DFW Underclassmen Forwards/Centers On the Rise

The Dallas-Fort Worth area has long been a breeding ground for elite frontcourt talent and the next wave is already on the rise. This new group of underclassmen bigs are blending size, skill, and mobility in ways that make them nearly impossible to ignore. From rim protectors with advanced timing to versatile forwards who can stretch the floor and handle the ball in transition, these young prospects are showing early flashes of dominance. Here are the DFW underclassmen bigs poised to take over the city in the coming seasons.    [player_tooltip player_id='2480623' first='Terrell' last='Jackson']'s positional length and unmatched standing reach make him an elite interior finisher and rim protector. He scores with a soft touch in the paint and shows exceptional fluidity under the rim, rising straight up off two feet with minimal dip and converting high-point flushes through traffic. His dunks are statement-level plays that energize his team, often shaking the backboard with power and control.     [player_tooltip player_id='2767889' first='Alex' last='Alexander'] projects as one of the next great prospects out of Texas. His ball-handling ability is remarkably functional and composed for a player of his size, allowing him to initiate transition offense or attack off the bounce with control. He moves fluidly in the open floor, able to grab a rebound and go coast-to-coast with long, balanced strides before finishing at the rim. His vision as a playmaking big separates him, consistently finding cutters or shooters from the high or low post with precision.     At 6'9”, Okam is an imposing presence on both ends with tremendous reach and physical strength. His massive defensive radius allows him to contest and alter shots beyond his immediate space while controlling the glass with ease. Offensively, he blends power with craft, comfortable playing with his back to the basket or facing up. He effectively uses shoulder fakes to get defenders leaning before spinning or pivoting into soft finishes at the rim.     Elliot Coulter is a true 7-footer whose sheer size and presence command attention in the paint. He's a natural space-eater who anchors the defense by clogging driving lanes and deterring rim attempts. His rebounding instincts are elite, he doesn't need to jump much to snatch boards right off the rim, often controlling his area with sheer vertical and positional advantage. A reliable rim protector and glass cleaner who sets the tone defensively.     Hayden Purvis brings a strong, sturdy frame paired with an advanced feel for the game and unselfish instincts. His impact goes far beyond the box score, he makes winning plays through effort, physicality, and smart decision-making. Whether it's setting the tone on the glass, swinging the ball to the open man, or throwing down powerful two-handed slams in space, Purvis does whatever it takes to help his team succeed.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area has long been a breeding ground for elite frontcourt talent and the next wave is already on the rise. This new group of underclassmen bigs are blending size, skill, and mobility in ways that make them nearly impossible to ignore. From rim protectors with advanced timing to versatile forwards who can stretch the floor and handle the ball in transition, these young prospects are showing early flashes of dominance. Here are the DFW underclassmen bigs poised to take over the city in the coming seasons.