2019 Forwards: Most To Prove (Part 1)
With the 2018-19 season quickly approaching, there are endless prospects out to show they can play with the big boys at the next level.
Over the last few weeks, I broke down point guards from the 2019-2021 classes that had a lot to prove. Now, it is time to look at a different positional group.
Here’s a look at five 2019 forwards who will be looking to do just that here this season.
A 6’5″ guard/forward, Rodney Rhoden has all the tools to be a successful contributor at the next level. He has three offers currently from Bethune Cookman, Georgia Southern and Long Beach State. Rhoden is filled with quick bursts and can get down the court in a hurry. He loves to hustle on defense and is a reliable shot blocker. He ranks No. 43 overall in the 2019 Prep Hoops Florida rankings.
2019 Mainland F Rodney Rhoden with the block of the weekend. What a swat ???????????? @iam_rj3 @teammoam pic.twitter.com/WxUWledXpR
— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@JakePerper) June 16, 2018
Auburndale gets back 6’8″ hybrid player Isaiah Turner. The guard/forward is lengthy, fast and loaded with athleticism. Turner came into his own a bit this summer playing with Team Breakdown and it was nice to see. He can be a player to develop at the next level and he has what all colleges covet with his combination of agility and ballhandling at his size. Little Rock, Old Dominion, FIU, McNeese State, James Madison, Georgia Tech, FGCU, Tennesee Tech and UAB have all offered. Turner is No. 32 overall in the latest rankings.
For Team MOAM this summer, Kaleb Coleman was as solid as you can be. The 6’6″ Oak Ridge forward isn’t overly athletic but he is disciplined as a driver/slasher, passer and teammate. He leads by example and is in for a major role for a new look Oak Ridge squad. Florida Southern, Morehouse, Salem and Army represent his offers. Coleman arrives at No. 62 in his class.
It is hard to deny the potential that Chase Barrs brings to the table. Defensively, the 6’8″ forward is an absolute standout as a shot blocker, rebounder and pacesetter. Offensively, his game is coming along and if he can be a bit more aggressive, he’ll certainly get better. Wofford, Columbia, Stetson, Canisius, Western Michigan, Jacksonville, Brown and Western Carolina have offered. Barrs is No. 51 overall in the 2019 rankings.
The sheer will of Kenan Blackshear is noticeable from game to game and from possession to possession. The 6’6″ Jones forward was a scoring machine for NSB Game Speed Elite this summer. FAU, East Carolina and Wofford have offered the No. 33 ranked 2019 Florida prospect and I expect plenty of more schools to reach out to him this fall.
Photo credit: Lineage of Champions