Fantasy Forwards: How do you like it? Powerful? Smooth?
by Rick Young
The biggest pool of players to choose from for excellent scoring potential is the forward position. Although there are two starting guard and forwards for each team, forwards are the biggest scorers traditionally. The best, well that can depend on personal preference. Some like the bruising power forward who’ll get you some points and a lot of boards; others like the slashing, smooth small forwards who can do it all – shoot, pass and score. From my Top 10 list below, you can see the difference in styles immediately, from the big bruising power forward – Mike Sweetney from Georgetown, to the smooth, sweet shooting small forward – Kyle Korver from Creighton. Either way, the key is having at least one scoring “stud” on your roster at forward, to combat your opponent’s weapons.
An average fantasy player is around 20 fantasy points per game, the difference makers are players that on any given night can go for 30 or more fantasy points. There are not a lot of those players out there, but when you get one, it’s usually the difference between a long tournament run, or the NIT!
Top 10 Forwards:
1. Mike Sweetney, Junior Forward – Georgetown
2. David West, Senior Forward – Xavier
3. Kyle Korver, Senior Forward – Creighton
4. Carmelo Anthony, Freshman Forward – Syracuse
5. Hector Romero, Senior Forward – New Orleans
6. Nick Collison, Senior Forward – Kansas
7. Ryan Gomes, Sophomore Forward – Providence
8. Brandon Hunter, Senior Forward – Ohio
9. Chris Bosh, Freshman Forward – Georgia Tech
10. Louis Truscott, Senior Forward – Houston
Mike Sweetney is simply a monster on the glass and around the basket. Very good low post scorer, goes to foul line often and is effective when he goes there. Best fantasy player in 2002-2003 season. David West, very close to Sweetney, and he’s been the highest riser in the last few weeks, totally man-handling the Atlantic 10 competition.
Kyle Korver is sweet shooting forward for the upstart Creighton Blue Jays. He’d be of higher value if their system gave him more shots. Why he’s not getting 12-15 shots per game is crazy to me, when you can shoot the way Korver can, give him the ball!!!
If you have any input or would like some assistance, please e-mail me and let me know what you think or would like in future columns.
Its tournament time in some league, good luck in your quest for fantasy supremacy!
