We are looking at a few 2022 forwards that you can expect to produce over the next few years.
Nick Hesch (6-6 PF, York)
Hesch is a high-energy forward that is capable of playing the three or the four. He has plus length and athleticism at 6-foot-6 that allows him to play above his size. Defensively, he is a solid shot blocker that protects the basket and stays active on the glass. His outside shot is very projectable, with a nice finish that will continue to progress. With his athleticism, shooting, and length, there should be no shortage of college interest for Hesch.
Nigel Hylton (6-8 PF, Lake Forest Academy)
Hylton is an agile, versatile forward with a ton of skill at his size. He can step out and shoot the three or attack the basket from the perimeter. There aren’t a lot of 6-foot-8 players that move like Hylton in transition, especially with the ball in their hands. When necessary, he has the footwork and strength to score with his back to the basket. Look for the interest to continue to roll in, as Hylton has heard from Stanford and Cincinnati among other schools.
Ethan Ivan (6-6 PF, Batavia)
There is a lot to like about Ivan’s upside as a combo forward. He has a smooth set shot from three and has the ability to stop-and-pop from the mid-range. Overall, he is a good athlete who can score in transition or in the half court. He has good feel as a passer, which can make him a difficult matchup when paired with his scoring instincts. Ivan is one of those players that just knows how to play the game.
Kayden Nation (6-5 PF, Limestone)
Nation is a powerful forward with a lot more strength and body control than most players his age. His soft hands and wide base make him an efficient paint scorer. He can use his shoulders to create space and uses his long arms to evade size. Even though interior scoring is where he does a lot of his work, Nation has touch to the three-point line when left alone. He is going to keep creating mismatches as his ball-handling improves.
Lance Rodgers (6-6 PF, Simeon)
The interest is just starting for the long-armed Simeon forward. Rodgers is going to be an impact defender from the moment he steps on a college campus. He is mobile, active, and has the physical profile to improve his strength. Rodgers will be able to hold his own when switched onto perimeter players and has the timing and instincts to create a ton of second opportunities. In the last few days, Western Illinois and Wisconsin-Milwaukee have offered.