Rankings Release: The 2029 Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We continue our rankings coverage for the&nbsp;<em>Class of 2029</em>&nbsp;with a look the at&nbsp;<em>Forwards</em>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These are the prospects that know how to dominate games in the paint, but also know how to make an impact in the paint. They are two-way rebounders, versatile defenders, and have the ability to score the basketball in a variety of ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are five&nbsp;<em>Forwards </em>to watch from the first&nbsp;<em>Watch List</em>&nbsp;for the&nbsp;<em>Class of 2029</em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2571904"],"_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-68d7ef891795c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McGrath, a forward out of <em>Thayer Academy</em> in Massachusetts, is one of the early standouts in this class. At 6'7", he combines a high level of skill with a physically impressive frame and advanced athleticism. He can take over games with his ability to score the basketball, particularly around the rim, but has done a nice job of improving his perimeter game over the last 12 months. He's bigger and stonger than most wings and quicker and more agile than most bigs, a combination that allows him to operate as a mis-match nightmare on the offensive end of the floor. Defensively, he has good instincts as a rim protector and can really rebound the basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2969341"],"_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-68d7ef89179b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brathwaite, a forward out of <em>Cony High School</em> in Maine, is a playmaking hybrid forward that does a great job of creating scoring opportunities with the basketball in his hands. He's a long 6'4" that has twitchy movements and knows how to create space with his length and shift with the ball in his hands. He does a nice job of playing at different speeds, has the ability to play off of two feet in the paint, and can really score the basketball from behind the arc. As he continues to develop, he'll probably grow into the role of a jumbo playmaking guard, but right now also shows the ability to impact games around the rim as a finisher and rebounder.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2969349"],"_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-68d7ef89179ff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nguidjoi, a forward out of <em>Bradford Christian Academy</em> in Massachusetts, has an advanced frame and an understanding of how to score the basketball at multiple levels. The 6'4" forward is a fluid mover that has a quick first step and the ability to get to his spots off the bounce. He makes threes out of the trailer spot, can operate as a roller or pop guy out of ball screens, and attacks the rim as a straight line driver. On the other end of the floor, he's a high level rebounder that also adds some defensive versatility, showing the ability to make disruptive plays in passing lanes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2571893"],"_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-68d7ef8917a45"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Leese, a forward out of <em>Noble and Greenough School</em> in Massachusetts, has made his mark as a floor spacer that consistently puts the basketball in the bucket. At 6'6", he has mismatch potential with his combination of perimeter skill and length on the interior. He does a great job of moving without the basketball, is quick to get into his shot off the catch, and is a high level threat in pick and pop situations. Defensively, he's capable of guarding four positions, showing an understanding of how to play angles and how to use his length to his advantage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2969380"],"_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-68d7ef8917a8a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pelletier, a forward out of <em>Madawaska High School</em> in Maine, burst onto the scene last winter, scoring 43 points in a high school state tournament game as an 8th grade. The 6'5" forward has an advanced understanding of how to play the game, doesn't get sped up with the ball in his hands, and shows a nice feel as a playmaker. His vision is advanced and he does a great job of pushing the ball in transition, often after his own defensive rebounds. He's a plus athlete, finishes well around the rim, and has touch on his jumper out to the three point line. Defensively, he's capable of guarding multiple positions and can clean up on the glass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep an eye out this week as we wrap up our positional breakdowns for the&nbsp;<em>Class of 2029</em>&nbsp;with a look at&nbsp;the&nbsp;<em>Bigs</em>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->