2026 Interior Prospects with Room to Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a landscape often dominated by guards and wings, Arkansas's 2026 class features a growing crop of forwards and centers who still embrace the dirty work. These post-centric prospects bring physicality, rebounding, and interior scoring to the table, and they're starting to make noise. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR &amp; @VortexSportsArkansas. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2789512"],"_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-689f5fe6e0368"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Spencer's blend of length and agility gives him a unique edge as an interior defender and slasher. He's active on the glass, quick off his feet, and shows flashes of rim protection despite being more perimeter inclined. This season, he'll have the chance to assert himself as a high-motor rebounder and transition finisher, especially if he embraces more physicality in the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2530521"],"_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-689f5fe6e03d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Black is an interior presence who thrives on hustle plays and second-chance buckets. His rebounding instincts and willingness to battle in traffic make him a reliable post contributor. With Team Thad's exposure and Marion's system, he's poised to take on a larger role as a paint enforcer if he sharpens his post footwork and expands his touch around the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2917674"],"_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-689f5fe6e043f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jones is an interior anchor with size that can't be taught. He alters shots with his length and has a soft touch on putbacks and short hooks. As he continues to grow into his frame, this season offers a prime opportunity to become a dominant rim protector and vertical spacer. If his conditioning and timing improve, he could emerge as one of the state's most impactful bigs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2430412"],"_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-689f5fe6e04a4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bickford plays with a bruiser's mentality he's a low-post scorer who embraces physicality and doesn't shy away from contact. His compact frame and strong base allow him to hold position and finish through defenders. This season, he'll have the chance to prove he can anchor the paint against bigger opponents and expand his role as a reliable interior scorer and rebounder.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2870897"],"_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-689f5fe6e0505"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kennedy is a hybrid forward who's starting to find his rhythm inside. He's active on the boards and shows flashes of interior scoring, especially from the dunker spot and short corner. With added strength and reps, he could evolve into a versatile post threat who can defend multiple positions and contribute as a secondary rim protector. This season is key for him to solidify his role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->