2026 Rankings Update: Top Available Power Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 rankings update came out on Tuesday, but the first commitment of the update came out on Friday. Blair Academy forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630659' first='Isaiah' last='Carroll']</strong> committed to Penn, but the class is still filled with front court prospects who can make an impact at the next level. Here are the top available power forwards from the 2026 rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2107942' first='Kenny' last='Thompson'], 6'9 Blair Academy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thompson is the top available power forward prospect in the class and is primed for a big 2025-26 season. The 6'9 forward swats a ton of shots around the rim and works hard for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Thompson has a nice touch around the rim and is able to draw contact in the paint. He runs the floor hard and is an underrated passer. Thompson is a lanky forward prospect who should impact the game at both ends of the floor throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2205839' first='Luke' last='Cruz'], 6'9 Rumson Fair-Haven</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cruz was committed to Penn earlier in the year, but has opened up his recruitment recently. The 6'9 forward has a high release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Cruz can also put the ball on the floor and knows how to finish around the basket. He uses his length to influence a ton of shots around the rim and is a solid rebounder. Cruz's ability to stretch the floor and swat shots is something that makes him an intriguing prospect to watch in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2910321' first='Sean' last='Griffin'], 6'8 Peddie</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Griffin's stock has been on the rise over the past couple of months and it should continue to climb this winter. The 6'8 forward uses his strong frame to get position down low and has a good touch around the rim. Griffin uses his handle to get to the rim from the perimeter and rarely forces jumpers in the half court. He works hard for rebounds at both ends of the floor and uses his timing to alter shots on the defensive end. Griffin is a hard-working forward prospect who should showcase his versatility this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1919208' first='Gerald' last='Edwell'], 6'5 Payne Tech</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edwell has been a force in Essex County over the past three seasons and that trend should continue this season. The 6'5 forward has a soft touch around the basket and can finish through contact. Edwell is comfortable putting the ball on the floor and is tough to move off his spot in the paint. He is a force on the offensive glass and holds his ground on the defensive end. Edwell is a double-double machine who should light up the stat sheet throughout the 2025-26 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2107943' first='JP' last='Skoric'], 6'8 Don Bosco Prep</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Skoric has the ability to play either forward spot, which he should display this season. The 6'8 forward has a smooth shooting stroke and can knock down triples in bunches. Skoric is more than just a shooter as he can also get to the rim off the bounce and finish around the basket. He uses his size to see over his defender and is an underrated rebounder. Skoric is a sharpshooting forward prospect who should torch the nets from distance in 2025-26.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Prospects to Track:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2692047' first='Jonathan' last='Levasseur'], 6'8 Life Center Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2348977' first='Marjon' last='Skillman'], 6'4 Thrive Charter</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1989267' first='Derek' last='Gomez'], 6'5 St. Peter's Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2917025' first='Prosper' last='Highlander'], 6'6 Gill St. Bernard's</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342599' first='Jakub' last='Malecki'], 6'6 Gill St. Bernard's</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->