The Expo Watchlist: 2027 Forwards Who Could Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2301692' first='Jonathan' last='“JJ” Watts'] | F | Olympia | @Cant_B_JJ</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Watts brings size and explosiveness at 6-7, blending wing skills with power around the rim. He's tightened up his handle, finishes through contact, and is expected to shoulder a much bigger role for Olympia this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2122957' first='Zain' last='Majeed'] | F | IMG | @zainmajeed_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6-8, Majeed already looks the part with length, strength, and guard-like ability. He's skilled in space, smart in his reads, and dominant on the glass. One of the more complete forwards in Florida's 2027 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2294415' first='Madden' last='Geiger'] | F | Calvary Christian | @madden_geiger</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Geiger has the size (6-8), skill, and defensive presence that college programs covet. Comfortable scoring inside or stepping out, he pairs versatility with rebounding and rim protection—making him a legit two-way piece with upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2397100' first='Rodney' last='Holmes'] | G/SF | Homestead | @d1mindset6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holmes makes his presence felt on the boards, ranking second statewide in rebounds (13.6 RPG) for 2027s. With a 6-5 frame and relentless motor, he's a nightly double-double candidate and a tone-setter for his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2125489' first='Jadus' last='Sorhaindo'] | F | Bell Creek | @Jadus38503458</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A physical forward with soft touch, Sorhaindo controls the paint with his body and footwork. He's a strong rebounder, an easy lob target, and flashes transition ability, giving him impact value on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2514174' first='Gradi' last='Ekutshu'] | F | Academy of Central Florida | @gradi_ekutshu</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ekutshu is everywhere—crashing the glass, contesting shots, and making hustle plays. His length, bounce, and activity level stand out, and with added polish, his long-term ceiling could be significant.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2125485' first='Isaiah' last='Jenkins'] | G/F | Port Charlotte | @Izayahh_07</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenkins is a tough cover with his mix of size, skill, and shooting. He can score inside or stretch the floor, rebounds well, and runs the lane with purpose. A rising matchup problem in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2827196' first='Shannon' last='McArthur'] | F | SFC | @ykshannon_</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McArthur brings energy and effort every trip down the floor. He plays physical in the paint, finishes through contact, and competes hard on the defensive end. A reliable presence who's trending upward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tanner Mandell | F | Jay | @THEtanman_03</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mandell is one of the most productive rebounders in the nation for his grade. At 6-3, 205, he's a high-IQ forward who can initiate in transition, defend multiple positions, and make winning plays on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->