2020 Rankings: Top Power Forwards and Posts
PHOTO CREDIT: YourSportsEdge.com
The 2020 class is short on quality post players but some of those at the top are starting to turn the corner and becoming legitimate D1 prospects. Here’s a look at some of the best power forwards and centers in the class:
Ksuan Casey, Madisonville-North Hopkins (We All Can Go) – Ksuan has the potential to be a mid major or better college player but so far hasn’t turned the potential into production. Casey has started to slim down after walking around too heavy for most of his high school career so far. Ksuan is a good scorer with his back to the basket and has shown ability to stretch the floor but his bread and butter is scoring in and around the paint. Look for Casey to hang around the top of the class but he needs to start being more productive, especially in AAU when the coaches are watching.
JJ Traynor, Bardstown (The Ville) – JJ’s stock is trending up right now an if not for a shoulder injury a couple of weeks ago he would likely be on the verge of getting some offers. He has missed the first certified period and is questionable for this weekend but before that, JJ was starting to turn the corner and look the part of a mid major or better D1 basketball recruit. JJ dunks everything with two hands and provides rim protection on the defensive end. When I first saw JJ last fall I thought he could be another Mickey Pearson. Now I believe it more than ever.
Ray Surratt, Lafayette (CKY Magic – Morton) – Truthfully Ray’s future may be on the baseball field where he is a standout pitcher. On the hardwood, Ray thrives as a pick and pop five man who can knock down trail jumpers. Surratt is not very athletic but he is skilled and capable of scoring around the rim. Big Ray will need to find a system fit in college if he’s going to play basketball but he’s more than capable of being a good collegiate basketball player wherever he lands.
Alex Matthews, John Hardin (Hoop Dreams 17u) – Matthews’ future is not in the post if he doesn’t add a couple of inches but he has played the post in high school and AAU to this point. As a Junior, Alex averaged a double double and is an excellent rebounder regardless of his position on the floor. Ideally, Alex will either transition to the wing or hit a growth spurt and become a stretch 4 before he gets to the next level. Either way, Alex is an impact player in the 5th region and one to track over the course of the next two years.
Riley Bodner, Lincoln County (M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs) – Bodner is another post player who needs to start turning potential into production. Riley has to get a better motor if he has designs on playing at the next level. The big guy had a good June playing with Lincoln County during summer ball but needs to keep developing his game and getting in better shape so he can compete with the best bigs in the state as he advances through his high school career.
Other Names to Know:
Noah Courtney, Male (Louisville Magic)
Eli Roberts, Manual (Louisville Legends)
Jamison Epps, Marion County (M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs)
Michael Mayer, Covington Catholic
Mark Goode, LaRue County