Best Uncommitted 2019 Small Forwards
The window to find your fit at the next level is closing, but many in this talented group of unsigned wings in Ohio will have options. Ben Roderick, 6’5”, Olentangy Liberty Roderick has recovered tremendously from last year’s season-ending ACL…
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Continue ReadingThe window to find your fit at the next level is closing, but many in this talented group of unsigned wings in Ohio will have options.
Ben Roderick, 6’5”, Olentangy Liberty
Roderick has recovered tremendously from last year’s season-ending ACL tear. He has become a more dynamic shooter off the dribble while being overall more consistent from distance. Now a true three-level scorer, Roderick is in the discussion for most coveted unsigned Ohio prospect, regardless of position.
High-major interest has resumed for Central Ohio’s leading scorer as 247 Sports reported last month that Roderick is in talks with Ohio State, Xavier, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. His offer sheet, though, currently includes Toledo, Ohio Univ., Akron, UT-Martin, and Stony Brook.
Morgan Safford, 6’4”, Hartley
Safford is a powerful slashing wing who is showing growth as both a shooter and playmaker as a senior. Still mostly a scorer at 25.6 points per game, but we were impressed with his willingness to pass when we saw Safford in January. He should be able to defend different types of wings at the next level and his strength advantage on the boards has been an asset in high school. Plays with an edge.
Safford is yet to to self-report any offer but 270 Hoops marks Walsh as an offer on their website.
Ben Fort, 6’5”, Reynoldsburg
Fort’s length, athleticism, and pull-up shooting ability are an intriguing combination. He has turned up his aggressiveness this high school season, but we see him being content as a low-usage wing at the next level. Likely won’t hog the ball by any means but could become a weapon off the dribble as a pull-up shooter and finisher. Very good athlete. His long arms cause problems for smaller ball-handlers. IUPUI has offered.
RaHeim Moss, 6’3”, Springfield
Moss recently chopped his options next year down to three potential landing spots: Toledo or Cincinnati for football, or Spire’s basketball program.
A year of development at the next level could be useful for the athletic, power wing. Taking time to work on his jumper and ball-handling ability would get him closer to his ceiling. Moss is an elite athlete who is explosive at the rim. Draws contact on drives with the best of them. His shooting mechanics aren’t poor, but the shot isn’t dropping with consistency this season. Interested to see what’s next for the Wildcat.
Jayson Woodrich, 6’5”, Beachwood
Woodrich’s size and ability to torch the nets from distance makes him one of the most intriguing junior college prospects available. The Beachwood senior holds an offer from Sinclair and is averaging 26.1 points, including nearly four 3-pointers per game. Woodrich has supreme confidence and range. Athletic and long enough to defend on the wing.
Jarred Logan, 6’4”, Elyria Catholic
Logan has only reported an Air Force offer to this point, which is surprising considering his athleticism and academic standing of a 3.6 GPA and 25 ACT. On Tuesday, the senior put up 20 points and 20 rebounds against Lorain, which speaks to his combination of physicality and skill. Very strong kid that likes to rebound and get to the basket. Logan, also, can shoot the open jumper from distance.
Nigel Martin, 6’4”, Cleveland Heights
Martin has climbed the charts since making the move from John Hay to Heights. He even received a Tiffin offer in the preseason. What’s most impressive is the newfound ability to create shots efficiently, which starts with his vastly improved jumper. Very good straight-line-driver who can finish in traffic. Rebounds quite well, too.
Derek Van Vlerah, 6’5”, Coffman
Van Vlerah is a high-academic recruit with a wealth of athletic qualities. The springy athlete jumps through the roof and can get up and down in a hurry. His wingspan and ability to move his feet forces his matchup into tough spots when DVV is locked in. Creative finisher in the air who is only improving as a shooter. Air Force, Charleston, Hillsdale, Nova Southeastern, West Liberty, and Indiana Tech have offered, per 270 Hoops.
Kellan Bochenek, 6’4”, Fairmont
Bochenek’s ability to score in traffic, defend, and shoot the triple is a perfect combination for Division II colleges looking for a wing. Not to mention, he carries a 3.9 GPA and 29 ACT score. Athletically built kid with a nice wingspan. Uses his length and bounce to keep the ball away from shot-blockers when he’s in the air. Forces opponents to make tough shots. Bochenek is a bit of a late-bloomer, but he’s a rock solid complete player.
Garrett Denbow, 6’5”, Ashland
Denbow has been offered by Charleston, one he picked up in early July. He’s a productive offensive player who uses his length on the wing. Once more of a shooting specialist, Denbow now has playmaking capabilities off the dribble. Surprised more Division II programs haven’t pulled the trigger.
CJ Napier, 6’4”, Fenwick
Napier holds a Christian Brothers offer but would be a nice piece for any program that wants to run motion-style half-court offense. The physical lefty makes the smart basketball play time after time. Has the body and will to bang with forwards inside on drives and rebounds. What’s more, Napier’s 3-point shooting numbers are up over 40 percent. Leading scorer in the GCL-CoEd.
Mike Hill, 6’4”, Withrow
Hill is an athletic wing who holds a Concord offer from the July live period. Excites you with quickness, defensive instincts, and promising shooting mechanics off the dribble. The production hasn’t totally been there as a senior, but Hill has the IQ and physical tools to become a contributor. Needs someone to bring the “dog” out of him.