Austin Rankings: 2021 Forwards Pt.4 (#1-5)
This is Part 4 (#1-5) of the Austin Rankings Series that dives deep into the top 25 small forwards, power forwards, and centers in the 2021 class from the Austin-Metroplex and surrounding areas. Part 1 (#16-25) Part 2 (#11-15) Part…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThis is Part 4 (#1-5) of the Austin Rankings Series that dives deep into the top 25 small forwards, power forwards, and centers in the 2021 class from the Austin-Metroplex and surrounding areas.
Here is the Austin Rankings Series: 2021 Forwards #1-5:
#1 – KJ Adams KJ Adams 6'7" | PF Austin Westlake | 2021 State #69 Nation TX | 6-7 PF | Austin Westlake
Adams comes in as the top-ranked player in the Austin area for the 2021 class, in addition to being the #4 ranked player in Texas and #30 in the nation. Adams enjoyed a monster junior season where he averaged 22 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 61.3% from the floor, all while leading Westlake to a 33-2 overall record and 16-0 district championship. With a great frame and brute strength, Adams is able to bully opponents to the basket and is a very strong finisher near the rim. He has several different moves in the low-post to get up a clean shot, including a nasty spin move. Not only is he a mid-range and low-post nightmare for opposing defenses, but he also has a good shot from three-point range. Earned All-District 25-6A First Team and Overall MVP, and TABC 6A All-State Team.
#2 – Noah Robledo Noah Robledo 6'6" | SF Leander | 2021 State TX | 6-6 SF | Leander
Robledo earned our top ranking for small forwards in the Austin area for the 2021 class and is the #31 ranked player in Texas. A tall and lean prospect with great length, Robledo was a superstar for the Lions during his junior year averaging 19.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per contest. He shot 58% from the floor, including 36% from three-point range and 75% at the free-throw line. Robledo plays with great intensity and effort on the court. He has a great first step towards the basket and shows terrific burst and quickness in his highlight tapes. He can get to the basket with ease and has a smooth shot from beyond-the-arc. Robledo’s good movement skills on defense give him the ability to guard out on the perimeter, in addition to being a force in the paint. Earned All-District 13-6A First Team and Overall MVP, and TABC 6A Region II All-Region Team.
#3 – Cade Holzman Cade Holzman 6'7" | SF Austin Bowie | 2021 State TX | 6-6 SF | Austin Bowie
A versatile player who can play either small or power forward, Holzman brings a ton of athleticism and length to the Bulldogs frontcourt. What instantly pops out in Holzman’s highlights is his explosiveness and impressive leaping ability. Holzman is just scratching the surface of his offensive potential, while already having stellar defensive playmaking skills. On offense, he excels in the mid-range with a smooth jump shot and is a slasher who is a strong finisher near the rim. Holzman plays with great anticipation on defense and was terrific at creating turnovers during his junior season. He is also a big-time player on the boards and constantly creates second chance opportunities for his team. Earned All-District 25-6A First Team and Defensive MVP.
#4 – Rob Wade | 6-4 SF | McCallum
Wade was a breakout star for McCallum during his junior season averaging 15.5 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game while shooting 52% from the field during district play. Wade is a do-it-all kind of scorer from the small forward position who does a great job of getting to the basket where he can finish with either hand. He is good as a spot-up shooter from three-point territory and has developed a pull-up jumper from the mid-range. Wade plays with great physicality and uses his strong frame when in the paint, and is one of the strongest rebounders in the Austin area. Wade will be a force this season for the Knights and put up huge numbers during his senior campaign. Earned All-District 25-5A First Team.
#5 – LD Butler | 6-5 SF | Austin Bowie
Butler is on the verge of a big senior season with the Bulldogs. A high upside prospect as a 3&D forward with great athleticism and length, he has a great shot from beyond-the-arc with a soft touch. Butler shows in his highlight tapes that he can hit anywhere from deep and excels as a spot-up sharpshooter. He also has legit NBA range and can catch fire from deep at any point during a game. On defense, Butler was tasked with guarding some of the best forwards in the district and was able to create some havoc on that end of the court. Butler will be a player to keep an eye on moving forward as he has great potential to move up the rankings.