2026 On The Radar Small Forwards

In the rapidly evolving landscape of high school basketball, the small forward position has become a breeding ground for some of the game's most dynamic and versatile talents. These rising stars are not just filling the stat sheet; they're redefining what it means to be a wing player in the modern era. Combining size, athleticism, and skill, today's small forwards are as comfortable draining three-pointers as they are defending the paint, creating matchup nightmares for opponents. As college coaches across the country scout for the next great difference-makers, these young prospects are proving that they have the tools to excel at the highest levels. With their unique blend of abilities, these small forwards are the future of the game, and they're ready to make their mark.      [player_tooltip player_id='1569945' first='Austin' last='Goosby'] is a 6'5" small forward who plays with an edge that's impossible to ignore. He's a versatile wing who can score from all three levels and isn't afraid to mix it up in the paint. Goosby's athleticism allows him to finish above the rim with authority, and his quick first step makes him a nightmare for defenders trying to stay in front of him. On the defensive end, he brings energy and intensity, often taking on the toughest assignments. Austin's combination of athleticism, scoring ability, and toughness make him a prospect who can contribute immediately at the next level.   Translatable Skills ✅ Scoring Versatility ✅ Athleticism ✅ Defensive Tenacity     [player_tooltip player_id='1590876' first='Antoine' last='Almuttar'] is a 6'4" forward with a high motor and a nose for the ball. He's the kind of player who seems to be everywhere on the court, making plays on both ends. Almuttar is a strong finisher around the rim and has a knack for grabbing offensive rebounds and turning them into second-chance points. His hustle and determination make him a key contributor on defense as well, where he's known for his ability to guard multiple positions. Antoine's work ethic and all-around game make him a valuable asset to any team.   Translatable Skills ✅ Finishing ✅ Rebounding ✅ Versatile Defense     [player_tooltip player_id='1590875' first='Armon' last='Almuttar'], like his twin Antoine, is a relentless competitor with a diverse skill set. At 6'4", Armon uses his athleticism to excel in transition, often beating defenders down the court for easy buckets. He's a versatile scorer who can take his man off the dribble, pull up for a jumper, or finish strong at the rim. Armon's defensive intensity matches his offensive drive, making him a two-way threat. With his energy and all-around capabilities, [player_tooltip player_id='1590875' first='Armon' last='Almuttar'] is a player who can impact the game in a variety of ways.   Translatable Skills ✅ Scoring in Transition ✅ Defensive Intensity ✅ Versatility     [player_tooltip player_id='2510773' first='Billy' last='White III'] is a 6'8" forward with a rare blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ. He's a matchup nightmare on the wing, capable of scoring inside and out with ease. White's ability to handle the ball at his size makes him a dangerous offensive weapon, as he can create his own shot or facilitate for his teammates. Defensively, he uses his length to alter shots and grab rebounds in traffic. Billy's combination of height, skill, and basketball smarts gives him the potential to be a game-changer at the next level.   Translatable Skills ✅ Size & Skill Combo ✅ Scoring Versatility ✅ Defensive Impact     [player_tooltip player_id='1593894' first='Mayson' last='Thomas'] is a 6'5" small forward who brings energy and effort to every game. He's a high-flying athlete who loves to attack the rim and isn't afraid to throw down a thunderous dunk when given the chance. Thomas is also a tenacious defender, using his quickness and strength to lock down opposing players. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on the boards makes him a valuable player on both ends of the floor. Mayson's athleticism and defensive versatility make him a player with serious potential at the next level.   Translatable Skills ✅ Athleticism ✅ Defensive Versatility ✅ Finishing     [player_tooltip player_id='1593895' first='Luke' last='Susko'] is a 6'6" wing with a smooth shooting stroke and a high basketball IQ. He's a player who knows how to find his spots on the floor and knock down shots with consistency. Susko's size allows him to shoot over defenders, and his range makes him a constant threat from beyond the arc. On defense, he's smart and disciplined, often positioning himself to make key stops or grab rebounds. Luke's shooting ability and basketball intelligence make him a perfect fit for a modern offense.   