2027 Rankings Update - The Forwards

The Watch List is out for the Class of 2027 in New England, which means it's time to take a deeper dive on some of region's top rising sophomores.   We took a look at guards and wings in the class earlier in the week, today we'll move on to the forwards.   Below are five notable forwards in the Class of 2027 that we'll be keeping our eyes on over the coming months.    A rapidly improving center from Nigeria, Edema has made a quick impression since arriving at Cushing Academy last fall. At just about 7', Edema is a true big man with impressive physical gifts that include high level athleticism, above average lateral mobility for his size, and quality instincts and timing on the defensive end of the floor. He's farther along as a defensive prospect right now, having showcased the ability to be a high level rim protector and disruptive defender in ball screens. Offensively, while still raw, his skill is developing at a rapid level. He shows an array of post moves, has improved his catch radius, and tries to dunk everything around the rim. He's a definite scholarship prospect and one to keep an eye on nationally over the next year.     A versatile, high motor forward with a budding offensive game, Awaka made a splash last weekend for Cheshire Academy at the NEPSAC Showcase. With great positional size and a strong frame, Awaka is capable of making an impact on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he has good hands and the ability to finish through contact at the rim, while showing an improving post game including soft touch on a jump hook over either shoulder. Defensively, he stands out with his effort level, ability to own the glass, and athleticism that's showcased as a rim protector. He has high level tool on that end of the floor and could eventually develop into a switchable defender in ball screen actions. He's on the scholarship radar and will certainly have a high number of schools following him over the next few years.     Karavanic, a versatile, floor spacing big man, burst onto the scene this winter at Nashua South. A true stretch forward, Karavanic is a talented offensive prospect that has already has the ability to impact the game in the paint and on the perimeter. He's comfortable making decisions with the ball in his hands on the perimeter, is quick to pass it if he doesn't have a shot, and does a good job of leveraging his shooting to keep the defense off balance. He's a smart cutter, has good hands, and can finish on the move at the rim with either hand. Defensively, he can guard on the wing or in the post, does a good job of walling up against bigger opponents, and has potential as a defensive rebounder who can initiate offense in transition. He already has an impressive skillset and will be a fun prospect to follow over the next few years as he tries to play his way to the scholarship level.     Vasic, a big combo forward at the Hotchkiss School, is the perfect example of what a modern forward looks like. Already all of 6'8", he showcases good playmaking instincts, the ability to handle the ball on the perimeter, and impressive shooting touch from behind the arc. He's a nice athlete with impressive burst around the rim and can really cover distance quickly with the ball in his hands. Defensively, he's a terror at the top of a press with his length and instincts in passing lanes. He moves well laterally, can guard up or down a position, and utilizes his athleticism to rebound above the rim. He's another scholarship prospect that has a high ceiling due to his combination of physical gifts and basketball skill. It'll be interesting to see just what level he can play himself up to and how much he continues to develop over the coming year.     Mozoul, another mobile, versatile big man, made a name for himself this winter at CATS Academy. The 6'8" big man plays as hard as any prospect in the class and is already an advanced defender. He has good instincts on that end of the floor, impressive timing as a shot blocker, and the ability to guard multiple positions with his combination of length and mobility. His rim protection tools stand out right now, as he does a good job of not only blocking shots, but of altering the ones he can't get a piece of. He's still raw offensively, but made great strides this winter as a finisher around the rim and offensive rebounder. He's best playing out of the dunker spot, catching lobs and dump downs off drives, and finishing with power at the rim. If he continues to progress at the rate he did this year, then he'll have plenty of scholarship level schools following him in the future.

The Watch List is out for the Class of 2027 in New England, which means it's time to take a deeper dive on some of region's top rising sophomores.