2027 Group 4 Forward Prospects to Track

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>November is right around the corner, meaning basketball tryouts are creeping closer. The 2027 class is primed to have a big 2025-26 season, especially in the front court. Here are the 2027 Group 4 forward prospects to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2201948' first='Asante' last='Jones'], 6'9 PF Linden</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones has the potential to have a monster 2025-26 season with his ability to impact the game at both ends of the floor. The 6'9 forward has a solid face-up game as he can put the ball on the floor and can knock down open jumpers on the perimeter. Jones has a nice touch around the basket and moves well without the ball in his hands. He influences a ton of shots around the rim and is able to get second chance opportunities for his team. Jones is a lanky forward prospect who is looking to fill up the stat sheet this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2628254' first='Sebastian' last='Rogers'], 6'6 SF Ridgewood</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rogers has the potential to play either forward spot, which will help his game throughout the season. The 6'6 forward uses his strong frame to get position down low and can finish through contact. Rogers can also put the ball on the floor and his range extends out to the three-point line. He can defend multiple positions on the floor and works hard on the glass. Rogers is a versatile forward prospect who should put his versatility on display this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2344529' first='Jariel' last='Garcia'], 6'2 SF Paterson Eastside</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Garcia has the ability to play in the backcourt at times, which will help his development this season. The 6'2 forward has a good first step, which he uses to blow by his defender and finishes strong around the rim. Garcia can also score in the mid-range and rarely forces jumpers in the half court. He works hard for rebounds on both ends of the floor and is an underrated defender. Garcia is a gritty forward prospect who is looking to fill up the box score this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2872790' first='Shamari' last='Lavacia'], 6'8 PF Phillipsburg</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lavacia has the potential to have a breakout season as he should get more touches on the offensive end. The 6'8 forward runs the floor hard, setting himself up for dunks and layups in transition. Lavacia knows how to get position down low and is able to draw contact in the paint. He uses his size to influence shots around the rim and rips down rebounds at both ends of the floor. Lavacia is a physical forward prospect whose ability to control the paint is something that will help his stock throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2763539' first='Omar' last='Mangassouba'], 6'4 SF Newark East Side</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mangassouba had a big summer and is looking to carry it over into the winter. The 6'4 wing uses his handle to get to his spot on the floor and can also score in the mid-range. Mangassouba sets his feet before he shoots and is able to find his open teammates in the half court. He has the length to defend multiple positions on the floor and pushes the pace well in transition. Mangassouba had four games with at least three made triples and his ability to stretch the floor is something that will help stock throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2845839' first='Zaier' last='Henry'], 6'6 PF Dickinson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2763528' first='Boubakar' last='Diop'], 6'7 PF Dickinson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2628246' first='John' last='O'Neill'], 6'4 SF Freehold Township</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2931447' first='Aleksandre' last='Maghradze'], 6'4 SF Watchung Hills</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2788485' first='Jake' last='Schultzel'], 6'2 SF Freehold Township</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->