Jayhawk Invitational: Forwards (2020, 21)
Jayhawk Invitational: Forwards (2020, 21)
OVERLAND PARK, Kan.— Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at several young forwards who raised their profile at last weekend’s Jayhawk Invitational in Kansas City.
Ja’Ron Byrd, 6’3 F, 2021, Bishop Ward, Marcus Denmon Elite, 2021
Byrd has an excellent paint presence on both sides of the floor. He has a strong frame, good size and the athleticism to punish opponents on the block. Byrd can score with defenders surrounding him. He’s strong enough to force his way to the basket and smart enough to sell contact.
5-Tanner Mans, 6’5, F, 2020, Bishop Carroll HS, Pray N Play
Mans is a thin forward with good height. He’s nimble and can adjust his game depending on the match-ups he’s given. He can attack the rim and pull things back and make the extra pass. An unselfish player who is comfortable bringing the ball up the floor, Mans creates for himself and keeps his team’s tempo alive. A player to keep your eyes on.
23 — Keeshawn Mason, 6’6, F, 2021, Mill Valley, KC Run GMC
Mason plays much bigger than his listed height as he his blessed with a wide wing span and plenty of athleticism. He is tough to slow down around the basket as he is a terrific finisher in traffic, capable of throwing down emphatic slams. At the defensive end he is a versatile defender, capable of blocking shots or hedging out on the perimeter. He’s one of the better prospects in the Kansas 2021 class.
10-Quran Taylor, F, 2021, University, Marcus Denmon Elite
Taylor is a strong-minded defensive player who can sometimes go overlooked. He’s very athletic and has quick reactions with little space. He is also an underrated rebounder, a person who makes contact with opponents and can jump high to greet the ball. A tough player on the floor.
10-Marquan Trotter, F/C, 2020, Raytown, KC Team Rush
Another physical big for Rush who plays well around the basket. He’s a fine rim protector who keeps opponents out of the paint and can handle himself when he switches and has a guard to defend out of his comfort zone. He also cleans up plays on second chance looks.
4-Shawn Warrior, 6’5, F, 2020, Wichita Southeast, KS Pray N Play
Warrior is exactly that, a tough, hard-nosed warrior on the court who does what it takes for his team to win. He did a lot of his damage in the paint as a rebounder and finishing around the basket, but also showed the ability to handle the ball, shoot the 3 and was effective in the pick-and-roll game making himself available and finishing tough chances.