2024 Forwards to Watch This Spring
After breaking down five guards now ranked in the 2024 class, we will turn to the forwards and wings. Some of these players have potential to move into more of an initiator role in the coming years, but currently spend…
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Continue ReadingAfter breaking down five guards now ranked in the 2024 class, we will turn to the forwards and wings. Some of these players have potential to move into more of an initiator role in the coming years, but currently spend their time on the wings or in the post. Now let’s dive into the evaluations:
Neal Mosser Neal Mosser 6'2" | SG Millard North | 2024 State NE
In our first draft of the 2024 rankings, Mosser earned the #1 spot. This was a pick based a lot off of projection, considering Mosser played only about four minutes per game for the Mustangs in his first year. Mosser managed to impact the game in a positive way in his short stints. In limited action, he has shown to be a deadly three-point shooter who can comfortably extend it several feet beyond the arc. He handles the ball well, and has the potential to be a high-end rebounder. Several other players in this class demonstrated similar ability in a larger role, but I went with Mosser at his size for the top spot. He will have a great platform to experiment and expand his game this summer, and he will have ample opportunity for the Mustangs next season after graduating the most important class in school history.
Ayden Zikmund Ayden Zikmund 6'2" | SG Central City | 2024 State NE
Strictly talking shooting versatility, Zikmund is the most advanced in this class at this point in time. He makes spot-up attempts look routine, which is incredibly valuable. The most valuable skill he has though is the burning desire to shoot the basketball. When the ball in his hands, he is always evaluating the factors around him, trying to calculate a path to a shot. That does not suggest he hogs the ball, but he is always ready for shot opportunities when they become available because he is always seeking them out. He had great success running off screens on the wing and stepping into three-pointers, or driving into the paint for the floater.
Marcus Glock Marcus Glock 6'4" | SF Wahoo | 2024 State NE
Like so many other young players, Glock’s biggest weakness is his lack of strength. It prevents him from winning many rebound battles, and it prevents him from finishing in the paint. What is so promising, and why he is ranked in the top ten, is his feel on the court. He might not win the rebound battle, but he is in the area ready for that battle. Wahoo had a lot of free-flowing offense, which allowed a player like Glock to read the defense and react accordingly. It allowed Glock to show off his terrific cutting ability. The Warriors also benefitted greatly from his catch and shoot prowess, 40% from three on the year.
Kale Gustafson Kale Gustafson 6'2" | PF Osceola | 2024 State NE
The Osceola wing handles it well, and is aggressive driving to the hoop. At this time, Gustafson is not much of a shooter outside of 10 feet. He brings value in other areas, though. His best skill at the moment is rebounding, stemming from his physicality and desire to track down the basketball. He has a great motor, and he uses it to get out and run and attack advantages on offense, and dig in on defense.
Alec Wilkins Alec Wilkins 6'2" | SG Gretna | 2024 State NE
Wilkins was the utility player for the Gretna Dragons this season. Whenever Landon Pokorski Landon Pokorski 6'2" | PG Gretna | 2024 State NE needed a breather, Wilkins stepped into the point guard role and controlled more of the ball. He was very effective off-ball though, where he transitoned into a high-energy rebounder and a good secondary passer. He is a dog on defense, too. When Gretna faced off against Grand Island this season, Wilkins guarded Isaac Traudt Isaac Traudt 6'9" | SF Grand Island | 2022 State #45 Nation NE on several possessions as successfully as could be expected. He forced the future D1 wing into some difficult jumpshots and even forced Traudt to pass the ball back out on a few occasions.