Last month’s 2016 Futures Camp saw a number of under the radar big men impress throughout the day as the annual showcase platform once again played host to a plethora of Division 1 prospects.  We continue our coverage of this year’s camp with a look at the top five power forwards in attendance regardless of class…

(Note – Listed in Alphabetical Order)

TANNER BRANDT – 2018 – PF
6-7 – WISCONSIN DELLS – WISCONSN DELLS, WI
An advanced skilled face up forward who has taken huge steps forward, Brandt is a matchup problem in that he can rip the nets from beyond the arc, at the mid-range level, and he has the ability to finish around the basket with either had.  His athleticism has improved, his instincts are solid, and his ability to bring versatility to the court are impressive and improving.  Few, if any, in the state of Wisconsin’s 2018 class have made the improvements Brandt has and it’s visible on the court.  Expect a big year from him as he continues to develop and elevate.  A legitimate Division 1 prospect who should gather lots of attention over the next 12 months.

SERGIO NANU – 2018 – PF
6-8 – KENOSHA ST. JOSEPHS – KENOSHA, WI
A plus length physical interior talent who runs the floor, can finish around the basket, has the ability to step away to 15 feet, and has nice activity and energy on the glass.  Still raw in some areas, Nanu has a lot of intriguing tools and potential and his best basketball lies ahead.  He can play in half court sets, is decent in the open court, and he has solid interior defensive potential in terms of his agility, positioning, length, and timing.  A high ceiling prospect who is just getting started, Nanu is a Division 1 caliber talent who schools should play close attention to over the next 12 months.

DREYON O’NEAL – 2019 – PF
6-7 – DETROIT EDISON – DETROIT, MI
A relatively bouncy active forward, O’Neal is at his best when active and engaged as he can collect a lot of rebounds and alter things on the defensive end of the court.  O’Neal can finish around the basket, score in transition, and he has fill the box score on both ends potential.  His perimeter skill set is raw and developing and as that comes around his game will continue to really elevate.  A very intriguing young prospect with a nice ceiling and mid to high major Division 1 potential long term.

JAMARI SIBLEY – 2020 – PF
6-8 – NICOLET – MILWAUKEE, WI
One of the biggest risers in the country in the 2020 class, this young man can play and play at a high major impact level long term.  A long term potential top 10 caliber prospect nationally, Sibley has plus length and nice bounce and his versatility and ability to dominate offensively and defensively is impressive at this stage.  He has range that extends beyond the arc and while his perimeter stroke needs to continue to be refined for consistency, Sibley can hit the mid-range and perimeter stroke in solid fashion at this point which opens things up for him to slash and finish as well.  Around the basket he can finish with either hand and his activity on the glass is impressive as well.  Defensively he could become a shot blocker and a dominant defender around the basket.  Overall there’s a lot physical tools and advanced skills that Sibley possesses and in some facets he’s still raw, which is scary considering how dominant he already is at this stage of the game.  A high major impact talent who is just getting started.

KARL WRIGHT – 2019 – PF
6-5 – SPRINGFIELD LANPHIER – SPRINGFIELD, IL
A bouncy and active forward with the ability to finish around the basket and collect rebounds, Wright is a double double talent who brings a lot to the table around the basket.  Long term his perimeter skills need to develop due to his size and eventual transition out to the wing if he doesn’t grow.  That being said he has instincts and athleticism and an ability to dominate the paint in flashes at this stage.  One to keep track of long term as he could really take off if he grows a few more inches.