Opening Week: Forwards Off to a Strong Start

[player_tooltip player_id='2222534' first='Devon' last='Pearson'] commands attention on the court, consistently opening up space for his teammates by drawing defenders away from the perimeter. A powerful rebounder, he uses his height, wingspan, and athleticism to control the boards on both ends, sealing off opponents effectively to secure possessions. Pearson's presence in the post as a passing option is undeniable; he demands the ball with high hands, often gaining positional advantage. His dunking prowess electrified the crowd, particularly with a forceful two-handed drop-step slam that sent a clear message of dominance. Pearson threw down multiple powerful dunks throughout the game, shaking the rim and setting an aggressive tone. Defensively, he was just as impactful, showing keen timing on shot contests and swats to protect the paint. With his versatile offense and imposing defensive skill set, Pearson is a well-rounded post player with high potential to make an impact at the collegiate level.     [player_tooltip player_id='2610451' first='Lance' last='Carr'] displayed his exceptional vertical leap, effortlessly soaring above defenders for powerful dunks that electrified the court. His impressive lift and quick elevation made each finish look smooth and controlled. On the defensive end, Carr showcased his lateral quickness and tenacity as an on-ball defender. His ability to stay in front of his man, taking away angles and forcing continuous adjustments, marked him as a lockdown presence, making it challenging for ball handlers to find open lanes.     At 6'7” with a strong frame and broad shoulders, [player_tooltip player_id='2635232' first='Trey' last='Hall'] brings a powerful presence to the paint. His build, combined with his athleticism and mobility, makes him a standout in transition and around the basket. Hall showcased efficient scoring, finishing with a soft touch on layups, capitalizing on backdoor cuts near the dunker's spot, and utilizing his mobility to beat defenders down the floor. While still developing, his raw potential hints at the ability to grow into a versatile, two-way asset for the college level, with room to expand his impact on both ends of the court.     [player_tooltip player_id='2273241' first='Deandre' last='Thomas'] shows an elite combination of size, strength, mobility, and athleticism made him the most versatile forward on the floor, someone capable of adapting to different roles on the court in all sorts of situations, moving quickly across the court, both in transition and within half-court sets.     Ian Black Jr. is a powerful slasher who combines force and speed to dominate his drives, often overpowering defenders with his physicality. His aggressive approach to attacking the rim is highlighted by a strong spin move, which allows him to break through defenses and finish with a layup. Black Jr.'s relentless drive to the basket and ability to use his body effectively make him a tough matchup for opponents in the paint.