Translatable Skills ✅ Shooting ✅ Basketball IQ ✅ Rebounding     [player_tooltip player_id='2453463' first='Keshawn' last='Myles'] is a 6'4" small forward with a strong frame and a scorer's mentality. He's a player who can get to the basket at will, using his strength to finish through contact. Myles is also a reliable mid-range shooter, making him a versatile scoring threat. Defensively, he's tough and physical, often taking on the challenge of guarding the opponent's best player. Keshawn's combination of scoring ability and defensive toughness makes him a prospect to watch.   Translatable Skills ✅ Scoring ✅ Physical Defense ✅ Finishing Through Contact     [player_tooltip player_id='2077360' first='Sawyer' last='Dotson'] is a 6'7" forward with the size and skill set that coaches dream about. He's a smooth operator on the wing, with the ability to score from all three levels. Dotson's length and shooting touch make him a mismatch for most defenders, and he's just as comfortable taking his man off the dribble as he is spotting up for a three. Defensively, he's active and uses his size to his advantage, whether it's contesting shots or grabbing rebounds. Sawyer's combination of size, skill, and scoring ability gives him the potential to be a standout player at the next level.   Translatable Skills ✅ Size & Length ✅ Scoring Versatility ✅ Defensive Potential     [player_tooltip player_id='2422653' first='Kai' last='Johnson'] is a 6'6" forward with a high motor and a relentless approach to the game. He's a player who thrives in transition, using his speed and athleticism to outrun defenders and finish at the rim. Johnson is also a strong defender, often guarding multiple positions and making key stops when his team needs it. His ability to rebound and push the ball up the court adds another dimension to his game. Kai's energy, athleticism, and defensive versatility make him a player who can impact the game in multiple ways.   Translatable Skills ✅ Athleticism ✅ Transition Play ✅ Defensive Versatility     [player_tooltip player_id='1569948' first='Sibu' last='Socks'] is a 6'4" small forward with a versatile game and a high basketball IQ. He's a player who can do a little bit of everything—score, defend, rebound, and make plays for his teammates. Socks is a reliable shooter from deep, but he's also effective at getting to the basket and finishing in traffic. On defense, he's a tough competitor who takes pride in locking down his man and making smart plays. Sibu's all-around game and intelligence on the court make him a valuable asset to any team.   Translatable Skills ✅ All-Around Game ✅ Basketball IQ ✅ Scoring     Cooper Rhea is a 6'5" forward with a strong work ethic and a relentless drive to win. He's a player who does whatever it takes to help his team, whether it's scoring, rebounding, or playing tough defense. Rhea is a versatile scorer who can knock down shots from deep or take it to the basket with authority. Defensively, he's physical and smart, often making key stops or grabbing important rebounds. Cooper's combination of effort, skill, and toughness makes him a player who can contribute in a variety of ways.   Translatable Skills ✅ Versatility ✅ Scoring ✅ Toughness     [player_tooltip player_id='2509526' first='Daryus' last='Tasby'] is a 6'5" forward with a game that's as smooth as it is effective. He's a natural scorer who can fill it up from all over the court, whether it's from deep, mid-range, or at the rim. Tasby's length and athleticism make him a tough cover for any defender, and he's just as effective on the defensive end. He's a smart player who knows how to make the right play at the right time, and his versatility allows him to contribute in multiple ways. Daryus's combination of skill, intelligence, and versatility makes him a prospect with a high ceiling.   Translatable Skills ✅ Scoring ✅ Versatility ✅ Basketball IQ     [player_tooltip player_id='1560935' first='Will' last='Saunders'] is a 6'6" small forward with a polished game and a high basketball IQ. He's a versatile scorer who can get it done from all three levels, using his size and skill to create mismatches against defenders. Saunders is also a smart passer, often finding open teammates when the defense collapses on him. Defensively, he's active and uses his length to contest shots and grab rebounds. Will's combination of size, skill, and intelligence makes him a player who can excel at the next level.   