2026 Bigs/Forwards Worth Tracking (Part I)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">With another season of high school basketball upon us, PH takes a look at some unsigned bigs/forwards in the 2026 class for DI and DII programs to start tracking! Part II will take a look at the DII/DIII/JUCO prospects.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>USE CODE</em><strong><em>&nbsp;anderson30</em></strong><em>&nbsp;for 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION!</em><a href="http://www.prephoops.com/subscribe/?coupon=anderson30">&nbsp;Subscribe</a>&nbsp;today!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1931994' first='Tyler' last='Brown'] - Ambassador Christian</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long, wiry big man with a knack for being a disruptor defensively; set to reclass to 2027 after the season but certainly worth an early investment by DI programs in need of a big man who still loves to play around the rim; strong framed big man with tons of room to showcase his growth in 2025-26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2077353' first='Ny'Zion' last='Ballard'] - New Hanover</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Had a productive spring/summer as a focal point in the [program_tooltip program_id='2840573' first='Garner' last='Road National'] frontcourt; an emerging name for DI/DII programs to watch given his motor and ability to operate around the rim on both ends; fearless defender until the whistle; athletic and active with his size at 6-foot-7; should be a key player for New Hanover in 2025-26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2382798' first='Adonai' last='Tyrance'] - Cary</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A new face at Cary High who should push them forward in 2025-26; DII programs in the region should get eyes on given his production on the hardwood; put up 10.9 ppg and 7.6 rpg along 6 double-doubles in 2024-25 with High Point Central; physical forward who can also stretch the floor with his shooting and ballhandling</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1487713' first='Osvaldo' last='Haynes II'] - Providence Day</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It wouldn't be a surprise to see some DI programs in the region jump on Haynes this season given his skill set at the forward spot; he's a mobile prospect at 6-foot-7 who's shown he's more than capable of holding his own on the interior on both ends; look for him to have a strong senior campaign as a sleeper in the 2026 class</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1220125' first='Jossiah' last='Johnson'] - Berean Baptist Academy</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the few holdovers from last year's roster; Johnson is a menacing forward presence who gets after it off the bounce and with his back to the basket; has shown he can handle the ball and operate on the wing as well; a versatile prospect for DI and DII programs in the region to get to know</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->