Top 5 Dallas/ DFW Small-Point Forwards: Names to remember
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With the 2023 High School basketball season now over this article will highlight five of Dallas/DFW top Wing Forwards. Some of these kids are already known throughout the country and others are on the cusp. With a huge AAU Summer…
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Continue ReadingWith the 2023 High School basketball season now over this article will highlight five of Dallas/DFW top Wing Forwards. Some of these kids are already known throughout the country and others are on the cusp. With a huge AAU Summer from any of these following players at the grassroots circuit level they all could crack the ESPN Top 100. These are the names that we all should keep a close eye on this summer. These are some of the names to be remembered!
Bryson McGlothin Bryson McGlothin 6’7″ | SF John Paul II | 2024 State TX SF (2024) |6-7| John Paul HS
Bryson has great upside as a point forward with willingness and ability to be a grab and go guy. He is always near the defensive backboard with first thoughts being ways to start the fast break, however his ball handling and passing skills is what could separate him from the pack. Being able to rebound the basketball and initiate the attack is a precious skill as a point forward/ small forward. Bryson’s high release shoot translates to three point range, but he still possesses the toughness to finish near the basket in traffic. I suspect as he matures and gains more muscle this will improve vastly. A live, long body defender is where he could become special by leading a press and converting turnovers to baskets. I would like to see him develop his mid range game this AAU summer but be on the lookout for this kid.
Highlights
Chance Puryear Chance Puryear 6’6″ | SF Dallas Carter | 2024 State #230 Nation TX SF (2024) |6-7| Carter HS
Puryear is an extremely athletic wingman with a beautiful jumpshot. Range is not a factor and he can shoot on the move. Chance runs the floor like a deer and finishes above the rim. He has a great motor on the floor. Although this summer is when he should get to showcase his propensity to attack off the dribble and get all the way to the basket. If he adds the dribbling skills this offseason I can see him being a steal for a high major college.
Jermaine O’Neal Jr Jermaine O’Neal Jr 6’5″ | SF Dynamic Prep Academy | 2025 State #71 Nation TX . SF (2025) |6-5| Dynamic Prep
Jermaine is a high intensity kid that has the matching talent. Extremely gifted as an athlete this kid can play. He’s a strong two foot jumper that can finish through contact at the rim. Great ball skills and a pure shooting form makes him a well rounded offensive player. Defensively he rebounds and blocks shots at a high clip. At his size he will need to develop his game off the bounce which can open up his playmaking ability, but overall his upside is unlimited.
Jalen Shelley Jalen Shelley 6’8″ | SF Link Academy | 2024 #67 Nation MO SF-Point Forward (2024) |6-8| Prestonwood Christian
Jalen Shelley Jalen Shelley 6’8″ | SF Link Academy | 2024 #67 Nation MO is deserving of his high ranking. At 6’8 he can run the team and his ball handling is never out of control. Passing is probably the best thing he does on the court. Furthermore he does not have any issues with shooting the ball with range or off the dribble. I appreciate the fact that he can get his own shot against pressure defense, but what catches my eye is his playmaking. I would like to see him dominate the defense end as he already does on the offense end. I think he is a legit NBA prospect once he realizes that his defense can make the game much easier.
Trap Johnson Trap Johnson 6’5″ | SG Belton | 2024 State TX SF (2024) |6-5| Belton HS
An Aggressive competitor with deep, deep range out and pass the NBA three. Very solid shooting mechanics. Also shows flashes of athleticism by being able to finish over the rim and through a defender if needed. Trap must improve his lateral quickness and ability to get downhill off the dribble to maintain at the next level. The kid has a good basketball IQ, and knows how to use his body to find shots and the free throw line. This is a big summer for him to improve his rankings, and if he is able to work on his ball handling, add that explosion off the dribble this can boost his stock substantially.