The Top Unsigned Seniors Forwards/Wings in Colorado (Part 1)
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The class of 2022 has seen some great players commit to universities recently, but there are still a ton of talented players who have yet to sign. The class of 2022 has some great size and length, with that comes lots of great wings and forwards. Here are some of our picks for the best of the unsigned wings and forwards.
Joel Speckman Joel Speckman 6'8" | PF Chaparral | 2022 State CO – 6’7 F, Chaparral
Joel Speckman Joel Speckman 6'8" | PF Chaparral | 2022 State CO is a super skilled combo-forward and ranked towards the top of his class for a good reason. While Joel is often seen banging down low as he is 6’7, he is a player who can put in work from the perimeter as well. Joel does things you do not see many combo-forwards do. He is a great slasher off of the ball and can finish around the rim with layups and often floaters which is a rarity to see a big guy with a soft touch. Joel can also bring the ball up the court as he has a solid handle on the ball. Whether Joel is cutting or posted up he is someone who can make quick decisions to find open teammates with snappy passes. On the defensive end, he can guard bigs or switch out onto smaller players as he has great footwork.
Mostapha Elmoutaouakkil Mostapha Elmoutaouakkil 6'4" | SF Eaglecrest | 2022 State CO – 6’6 W, Eaglecrest
Mostapha Elmoutaouakkil Mostapha Elmoutaouakkil 6'4" | SF Eaglecrest | 2022 State CO may have had the most stock-boosting off-season of anyone in the state as he has been balling out. Mostapha is one of the best bucket getters in the state, he uses his combination of skills, size, and athleticism to drop a ton of points. When going downhill it seems like not many people can bother Mostapha, he is great at creating contact with the defender then finishing at the rim. And if he misses you can bet he will be right at the rim using his length to pull down the rebound for a second opportunity. Mostapha has a variety of moves he uses around the rim, this makes it very hard for defenders to predict his next move. He is also a player who makes momentum-shifting plays, whether that’s a big dunk, a flashy pass to an open teammate, or hitting a big shot in a close game he does it all.
Derik Pranger Derik Pranger 6'8" Colorado Prep Academy | 2022 CO – 6’7 W, Colorado Prep
Derik Pranger Derik Pranger 6'8" Colorado Prep Academy | 2022 CO is another player who has boosted his stock this off-season. Derik is a guy who passes the eye test, he has great height and moves like a guard. He can score from everywhere on the floor but his three-point shot sticks out the most as he can often shoot over other wings. Derik also is a good athlete which allows him to be a good slasher and someone who often finishes fastbreaks, and he can finish with high flying dunks. And recently Derik has shown promise on the defensive end using his length to block shots on the inside and staying in front wings on the perimeter. Derik is a high upside prospect to keep an eye on.
Joey Bilello Joey Bilello 6'8" | SF Thunderridge | 2022 State CO – 6’8 PF, ThunderRidge
Joey Bilello Joey Bilello 6'8" | SF Thunderridge | 2022 State CO has shown high potential for being a stretch big man at the next level. Joey has great size standing at a real 6’8 and he has a broad frame which allows him to move defenders inside. He also hustles on the inside and does not mind getting dirty with tough box-outs. Then from mid-range, he is money and can stretch the floor to three-point land. Joey’s jump shot opens up his game as he uses pump-fakes to get defenders in the air then blow-by, and he is someone defenders do not want to step in front of with a head full of steam.