2019 Rankings Update: Top Small Forwards
With our updated rankings coming out late last week, there were some big movers. But we also saw some familiar names at the top of the list. Here, we look at the top small forwards in the class of 2019. The talent level in 2019 is very high overall and will have several Division 1 signees before the class graduates and move on to the next level. The small forward position features a couple of guys already holding multiple offers and a handful of others who have the potential to see D1 scholarships before their high school careers end.
Michael Moreno, Scott County – A long term fixture in the top of the 2019 Kentucky Rankings, Moreno holds several Division I offers and has interest from some of the elite schools in the country. Standing 6’6 and still growing, Moreno is coming off a very successful AAU season with Indiana Elite where he picked up offers from Iowa and Northern Kentucky. Moreno still has room to improve to reach his ceiling. He will need to improve his lateral athleticism and continue to show he can guard elite athletes at the small forward position, Michael can become a top 100 in the country level player. If he grows 2-3 inches, he could become and elite high major recruit as a highly skilled power forward.
Kyle Rode, Lexington Christian – Another player in the 2019 class that seems like he’s been around for a decade, Kyle Rode is another young man who could find themselves on the fringe of the top 100 in the country. Already holding offers from Samford, NKU, New Orleans and a brand new offer from Kennesaw State, Rode could see an uptick in the level of his offers if he has a good Junior season and 17u AAU season. Kyle is already legitimately 6’7″ and could grow another inch or two. I could see him being a system fit at a high major school like Wisconsin or Butler. Rode possesses a unique ability to run the offense from the point forward position and should wind up at a mid major college at worst.
TaQuan Hollowell, University Heights – Possessing one of the best motors of any player in the state, Hollowell projects to the small forward position in college. TaQuan has been really working to develop his skill level and shooting ability and the improvement showed itself in a productive AAU summer for him. Hollowell is a tenacious rebounder who is also a good midrange shooter. TaQuan should see some benefits of playing alongside KyKy Tandy and that will help boost his recruitment as colleges will be out to see UHA on multiple occasions this season. If Hollowell can continue developing his perimeter skills, he can certainly wind up as a Division I player in the future.
Jack Davin, Covington Catholic – A largely unknown prospect in the Commonwealth, Davin looks to stay healthy and increase his college stock as a junior. Playing alongside 2 high major commitments (CJ Fredrick and Jake Walter), Davin should benefit from a lot of open looks this season. Having great size for the wing position, Davin should catch the eye of several coaches over the course of the upcoming season. Hopefully Jack can stay healthy and continue to build on the momentum he started in his 16u AAU season.
Alexander Holley, Ballard – Most people across the bluegrass state have never heard of Alex Holley, but he could be ready for a breakout Junior season for Ballard. He only averaged a point and a rebound as a sophomore for the Bruins but he should see an increased role this season. Holley is 6’6″ and very skilled and should see a much bigger role this upcoming year.