2025 Ranking Finale: Top 10 Small Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 class in Texas features a deep and versatile group of small forwards who bring modern versatility to the court. Whether it's scoring at all three levels, guarding multiple positions, or making winning plays without needing the ball, these wings continue to elevate their stock. Headlined by Duke commit [player_tooltip player_id='1225694' first='Shelton' last='Henderson'], this group includes a mix of national-level prospects and rising names who are set to make noise at the next level. With elite length, scoring ability, and basketball IQ, these forwards are built to thrive in today's game. Here's a closer look at the top small forwards from Texas' 2025 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1225694"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e8adb6d696f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1225694' first='Shelton' last='Henderson'] is an elite two-way wing with advanced physical tools and a polished all-around game. At 6'7”, he can handle the ball, create his own shot, and defend multiple positions with intensity. His IQ and motor are standout traits, and he thrives in transition, as a secondary playmaker, and as a high-level rebounder for his position. Duke is getting a college-ready impact player who brings leadership and toughness to both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Positional Versatility<br>✅ Rebounding &amp; Defense<br>✅ Shot Creation</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2222526"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e8adb6d69fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2222526' first='Luke' last='Laczkowski'] is a skilled, cerebral wing who plays with great pace and feel. He can score it from deep, make smart reads as a passer, and finish around the rim with either hand. His size and decision-making allow him to operate in various roles, including secondary ball-handler or floor spacer. St. Louis is getting a high-IQ, skilled forward who brings consistency and polish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Shooting Touch<br>✅ Decision Making<br>✅ Basketball IQ</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2458771"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e8adb6d6a64"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2458771' first='Jaylen' last='Fenner'] is a strong-bodied wing who brings toughness and scoring ability. He excels as a slasher and has a reliable jumper, making him a three-level scoring threat. Fenner plays with physicality on both ends, defending wings and guards with confidence. Louisiana Tech is adding a gritty, competitive player who can produce offensively while guarding multiple spots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Scoring Versatility<br>✅ Physicality<br>✅ Perimeter Defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2221727"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e8adb6d6ac6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2221727' first='Tyrus' last='Rathan-Mayes'] is a smooth, high-upside forward with length and fluidity. He thrives in open space, shows touch on his jumper, and can guard 2–4 with his mobility. His game is still developing, but the foundation is strong—especially his defensive potential and rebounding instincts. Wichita State is getting a long, athletic wing with a great ceiling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Defensive Switchability<br>✅ Length &amp; Mobility<br>✅ Transition Scoring</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2467614"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e8adb6d6b28"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2467614' first='Cam' last='Smith'] is a versatile forward who brings value as a glue guy with two-way upside. He has good length, competes on the glass, and can defend wings and forwards effectively. On offense, he plays within the flow—cutting, slashing, and knocking down open looks. As he continues to refine his handle and confidence as a scorer, his recruitment will only grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Defensive Versatility<br>✅ Off-Ball Movement<br>✅ Team Impact</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2222534"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e8adb6d6b71"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2222534' first='Devon' last='Pearson'] is a physical, high-energy wing/forward hybrid who brings toughness and rebounding from the perimeter. He's effective in the mid-post and attacking closeouts, using his frame well to finish through contact. Defensively, he guards with purpose and doesn't shy away from physical matchups. A&amp;M-Corpus Christi is getting a hard-nosed, impactful player ready to contribute.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Rebounding<br>✅ Physical Defense<br>✅ Inside-Out Scoring</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1639266"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e8adb6d6bb2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1639266' first='Isaiah' last='Stewart'] is an athletic wing who shines in the open court and makes momentum-changing plays on both ends. He's explosive off the floor, an above-the-rim finisher, and an active on-ball defender. His jumper continues to develop, but his energy and effort level are constant. Northern Illinois is adding a dynamic athlete with strong upside as a two-way contributor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Athleticism<br>✅ Transition Scoring<br>✅ On-Ball Defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1222272"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e8adb6d6bf1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1222272' first='Aiden' last='Disu'] is a positionless forward who brings high-level defensive versatility and underrated offensive feel. He can switch on ball screens, block shots, and rebound in traffic. Offensively, he moves well without the ball and finishes strong around the rim. Holy Cross is getting a tough, intelligent player who makes winning plays across the board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Defensive Versatility<br>✅ High Motor<br>✅ Finishing &amp; Rebounding</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2110266"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e8adb6d6c30"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2110266' first='Jack' last='Seiders'] is a skilled stretch forward with great size and a smooth shooting stroke. He spaces the floor well, moves smartly without the ball, and can initiate offense from the wing. Defensively, his size allows him to contest shots and rebound effectively. Seiders projects as a strong pick-and-pop threat and versatile wing/forward at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Shooting Range<br>✅ Size &amp; Floor Spacing<br>✅ Basketball IQ</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1359642"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67e8adb6d6c6d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1359642' first='Howie' last='Keene'] is a tough, skilled wing with a strong build and excellent feel for the game. He operates well in the half-court, makes smart reads as a passer, and can knock down open shots. He defends hard, rebounds well for his size, and competes with confidence. Montana State is landing a versatile player who understands how to impact winning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Strength &amp; Feel<br>✅ Shot-Making<br>✅ Team-First Mentality</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->