Jacques Baptiste Is Rated As The #1 Wing Forward The 12U AAU Nationals had an influx of talent at every position. We will now take a look at the wing forwards. This spot is very unique for this age group because size and ball handling comes into play. Here’s a breakdown of the Top 10 Wing Forwards that were in Hampton.
12U AAU Nationals Top 10 Wing Forwards
1. Jacques Baptiste (New Orleans Panthers)- Baptiste was my pick as the top wing forward because scored in the flow of the game so effortlessly. He picked his spots and attacked the rim very aggressively. Right now he’s a physical offensive player with a lot of athleticism but in the coming years he should transform into a decent combo guard. New Orleans has a good one in Baptiste.
2. Brandon Austin (Team Kobe)- In terms of potential there probably wasn’t a better prospect in Virginia. The lanky wing stands about 6’3 and can handle the pill like a point guard. He pushes the rock coast to coast with ease and glides past defenders on his way to the bucket. His lack of strength at this stage is the only reason he didn’t totally dominate everyone. Over the years I have predicted some future phenoms during their grammar school tenure such as Tyreke Evans, Dexter Strickland and more recently Mike Gilchrist. You heard it here first if Austin continues to work he could make it into this special company.3. Cameron Gregory (DC Assault)- DC Assault has been a hot bed for top players for years and now Gregory looks like he might be next in line. I like his size on the perimeter and the fact that his team doesn’t force him into the post. His squad keeps a hand full of guards thus Cameron doesn’t have to handle the rock as much as Austin. I think he has a chance to be special.
4. Dorrian Holland (Arkansas Mustangs)- Holland makes things happen for the National Champs. He has wiggle in his game and scores in bunches especially in transition. The Mustangs great guard play makes things easier Holland to convert without exerting much effort. It will be interesting to see his development over the years.
5. Dylan Portwood (Ct. Kentucky Warriors)- Portwood helped his squad handle pressure by bringing the rock up at times. He has good touch from the perimeter and the basketball IQ that allows him to make plays when it counts. His outside game will continue to develop in years to come.6. Trevon Bluiett (Ohio Basketball Club)- Bluiett’s ball handling is not that of a legit wing by I see the potential. He can guard on the perimeter which is a plus and he also showed the ability to make plays. His potential size alone makes him an intriguing prospect and one to keep an eye on.
7. Chris Robinson (Gauchos)- I didn’t know much about Robinson before arriving in Virginia but I was very impressed with his alertness and nose for the ball. He seemed to be involved in every play and scored some tough buckets when the Gauchos needed them. Right now he plays the wing but is more of a combo guard.
8. Larry McCoy (Ohio Basketball Club)- McCoy is a bruising forward on this level but could be considered a wing because of his ball handling. He creates his own opportunities and uses his body well to absorb contact in traffic. He plays the baseline game very well.
9. Jonathan Carson (Wisconsin Playground)- The husky forward has a Charles Barkley type game. You would think he should be on the blocks until this freight train is coming your way. Carson can score the pill and usually plays the role as the go to man.
10. Kelly Oubre (Houston Select)- I like the lefty from Texas and think he will be a good one in the future. He’s very offensive aggressive and has a knack for scoring. I also see a growth spurt Kelly which would serve him well on both ends of the floor.
