2023 Rankings Update: Bigs/Forwards

<p>The class of 2023 has plenty of talent and a lot of tall talented players. With this height comes many bigs and forwards, here are some of our picks for the top bigs and forwards in Colorado and the class of 2023.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965781" first="Marzouq" last="Abdur-Razaaq"]- Overland</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="965781" first="Marzouq" last="Abdur-Razaaq"] is one of the most unique talents in the state and despite facing injuries recently is still a top ten talent in the class. Marzouq has great size for a wing standing at 6’6, this and his wide frame allow him to work down low as well making him a match-up problem for guards and wings. From the mid-high post, he has a nice fade-away jumper that he goes to as he can shoot right over most defenders. He is also a player who can bring the ball up the floor, he has a smooth handle and makes other players play at his pace. Marzouq has some go-to handles in his bag including a spin move that gives him space to finish at the rim. He is also a willing passer who can run an offense and find open players. We are excited to see Marzouq back on the court with a talented Overland squad.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1284576" first="Charlie" last="Dortch"]- Rocky Mountain</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1284576" first="Charlie" last="Dortch"] is a player when he is in his zone is very hard to stop. Charlie is a modern-day stretch big, he can shoot from 3-point land, has a good back to the basket game, and has great height at 6’7. Charlie uses good footwork near the rim to get layups and when he misses you can bet he will be right there battling for the offensive board. When near the rim he also has a solid hook shot he goes to, that he finishes with a soft touch. Often times you can see a flip switch in Charlie’s head where he plays more aggressively, when he plays like this he is very hard to stop, and we have seen him do this against some big-time players. Charlie is a big with a lot of upside and will be fun to watch these next two years.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1284530" first="Ty" last="Adam"]- Severance</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1284530" first="Ty" last="Adam"] stands out as he is a big man who standouts due to his great combination of height and athleticism. Ty stands at 6’8 but moves like a wing. When you can see Ty using his athleticism the best is on fastbreaks where he is great at running the floor and often finishes with exhilarating dunks. Ty also is a very good cutter, he plays both down low and outside, his quickness on his feet allows him to make good cuts that open him up near the rim. Then on the defensive side of the floor, Ty has improved instincts for timing blocked shots. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="973162" first="Simon" last="Kibbee"]- Grandview</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="973162" first="Simon" last="Kibbee"] is an old-school big in today’s game who is the definition of gritty. Down low Simon has great size with broad shoulders and a 6’7 frame, this combined with his aggression allows him to bully other big men down low. Simon is a guy who is not afraid of any match-up and is a guy you can rely on that he will not back down. On both sides of the floor, he brings that energy, he is great at taking up space while boxing out to grab rebounds, and is a solid rim protector. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1284464" first="Luke" last="Wagstaff"]- Fort Collins</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1284464" first="Luke" last="Wagstaff"] looks like a football lineman but is a legit hooper. Luke is a stretch big man who can spread the floor to the 3-point line, where he has a microwave-type shot, where once he’s making shots it seems like he can’t miss. Then down low Luke has great size and a bulky figure, this allows him to move players so he can get a good position down low. On the defensive end, Luke has surprisingly quick footwork, this allows him to switch onto wings and guards temporarily. </p>