May 9, 2011

Five Under the Radar 2012 Forwards

Michael Van Kleunen
Every year on the AAU circuit a few current juniors come out of nowhere to earn themselves college scholarships. Today we're going to take a look at five junior forwards who are seeing their stock blow up this spring. While none of these players are currently ranked in CPHR's Top 25, that could change quickly with their continued production this summer on the grassroots trail. 
  • Michael Van Kleunen- 6'6 PF Mason: No one has seen their stock rise as quickly as Van Kleunen's, he was the most asked about prospect by college coaches at the Top 50 Showcase. Another skilled shooter from Mason, Michael is able to play in the post using head fakes and some deceptive strength to score the ball. He is also able to face up and knock down jumpers all the way out to the three point line. As the top inside scoring option on his Queen City Prophets squad he will have plenty more opportunities to make impressions to college coaches.
  • Jacob Rossi
    Jacob Rossi- 6'8 SF Franklin: Very skilled inside-outside forward that can shoot the ball as well as handle it. Justin has a chance to be a utility college player that is a jack of all trades. Deceptive athleticism makes him tough to stop in transition with his Cincinnati Knights team as he can finish the play with a dunk or push the ball and set up a teammate. A tough competitor with good confidence, Rossi might be the best player in Greater Cincinnati that you've never heard of. 
  • Justin Rossi- 6'8 PF Franklin: While he doesn't have quite the offensive feel for the game that his brother has, Jacob more then makes up for it by hustling and playing his role. Jacob is a good rebounder and a leaper who's energy really motivates his Cincinnati Knights squad. With a little more polishing to his ball-skills he can be as productive of a scorer as anyone on this list.
  • Max Mischkulnig
    Darrin Harris- 6'5 SF Mason: CPHR has always known that Harris is a shooter with a competitive mean streak. What we didn't know is that he has an exceptional feel for the offensive end and how to create opportunities for himself with good footwork. This vision, along with a trimmed down physique have helped Darrin transition from the post to the wing. A strong athletic frame and having an array of finishing moves make him a versatile threat and a prospect to watch this spring with the Cincinnati Knights. 
  • Max Mischkulnig- 6'8 PF Ross: Still a bit of a mystery prospect to college coaches, and CPHR, Mischkulnig is a player that a lot of colleges have been asking about. With quick feet that can run the floor and shooting touch to stretch the floor, Max is the best college prospect on his Club Ohio team. CPHR had a chance to see him play with Ross this season and was impressed with his physicality inside to match his post game. The jury is still out as he is an under the radar player but you will hear this name again. 

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