2020 Watch List: Top Ten Forwards/Centers
Prospect rankings for the class of 2020 will not premier until after the grassroots season. However, in order to put things into perspective, we’re naming the Top Ten at each position for now.
The following (Top Ten) 2020 forwards/centers are in alphabetical order.
Click here for the point guard edition. Also, click here for the guards/wings edition.
Jackson Ames, 6’9”, Indy Heat 2020/Batavia
From what we’ve seen on tape, Ames moves decently for someone who is his size. When you’re 6’9” and an incoming sophomore, that’s a pretty good combination. Plain and simple. Excited to study Ames going forward.
https://twitter.com/jackson_ames1/status/861607536880910337
Devontae Blanton, 6’5”, All Ohio Red EYBL/Lakewood St. Edward
Truthfully, Blanton could’ve been in the guard/wing version of this article. However, he will cause mismatch nightmares with opposing power forwards because of his elusiveness from coast-to-coast. Blanton is a physical kid who makes sound decisions with the basketball.
Simply put, St Ed/@all_ohio W @devontaeblanton is a walking mismatch at the 15U level. Effective at all three levels.
— Anthony Garcia (@nthonycgarcia) April 9, 2017
Dominique Cole, 6’5”, C2K Elite/Toledo Central Catholic
Cole very much needs to work on his foot-work. However, as a growing kid, that should come with time. Solid potential as a stretch-four who can operate inside against certain matchups.
Luka Eller, 6’7”, NEO Shooting Stars/Lake Catholic
We really like Eller as a true stretch-four — he’s not one of these kids who appears to be forcing his jumper right now. Eller is a finesse guy inside the arch, but, again, his jumper must be respected.
Skilled 2020 @lukaeller, a 6'6 F from Lake Catholic, is playing in the 17u division with NEO SS this weekend. Post moves have been effective
— Anthony Garcia (@nthonycgarcia) April 30, 2017
John Hugley, 6’9”, All Ohio Red EYBL/Cleveland Brush
Folks will hear a lot about John Hugley over the next three years or so. His recruitment has already taken him on a visit to Kansas, where he spent time with the Jayhawks players. Underrated shooting touch and communication skills from the center position.
North Carolina, Michigan State, Tennessee, Missouri, Cincy, & UAB all watched @all_ohio 6'9 C @upnextbigjohn (2020) in VA, per @ChetMason32.
— Anthony Garcia (@nthonycgarcia) April 24, 2017
Clev. Brush/@all_ohio 6'9 C @upnextbigjohn (2020) almost just brought the house down with a put back dunk. Soared in from the weakside.
— Anthony Garcia (@nthonycgarcia) April 9, 2017
Marcus Johnson, 6’4”, Rebels/Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary
Slippery face-up four who uses his shiftiness to free up the jump shot or layup attempts. Johnson has above average feet.
6'4 F (STVM/NEO SS) F Marcus Johnson (2020) is impressive with his face-up game off the dribble. VERY effective inside and out. Hard to stop
— Anthony Garcia (@nthonycgarcia) April 29, 2017
Zach Loveday, 6’11”, Galia Academy/Mid Ohio Pumas
According to the Loveday family, his doctors believe Zach is not done growing in height. The thing is, he moves very well. Loveday is currently working on perimeter skills while maintaining his integrity as a post player. Extremely high upside for this impact prospect.
6'11 Galia Academy C Zach Loveday (2020) told me he other day he's adding perimeter skills. Just looked pretty comfortable shooting the 3 😳
— Anthony Garcia (@nthonycgarcia) May 7, 2017
Evan Prater, 6’4”, Ohio Basketball Club/Cincinnati Wyoming
Prater runs the floor very well and has some perimeter skills. We foresee Prater being a guy who can defend multiple positions and will do the “little” things. Excited to see Prater progress as an offensive player.
Like what I've seen from Wyoming 2020 W @evan_prater. Stepping in for a charge. Good athlete.
— Anthony Garcia (@nthonycgarcia) March 9, 2017
Aaron Ward, 6’6”, All Ohio Elite/Cincinnati Princeton
Not too many guys giving more effort than Ward. The hard work is paying off, as Ward is scoring in the lane off-the-dribble often. Also, battles for rebounds. His skills are developing, but Ward could become a big-time combo forward prospect.
6'6 F/W Aaron Ward (2020) from @VikeNation has been special today for @all_ohio Elite. Just had the go-ahead and1 for the win.
— Anthony Garcia (@nthonycgarcia) April 29, 2017
Aaron Ward is playing like a man possessed this first half. Pull up jumpers, finishing high through contact, hitting floaters in the lane.
— Anthony Garcia (@nthonycgarcia) April 29, 2017
Dante’ Wheeler, 6’4”, Northwest Ohio Basketball Club/Elida
Wheeler may eventually be more of a perimeter player, if he can speed it up a bit. While his movements are deliberate, they get the job done. He can battle through contact inside or act as the lead guard for stretches. Consistent hook shot with either hand.
Dante Wheeler is a complete player. The W/F has hurt the defense with dribble drives and post-ups also. Also competing hard. Keep an eye out
— Anthony Garcia (@nthonycgarcia) April 29, 2017
Put 6'4 F Dante Wheeler (Elida/@nwohiobball ) on your 2020 board ASAP. Polished post player is running the point right now at a high level
— Anthony Garcia (@nthonycgarcia) April 30, 2017