First Live Period: Under-The-Radar Forwards To Watch (17U)
The spring AAU season will be in full swing this weekend as the first live period gets underway.
Teams from Colorado will be out on the road as they prepare to put their best foot forward in front of college coaches.
Here are some 2018 (and 2017) forwards to keep an eye on out on the trail this weekend:
Filip Rebraca (pictured), 6-7, Colorado Titans
The son of former NBA journeyman Zeljko Rebraca, Filip has made a quick impression after landing in Colorado less than a year ago, playing only a few games as a senior at Ralston Valley. The Serbian-born product is a physical and athletic forward who can be effective at the rim on both ends of the court. At the Prep Hoops Spring Kick Off, who was a standout shot blocker who also finished his fair share of lob dunks. He’s got a strong motor to match a Division I frame. Rebraca, an unsigned senior, said he is keeping his options open as he plays his first spring with the Titans, but schools seeing him at the Lone Star Invitational this weekend will no doubt be intrigued by a player with a lot of upside.
Brock Lane, 6-5, B&B Academy
The well-built, small-town forward has handled himself well in settings against top competition. Much of that is due to solid strength that helps him hang with bigger players at his position. Lane is an active rebounder who also has good footwork as an offensive post player. His jump shot extends out to the 3-point line, allowing him to stretch defenses on occasion. Lane is in action this weekend at the H-Town Classic in Houston.
Jeremy Cody, 6-7, Colorado Chaos
An intriguing prospect out of Pueblo, Cody was active and affected the game in multiple ways for Chaos during the Kick Off, eager to run the floor and defend. He’s active on the offensive glass, using his length to create extra possessions. He’s got a smooth mid-range jump shot and is a deft passer. Cody has a high ceiling and should benefit from a spring and summer against top competition, beginning this weekend at the SoCal Hoop Review outside of Los Angeles.
Ryan Ongala, 6-6, Colorado Miners
Ongala has a good dose of old-school in his game. He relishes the physicality inside and isn’t afraid throw his weight around if it means creating advantage on the glass or providing tough-nosed defense. That’s not to say Ongala’s game is all grit and grind. He continues to elevate his skill set, improving a short- to mid-range jumper and becoming a more capable passer. This is a player who will simply play hard and make winning plays when he’s on the floor. Ongala and the Miners are in action out west at the SoCal Hoop Review this weekend.
R.J. Wohlleber, 6-10, Colorado Premier
At nearly 7 feet tall, Wohlleber automatically creates intrigue based on his size alone. But he’s also really starting to figure out the game. His footwork has taken major strides as he continues to get more comfortable with his frame, which has shot up several inches over the last year-plus. The Mountain Vista product should be turning heads in Dallas this weekend at the Lone Star Invitational.