2021 Frontcourt Players Most Affected by AAU Postponement (Part Two)
As many high school team’s saw their season come to an end, the focus for prospects began to shift towards spring. Sure, there were still a small number of schools competing for championships, but the majority of prospects were at…
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Continue ReadingAs many high school team’s saw their season come to an end, the focus for prospects began to shift towards spring. Sure, there were still a small number of schools competing for championships, but the majority of prospects were at home preparing for their AAU practices to commence and eventually, the live periods of April to help boost their recruitment. Over the years we’ve seen plenty of players catapult their play in the spring months into college interest and offers.
The world was hit with the unknown that is now the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has caused all spring events to be canceled and hope remains we can pick up sometime this summer or even as early as May. Will the live period calendar see adjustments? That’s yet to be announced, but what we do know is that a number of 2021 forwards in the Maryland and D.C. areas could have used the platforms to boost interest from college programs or grow their list of offers. Those are the players we will be highlighting in this article.
For part one of this series, click here.
Koralp Turk Koralp Turk 6'7" | PF Mt. Carmel | 2021 MD | 6’7 | Mt. Carmel
It was Turk’s first year playing basketball in America. The Turkish native took the majority of the year to adjust to the little nuances that come with ball in the USA, but he quickly showcased his ability to shoot the ball efficiently from anywhere on the floor, as most European stretch fours do well. He’s a big body presence in the paint that leverages his weight well against more athletic bigs. Although he lacks in the explosion and athleticism departments, Turk makes up for in with his strength and forcing his man to guard him out on the perimeter, making it a difficult assignment in pick-and-pop scenarios. Currently with no offers, Turk gained interest from a few Division I programs. The spring would’ve been a great platform to showcase his skills on a bigger stage.
Clarence Obiajulu Clarence Obiajulu 6'7" | C National Christian | 2021 State MD | 6’7 | City
Obiajulu is one of the more overlooked prospects in this class locally for all that he brings. The 6-foot-7 forward is an underrated athlete that finishing above the rim with emphasis. He has good hands and judging from his decent free-throw percentage, there’s a feeling that he could eventually be a capable threat from 15-to-17 feet. Obiajulu plays with a great motor and has the strength to bang with bigger match ups in the painted area. He’s a plus rebounder out of his area and utilized his solid length to disrupt shots at the basket.
Detwan Montague Detwan Montague 6'8" | C Springdale Prep | 2021 State MD | 6’7 | Milford Mill
Montague benefited from a major increase in playing time after transferring from St. Frances. He was the anchor for a tough Milford team and filled up the stat sheet on a consistent basis. The 6-foot-7 forward has an old school big man approach as he is better operating on the block with his back to the basket. His hands have improved as has his ability to finish through contact or over bigger defenders. One given with Montague since entering high school was his motor and determination on the glass. Both of those aspects continued to trend upward throughout his junior campaign.
Kenny McKoy Kenny McKoy 6'5" | C Wise | 2021 MD | 6’7 | St. Mary’s Ryken
McKoy is coming off of a respectable junior season at St. Mary’s Ryken where he showed improved confidence in operating from the perimeter. McKoy is a high energy big that can be a mismatch for others at his position due to his quick twitch reactions. When focused, he can be a presence on the glass but much of this year he had a scorer’s mentality whenever he caught the ball.
Cole Paar Cole Paar 6'9" | C Glenelg Country | 2021 State MD | 6’9 | Glenelg Country
Paar had his moments this past season with the Dragons, but ideally would’ve benefited from a productive spring. The 6-foot-9 forward put on size this his sophomore season and is utilized as more of a swing man at the top of the key as Glenelg progresses through half court sets. Paar did show some improvement in his ability to score with his back to the basket and was a reliable free-throw shooter. His size and IQ alone is what would draw college programs in. Paar has one offer from Mount St. Mary’s.