2026 Under the Radar Forwards to Watch
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The New Jersey basketball season is about to start with NJSIAA opening night tipping off on Thursday. The 2026 class might have only played season of varsity ball, but they have the potential to make noise in 2023-24. Here are…
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Continue ReadingThe New Jersey basketball season is about to start with NJSIAA opening night tipping off on Thursday. The 2026 class might have only played season of varsity ball, but they have the potential to make noise in 2023-24. Here are the 2026 under the radar forwards to watch this season.
Donald Nwaigwe Donald Nwaigwe 6'4" | SF Piscataway | 2026 State NJ , 6’4 SF Piscataway
Nwaigwe has the potential to have a big 2023-24 season as he should get more touches on offense. The 6’4 wing uses his handle to get to the rim off the bounce and can draw contact in the paint. Nwaigwe is more than just a slasher as he has a nice release on his jumper and can knock down open jumpers on the perimeter. He has the length to defend multiple positions on the floor and is an underrated rebounder. Nwaigwe’s ability to score inside and out is something that will help his game in a big way this season.
Gerald Elwell Gerald Elwell 6'4" | PF Payne Tech | 2026 State NJ , 6’4 PF Payne Tech
Elwell had a solid debut season for the Lions and should have an even bigger sophomore season. The 6’4 forward knows how to get position down low and has a nice touch around the basket. Elwell sets strong screens in the halfcourt and rolls hard to the basket. He works hard on the glass at both ends of the floor and holds his ground on defense. Elwell is a physical forward prospect who should eclipse the six double-doubles he had in his first high school season.
Chase Moore Chase Moore 6'4" | SF Middle Township | 2026 State NJ , 6’4 SF Middle Township
Moore made plays for the Panthers during last season’s sectional title winning squad and will look to do so again this season. The 6’4 wing has a good shooting stroke and sets his feet before he shoots. Moore is more than just a shooter as he can also put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. He slides his feet on the defensive end and moves well without the ball in his hands. Moore is a long forward prospect whose ability to stretch the floor and defend is something that will help his stock throughout the 2023-24 season.
Derek Gomez Derek Gomez 6'5" | PF St. Peter's Prep | 2026 State NJ , 6’5 PF St. Peter’s Prep
Gomez looks to be part of the Marauders’ frontcourt rotation as they look to repeat as sectional champions. The 6’5 forward has a good face-up game as he can put the ball on the floor and also knock down jumpers from behind the arc. Gomez has a nice touch around the basket and is unafraid of drawing contact. He fights for rebounds at both ends of the floor and is an underrated defender. Gomez’s ability to stretch the floor is something that will help his development in a big way this season.
Julian Van Hoeck Julian Van Hoeck 6'6" | SF The Hun School | 2027 NJ , 6’5 F Hopewell Valley
Van Hoeck is an intriguing prospect to watch in the class as he has the potential to play either the three or the four. The 6’5 forward uses his body to get position down low and has a soft touch around the rim. Van Hoeck has a solid handle as he can put the ball on the floor and sets good screens in the halfcourt. He is a strong rebounder and makes an impact on the defensive end. Van Hoeck has the potential to break out this season with his ability to finish around the basket and play on the perimeter.