Mamba Invitational: Forwards/Centers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LOS ANGELES — L.A. Live played host to an outdoor Nike sponsored event which took place between the popular Los Angeles entertainment destination and Crypto.com Arena where the Lakers play their home games. The second annual Mamba Invitational brought together many of the country's top prospects for a two-day bracket-style event. Below we detail the strengths of the big men we saw at this event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Chris Cenac | 2025 | Link Academy (MO)</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cenac was one of the fastest-rising prospects in the country over the spring and summer and that was due to how versatile and skilled he is. The 6-foot-10 forward has back to the basket feel, soft touch around the rim and a variety of skill-type moves he can go to to get a bucket around the rim. Where Cenac truly thrives is in stretching the floor with off-catch perimeter shots and with his mobility when rim-running, screening and popping or rolling to the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Chris Nwuli | 2025 | Sierra Canyon (CA)</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nwuli is one of the more explosive wing athletes in the country, and, when you combine that with his wiry 6-foot-7 frame, it makes for an intriguing long-term prospect at the four-spot. Nwuli is best as a transition slasher and finisher but showed improved confidence and touch with his face-up jumper and dribble-attacks and finishes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1630631' first='Douglas' last='Langford'] | 2025 | St. Pius X-St. Matthias (CA)</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Langford's physical, throwback style game makes him an efficient and productive two-way player. The 6-foot-8 forward/center is a rugged inside presence who uses his frame and strength to control the defensive glass. Offensively, the senior hunts defenders and sets a big screen to free up a ball handler. Langford is also a capable soft-touch finisher around the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1358782' first='Jaden' last='Toombs'] | 2025 | Dynamic Prep (TX)</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Toombs has a traditional big man type of skill-set with his feel and awareness as a low block scorer. The 6-foot-9 senior has a sure set of hands when catching and finishing drop-off passes from guards and uses his size, skill and footwork to bury defenders with post-ups and score with a variety of moves in the lane.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Sadiq White | 2025 | IMG Academy (FL)</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White put on a show Friday with his combination of explosive athleticism, length and willingness to play with a high motor in transition. The 6-foot-8 forward caught numerous lobs with his chin at the rim and finished with authority. The biggest reason why White had so many lob opportunities was because he ran the floor with purpose while his match-up was usually jogging slowly behind.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->