Updated 2019 Rankings: Power Forwards/Centers, Part I
We recently updated the new rankings for the Class of 2019, a group we believe has the chance to be really special in Colorado from top to bottom.
Over the next couple weeks, we will be taking closer look at the class by position. We continue today with the first of a three-part look at the power forwards/centers in the class
Note: A player being on a list for a certain position does not mean it’s the only position they can or will play. It’s simply an observation of where we’ve seen them most:
Samba Kane, 6-11, Regis Jesuit. 2019 Overall Rank: 1.
Kane is nearly 7 feet of pure potential. His game is still raw. He’s still several months away from his one-year anniversary of arriving in Colorado from Senegal, and he’s already made major growth in his understanding of the game since then. Kane has the potential to be an excellent shot blocker. He’s an athletic leaper and once he better understands how to come over from the weak side, he could be an elite rim protector. While his strength is being around the rim on both ends, he has a promising mid-range jump shot, with his length providing the ability to get it off anytime he wants. Kane already has picked up four Division I offers. As he continues to address parts of his game that need strengthening during the month of June, expect more attention paid his way during July when he hits the summer live periods with the Colorado Hawks.
Assane Diouf, 7-0, Denver East. 2019 Overall Rank: 6.
Diouf seems to be gaining better control of his massive frame by the week, and that could mean trouble for his opponents. You can’t teach being 7 feet and 240-plus pounds. We’ve seen Diouf become more and more agile with those monstrous measurements, and improved footwork and touch has combined with that strength to make him a force inside. He elevated his game during the spring live periods with the Colorado Hawks 16U squads. He’s gained four Division I offers already and if he game continues to progress at this rate, high majors could soon be paying attention.
Bryce Matthews, 6-5, Chaparral. 2019 Overall Rank: 8.
Though he might not have the same size as some of the other post players, Matthews might have the smoothest feel on the low block of any player on this list. He has quick feet but doesn’t get sped up, and once he’s made his move, he uses his impressive upper-body strength to finish through contact. Matthews averaged 11 points and 5.4 rebounds per game as a junior and shot 52 percent from the field. When he catches it inside he can be a load to deal with.
Matt Wheelock, 6-8, Regis Jesuit. 2019 Overall Rank: 10.
Wheelock has demonstrated as much growth over the past year or so as just about any big man we’ve watched in the state. He has worked tirelessly to boost his skills as an outside shooter. A performance this spring, when he knocked down eight 3-pointers on the way to 36 points for Billups 16U, provided evidence of his work. Wheelock played in 14 games for Regis last season after transferring from Rock Canyon, averaging 7.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in 16.4 minutes per game. With a strong summer and the chance to be a part of the Raiders’ plans from the start next season, Wheelock has a chance to make a big jump as a junior.