2026 Rankings Update: Top Power Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 rankings update was released on Monday with over 170 players being ranked. The power forward position has 25 players ranked in the new update and has the potential to have big impacts on the hardwood this season. Here are the top power forwards in the 2026 rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2107942' first='Kenny' last='Thompson'], 6'9 Blair Academy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thompson is the top ranked power forward in the update and has the potential to have a strong 2024-25 season. The 6'9 forward runs the floor hard, setting himself up for easy dunks and layups in transition. Thompson has a decent touch around the basket and can draw contact in the paint. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and uses his length to alter shots around the basket. Thompson is a lanky forward prospect whose ability to consistently score around the rim will help his game in a big way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595677' first='Logan' last='Franz'], 6'10 Rutgers Prep</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Franz should get more touches on the offensive end this season, which will help his development. The 6'10 forward has a solid faceup game as he can put the ball on the floor and has a high release on his jumper. Franz's range extends out to the three-point line and finishes nicely around the basket. He rises up for rebounds on both ends and plays with good timing on the defensive end. Franz's ability to make plays at both ends of the floor makes him a forward prospect to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2205839' first='Luke' last='Cruz'], 6'9 Rumson Fair-Haven</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cruz played this summer with the U17 Puerto Rican team and is looking to carry over that success into the winter. The 6'9 forward has a good release on his jumper and makes opponents pay for giving him space behind the arc. Cruz is more than just a shooter as he can also get to the rim off the dribble and finish around the basket. He is a solid rebounder and blocks shots around the rim. Cruz's ability to stretch the floor and block shots will help his stock in a big way over the course of the next couple of months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1919208' first='Gerald' last='Elwell'], 6'5 Payne Tech</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elwell had a strong AAU season with the [program_tooltip program_id='2078573' first='NJ' last='Beasts'] and is looking to bring that momentum into the season. The 6'5 forward uses his strong frame to get position down low and finishes nicely around the basket. Elwell can pass out of the post and sets good screens in the halfcourt. He is a force on the boards at both ends of the floor and holds his ground on the defensive end. Elwell is a physical forward prospect who should pick up double-doubles throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1948973' first='Ryan' last='Hilongos'], 6'5 St. Joe's (Metuchen)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hilongos' stock rose over the course of the spring and summer, which should help his confidence going into the season. The 6'5 forward attacks the basket with a purpose as he finishes strong around the basket and can make shots through contact. Hilongos has a good release on his jumper and sets his feet before he shoots. He is a strong rebounder and is an underrated defender. Hilongos' ability to score inside and out makes him a prospect to track throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595678' first='Jayden' last='Teyan'], 6'6 Seton Hall Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2348977' first='Marjon' last='Skillman'], 6'3 Trenton Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1943567' first='Connor' last='Andree'], 6'5 CBA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1989267' first='Derek' last='Gomez'], 6'5 St. Peter's Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342599' first='Jakub' last='Malecki'], 6'6 Gill St. Bernard's</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->