Rankings Release: 2028 Forwards to Follow

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We continue our positional breakdown for the&nbsp;<em>Class of 2028</em>&nbsp;by taking a look at some notable&nbsp;<em>Forwards</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After checking in on the&nbsp;<em>Wings</em>&nbsp;earlier this week, today we turn our attention to prospects that make most of their impact on the paint, with two-way versatility to match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at five&nbsp;<em>Forwards</em>&nbsp;that appeared in our latest rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2571883"],"_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-68647f56d1b39"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Higgins, a skilled forward out of <em>Brewer High School</em> in Maine, left his mark on the MPA this winter as a two-way standout. At 6'7" with a lean build and long arms, he has a frame that he should grow into as he goes through high school, and, at the same time, plays with an impressive amount of physicality. He's capable of attacking the rim off the bounce, has range out to the perimeter on his jumper, and uses his athleticism within the flow of the game as a scorer. Defensively, he's a game changer around the rim that also shows some versatility, with the ability to guard on the perimeter in switches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2883046"],"_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-68647f56d1bd7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hawley, a versatile forward out of the <em>Berkshire School</em> in Massachusetts, stands out on the defensive end of the floor. He has good length, is a fluid mover, and has impressive instincts as a shot blocker. While he's a capable rim protector, he also shows the ability to guard in space and does a nice job of limiting dribble penetration. Offensively, he runs the floor well in transition, has good athletic burst as a finisher around the rim, and does a nice job of knocking down shots in catch and shoot situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2566999"],"_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-68647f56d1c61"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Marshall, an athletic forward out of <em>Bridgeport Prep</em> in Connecticut, is a playmaker in the open floor that can impact a game both offensively and defensively. He does a nice job of using his length and athleticism to his advantage, particularly as a finisher in space. He makes plays above the rim, has a nose for the ball on the offensive glass, and has good patience as a scorer with his back to the basket. Defensively, he guard multiple positions, can really rebound the basketball, and does a nice job of blocking shots from the help side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2832786"],"_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-68647f56d1cde"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Padilla, a two-way forward out of <em>East Catholic High School</em> in Connecticut, is an elite athlete that plays with an incredibly high motor on both ends of the floor. A standout with his physicality, he's really advanced his skillset in recent months and profiles as a wing going forward. He stands out with his ability to guard up and down a line-up defensively, with great lateral quickness and the physical strength needed to defend in the paint. Offensively, he makes shots in catch and shoot situations, has good burst off the bounce, and impresses with his nose for the ball on the offensive glass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2568524"],"_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-68647f56d1d58"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Plalum, a playmaking forward out of the <em>Middlesex School</em> in Massachusetts, stands out with his combination of positional size, length, and athleticism. A recent reclass, he has the ability to shoot the ball in catch and shoot situations, while making plays off the bounce as a slasher. He'll need to get stronger, but has a frame that he should be able to added weight to as he grows. Defensively, he shines with his ability to guard on the ball and make plays in space. He's a disruptor that forces turnovers at a high rate, while also showing the ability to make plays on the glass. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep an eye out later this week as we roll out&nbsp;<em>positional breakdowns</em>&nbsp;for the <em>Bigs</em> and <em>Watch List</em> in the&nbsp;<em>Class of 2028</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->