2021 Under the Radar Small Forwards
The 2021 class is loaded with high level small forwards. Patrick School’s Jonathan Kuminga Jonathan Kuminga 6'8" | SF Patrick School | 2020 #1 Nation NJ is viewed as the top player in the country for 2021,while Trey Patterson Trey…
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Continue ReadingThe 2021 class is loaded with high level small forwards. Patrick School’s Jonathan Kuminga Jonathan Kuminga 6'8" | SF Patrick School | 2020 #1 Nation NJ is viewed as the top player in the country for 2021,while Trey Patterson Trey Patterson 6'7" | SF Rutgers Prep | 2021 State #36 Nation NJ of Rutgers Prep is a big-time small forward prospect. Zarique Nutter Zarique Nutter 6'4" | SF Patrick School | 2020 State NJ is an athletic wing who will play at a high-major school, while Camden Catholic’s Zach Hicks Zach Hicks 6'7" | SF Camden Catholic | 2021 State #154 Nation NJ is a smooth scoring prospect. They are not the only four high-level small forwards in the 2021 class as there are a bunch of sleeper prospects. Here are the top under the swingmen in the 2021 class.
Matthew Delaney Matthew Delaney 6'7" | PF St. Augustine | 2021 State NJ , 6’6 St. Augustine
Delaney is more of a small forward/ power forward combo, but he is still eligible for this list. The 6’6 junior is tough to keep off the boards and has a nice touch around the basket. Delaney is a good passer out of the post and can put the ball on the floor. He has a nice looking shooting stroke and is a solid post defender. The Hermits won the Non-Public A South and they are looking to repeat with Delaney looking to build on a strong junior season.
Zaba Bangala Zaba Bangala 6'8" | SF Trinity | 2021 State NV , 6’8 St. Benedict’s
Bangala is the most underrated prospect in the 2021 class due to his versatility. The Swedish native can put the ball on the deck, knock down shots from behind the arc and score through contact. Bangala has a strong frame that makes him capable of playing the four or even the five in a small ball lineup. He is a tough rebounder and solid post defender. Bangala is a high major player and will solidify that status in 2020-21 at St. Benedict’s.
Josh Rivera, 6’5 St. Thomas Aquinas
Rivera transferred to St. Thomas Aquinas from Roselle Catholic and is ready to help the Trojans defend their GMC title. The lanky forward is one of the better defensive wings in the class due to his combination of length and athleticism. Rivera moves well off the ball and is a capable three-point shooter. He may come off the bench because of Tristan Jeffries Tristan Jeffries 6'5" | SF St. Thomas Aquinas | 2021 State NJ , but Rivera has the length to play the small-ball four. St. Thomas Aquinas will be one of the top teams in Central Jersey this season with Jeffries and Rivera on the wing.
Isaiah Hill Isaiah Hill 6'3" | CG We Believe | 2022 State NLG , 6’4 Union Catholic
Hill will play shooting guard at the next level, but his length and explosion make him a dynamic small forward right now. The 6’4 wing has a quick first step and knows how to finish around the basket. Hill is a good three-point shooter and is capable of getting hot in a hurry. He is a tough rebounder and solid passer who can run the offense in a pinch. Hill missed the majority of the season with an injury and is ready for a huge senior season for Union Catholic.
Matteo Strikker Matteo Strikker 6'8" | SF Olympus Prep | 2022 State NJ , 6’5 Patrick School National
Strikker is a point forward prospect capable of playing three positions on the floor. The 6’5 forward plays with great court vision and is a good passer. Strikker is a solid ball-handler who knows how to beat his man off the bounce. He is not just a slasher as he can knock down jumpers from behind the arc. Strikker is a skilled small forward prospect capable of making plays with the ball in his hands who should be on college coaches’ radar next season.
Other Players to Watch:
Derrick Bueno Derrick Bueno 6'7" | PF Roselle Catholic | 2021 State NJ , 6’5 Paramus Catholic
Malik Austin Malik Austin 6'6" | SF Colonia | 2021 State NJ , 6’5 Hudson Catholic
Kunga Tsering Kunga Tsering 6'6" | SF Woodstock Academy | 2022 State NLG , 6’5 Hasbrouck Heights
Babacar Diallo Babacar Diallo 6'6" | SF Patrick School | 2021 KS , 6’6 Patrick School National
Daniel Hayden Daniel Hayden 6'5" | SF Life Center Academy | 2021 State NJ , 6’5 Life Center Academy
Dominick Barlow Dominick Barlow 6'7" | SF Dumont | 2022 NLG , 6’5 Dumont