and guard positions 1-3 with ease. I would like to see continued development with his shot off the bounce and getting to post moves in the mid-post. He will be drawing a lot of the defense’s attention in the coming years so I would like to see him work on firing passes out to his shooters as well.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1203551" first="Trey" last="Evans"] 2023 Forward 6’4 New Home High School</p> <p>Trey is an impressive forward who rebounds with the best of them. He goes after every board possible. I was impressed with his ability to move without the ball and set his teammates up with back screens. On defense, he is a good rim protector and works hard to cut off passing angles with his massive frame. I would like to see him focus on boxing out on every play, it will make his life much easier as he continues to fight hard on the glass. Evans has plenty of potential and should be on coaches’ radars.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1149292" first="Akintola" last="Akinniyi"] 2023 6’6 Guyer High School</p> <p>Akintola is a strong post presence who has great touch on his bunny hooks and post fades. He possesses great strength and knows how to use his frame and strength to his advantage down low. On offense, he is a patient scorer in the midrange and paint. He does not get rushed into looks and can pump fake his opponents to death. He offers great rim protection and is very aware of sliding over and cutting off passing angles. I would like to see him work on his ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the rim out of the triple threat.</p>