Translatable Skills ✅ Size & Skill ✅ Scoring ✅ Basketball IQ     [player_tooltip player_id='2382175' first='Xavier' last=''] Roberson is a 6'5" forward who plays with a relentless motor and a knack for making big plays. He's a versatile scorer who can knock down shots from the perimeter, attack the basket with power, and finish through contact. Roberson's athleticism allows him to be a strong presence on both ends of the court, where he's just as comfortable grabbing rebounds and starting the fast break as he is locking down his man on defense. His high energy and competitive spirit make him a player who can spark his team when they need it most. [player_tooltip player_id='2382175' first='Xavier' last='']'s combination of scoring ability, athleticism, and defensive toughness makes him a well-rounded prospect with significant upside.   Translatable Skills ✅ Scoring Versatility ✅ Athleticism ✅ Defensive Toughness     [player_tooltip player_id='1225571' first='Austin' last='Senters'] is a 6'5" small forward who brings a strong, physical presence to the wing position. He's a player who thrives on contact, using his size and strength to overpower defenders and finish at the rim. Senters also has a reliable mid-range jumper, making him a versatile scorer who can keep defenders guessing. On the defensive end, he's a force, often taking on the toughest assignments and using his physicality to disrupt the opposition. Austin's toughness and ability to contribute on both ends make him a player who can make an immediate impact.   Translatable Skills ✅ Physicality ✅ Scoring Versatility ✅ Defensive Presence     [player_tooltip player_id='1778910' first='Jalon' last='Brown'] is a 6'4" forward with a high motor and a tenacious approach to the game. He's a player who prides himself on doing the dirty work, whether it's grabbing rebounds, diving for loose balls, or playing lockdown defense. Brown's athleticism allows him to be a strong finisher around the rim, and he's also a capable shooter from mid-range. Defensively, he's a pest, using his quickness and strength to stay in front of his man and force tough shots. Jalon's hustle, energy, and defensive prowess make him a player who can change the momentum of a game.   Translatable Skills ✅ Hustle ✅ Defensive Energy ✅ Finishing     [player_tooltip player_id='1590878' first='Jaden' last='Marshall'] is a 6'6" wing with a smooth game and a natural scoring touch. He's a player who can light it up from all over the court, using his size to shoot over defenders and his skill to get to his spots with ease. Marshall is also a smart player, often making the right decision whether it's to take the shot or find an open teammate. On defense, his length and quickness make him a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions. Jaden's combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ gives him the potential to be a standout at the next level.   Translatable Skills ✅ Scoring ✅ Basketball IQ ✅ Defensive Versatility     [player_tooltip player_id='1560932' first='Landon' last='Veal'] is a 6'7" small forward with the size, skill, and athleticism to be a dominant force on the court. He's a versatile scorer who can attack the rim with authority or step out and knock down shots from deep. Veal's athleticism makes him a strong rebounder and shot-blocker, giving him the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he's a tough matchup for opponents, using his size and quickness to guard multiple positions effectively. Landon's combination of size, athleticism, and all-around skill makes him a prospect with significant upside.   Translatable Skills ✅ Size & Athleticism ✅ Scoring Versatility ✅ Defensive Impact

In the rapidly evolving landscape of high school basketball, the small forward position has become a breeding ground for some of the game's most dynamic and versatile talents. These rising stars are not just filling the stat sheet; they're redefining what it means to be a wing player in the modern era. Combining size, athleticism, and skill, today's small forwards are as comfortable draining three-pointers as they are defending the paint, creating matchup nightmares for opponents. As college coaches across the country scout for the next great difference-makers, these young prospects are proving that they have the tools to excel at the highest levels. With their unique blend of abilities, these small forwards are the future of the game, and they're ready to make their mark.