Grit Brings Glory (Forwards Development)

Below you can find general notes about forwards development and success at Sunrise Christian Academy. Understand that while we can speak generally here, each forward's development is a unique journey that will require a plan tailored specifically to their growth. From the weight room to the basketball court, we work to tailor a plan to each individual player to ensure they have the best chance possible to meet their goals and achieve their dreams.

Some of the best H.S., college, and professional (including NBA) wings, forwards and bigs (of all shapes, sizes, and skill sets) in the game have either walked through the doors of Sunrise Christian Academy, or been actively coached by the Sunrise Christian Academy staff. This list includes: Matas Buzelis, Bobi Klintman, Mark Mitchell, Zach Clemence, Dillon Jones, N'Faly Dante, Malik Hall, Liam Robbins, Matt Haarms, Keanu Pinder, Dusan Ristic, Jaime Echenique, Amir Coffey, Daniel Oturu, Zach Brown, and Kenny Pohto.

Many of these players arrive at Sunrise with the ability to create and score at a high level - but what they find at the next level is that in order to play as a starter (or have first-team type minutes) they need to be able to defend and rebound their position at a high level. That combined with our strength & conditioning program to ensure their body is ready to play with physically mature 22+ year olds has helped to produce some of the best wing, forward, and big play in the country. 

The other emphasis for many forwards is the ability to both be dynamic playmakers while taking care of the ball and keeping turnover rates low. Our forwards are trusted with the ability to work both on the perimeter and from the dunker spots and blocks. We believe that players aren't mismatches until they show an increased ability to score on both the interior and beyond the arc.

As the game becomes more and more "positionless" on the offensive end, playing time has become increasingly dependent at each spot based on who an individual is capable of guarding on the other end. The more a defense is capable of switching, the more dynamic options are on the defensive end. For bigs this also means learning a bevy of ball screen defensive approaches to be prepared to play at the next levels.

Each day, forwards will develop around the most experienced staff in the country - learning how the best have become the best. Nothing is left to chance, and no forward will ever leave Sunrise without knowing that they had every resource at their disposal to become the best of which they are capable of becoming.

Next • 6 - Team Accomplishments

Previous • 4 - Grit Brings Glory (Guard Development)

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