2020 Rankings Update: Top 10 Power Forwards
With ten power forwards in the top 40 of the 2020 rankings, this position group is only second to point and combo guards as the most talented in Ohio. And if you want to be specific, power forward is probably…
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Continue ReadingWith ten power forwards in the top 40 of the 2020 rankings, this position group is only second to point and combo guards as the most talented in Ohio. And if you want to be specific, power forward is probably the top group, because you’re combining two groups when you’re talking points and combos.
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Most importantly, all of these kids will likely play on scholarship at the next level:
[no. 11] Luka Eller | 6-8 PF | Lake Catholic / C2K Elite
Lean stretch forward who spaces the floor. Terrific pick-and-pop threat. Also flashes the ability to put it on the floor and attack the close-out. Defends in space. Rebounds the ball and finds a quick outlet.
[no. 14] Grant Whisman | 6-7 PF | Middletown Madison / C2K Elite
One of Ohio’s purest shooters regardless of position. Whisman also shows skill in the mid-post and attacking after a convincing shot fake. Cleverly finishes with either hand in traffic, often from low, awkward angles.
[no. 18] Dasean Nelson | 6-7 PF | Rogers / All Ohio Gold
High-ceiling recruit with intriguing physical tools and a motor. Elite help-side rim protector — covers space and elevates to turn away layups. Rebounds outside of his area. Runs the floor. Flashes ball-handling capability and does score it with power when he attacks from the wing. Lengthy, athletic frame. Still scratching the surface and projects to be an elite prospect coming out of junior college in 2022.
[no. 19] Nehemiah Benson | 6-6 F | Lutheran East / Ohio Basketball Club
Well-rounded player with an inside and outside scoring game. Great touch over the shoulder and as a jump shooter. Mismatch when he faces up against forwards. Strong build. Possesses enough ball skills and mobility to potentially transition to more of a wing role.
NJIT, Rider, and The Citadel offered during his 17U season.
[no. 23] Nekhi Smith | 6-5 PF | Taft / Indiana Elite
Bruising forward who punishes less physical opponents on strong finishes and the glass. Doesn’t avoid contact and favors the spin move — the most effective gather in his arsenal, which also includes a euro step. Continues to improve as an outside shooter. His speed and passing impresses in the open floor.
[no. 28] Tyler Eberhart | 6-6 PF | Kenton Ridge / Mid Ohio Pumas (Staib)
Skilled four who displays the ability to score and pass it from the elbow or block. Possesses a plethora of counter moves while also being able to go over the shoulder either direction and shoot it with range. Patient with the ball, yet doesn’t hesitate.
Charleston, Hillsdale, Malone, Urbana, Walsh, and Indiana Tech offered.
[no. 30] Alex Mangold | 6-8 PF | Lakota East
Mangold has been sidelined with an injury for the past several months. Mangold tells Prep Hoops he will be back to full strength in early-September and was cleared to play halfcourt ball a few weeks ago.
When healthy, Mangold has pretty much everything you’re looking for in a four. He’s strong, mobile, skilled, and an active rebounder. Shoots it well from the outside but also a strong straight-line-driver. Prefers to pick-and-pop and face-up on the perimeter. Mangold, also, has proved to be a capable scorer inside. Great frame.
Delta State, Hillsdale, and Urbana offered since last update.
[no. 31] Curtis Harrison | 6-7 PF | Seven Hills / Apex Gold
Buffalo became Harrison’s first offer after a standout performance at the OHSBCA Showcase in late-June. Springy athlete with a lot of burst around the basket on finishes and rebounds. Capable shooter. Versatile defender. Blows by forwards on straight-line-drives.
[no. 35] Conor Stolly | 6-8 PF | Alter / Shining Star – Price
Spreads the floor as an outside shooter. Improving presence inside as a lengthy challenger of shots and a rebounder. Pick-and-pop threat. Good touch inside on baby hooks. Plays hard. Room to physically grow over the coming years.
Ashland, Christian Brothers, Delta State, Trevecca Nazarene, Urbana, and Thomas More offered. Alter appears to have the potential to make a run in the postseason, too, so his summer blowout could carry into the winter.
[no. 40] Deshaun Nettles | 6-7 PF | Cleveland Central Catholic / TNBA Ohio
Intriguing combo forward with a ton of mobility. Effective in the open floor. Attacks well. Shooting mechanics are promising. Athletic. Terrific size. Defends in space and is arguably a more natural fit on the perimeter, rather than around the basket.