2026 Power Forwards Who Could Breakout during AAU Spring Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The spring AAU season is in full swing as April is nearly half over. The 2026 class is set to make its mark during the spring AAU season, especially in the frontcourt. Here are 2026 power forward prospects who could breakout during the AAU season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342599' first='Jakub' last='Malecki'], 6'6 Gill St. Bernard's</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Malecki took a step forward during the season and should take another step forward during the spring. The 6'6 forward has a solid faceup game as he can put the ball on the floor and has a nice touch around the basket. Malecki can also get position in the paint and moves well without the ball in his hands. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and is an underrated defender. Malecki's ability to impact the game at both ends of the floor is something that will help his stock over the next couple of months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1989267' first='Derek' last='Gomez'], 6'5 St. Peter's Prep</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gomez had some big moments for the Marauders during the season and will have more opportunities to influence the game this spring. The 6'5 forward knows how to get position down low and finishes nicely around the basket. Gomez can also put the ball on the floor and his range extends out to the three-point line. He is a strong rebounder and holds his ground on the defensive end. Gomez is a tough forward prospect whose ability to stretch the floor will help his game during the spring AAU season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1943567' first='Connor' last='Andree'], 6'5 CBA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Andree has the potential to make noise this spring with his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. The 6'5 forward is a good passer out of the post and rarely forces shots in the halfcourt. Andree finishes nicely around the basket and can also put the ball on the floor. He works for rebounds on both ends of the floor and gets deflections on the defensive end. Andree's versatility is something that will help his stock over the next couple of months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342688' first='Luke' last='Van Auken'], 6'7 Delsea</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Van Auken has the potential to play either the four or the five, making him an intriguing prospect to watch in the class. The 6'7 forward finishes strong around the rim and is able to make shots through contact. Van Auken sets good screens in the halfcourt and is an underrated passer. He rips down rebounds on both ends of the floor and swats a ton of shots around the rim. Van Auken is a physical forward prospect who should pick up double-doubles throughout the spring AAU 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 had a strong 2024 spring season and is looking to duplicate the feat in 2025. The 6'5 forward has a solid faceup game as he can put the ball on the floor and can finish through contact. Hilongos runs the floor hard, setting himself up for easy baskets in transition. He is an underrated rebounder and is able to influence shots on the defensive end. Hilongos' ability to make plays at both ends of the floor is something that will help his game over the next couple of months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->