2026 Rankings Update: Top Available NJSIAA Power Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 rankings update was released on Monday with 285 prospects being ranked. The power forward class has the potential to have a big season, especially in the NJSIAA. Here are the 2026 top available NJSIAA power forward prospects.</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 used to be committed to Penn, but is now the top available power forward prospect in the NJSIAA. The 6'9 forward has a high release on his jumper and can knock down triples in bunches. Cruz can also put the ball on the floor and has a nice touch around the rim. He skies for rebounds on both ends of the floor and swats a ton of shots around the rim. Cruz's ability to stretch the floor and swat shots is something that will help his development throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2348977' first='Marjon' last='Skillman'], 6'4 Thrive Charter</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Skillman manned the post for the Titans during their Group 1 winning season and should carry it over into the 2025-26 season. The 6'4 forward uses his strong frame to get position down low and can finish through contact. Skillman sets strong screens in the half court and runs the floor hard. He is a force on the boards and holds his ground on the defensive end. Skillman is a physical forward prospect who should rack up double-doubles throughout the winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1989267' first='Derek' last='Gomez'], 6'5 St. Peter's Prep</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gomez has the potential to play either forward position and should put it on display this season. The 6'5 forward has a good face-up game as he can put the ball on the floor and finishes nicely around the basket. Gomez uses his strong frame to get position in the paint and can pass out of the post. He has the length to defend multiple positions on the floor and works for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Gomez is a versatile forward prospect whose ability to score around the rim and defend on the perimeter will help his development over the next couple of months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342599' first='Jakub' last='Malecki'], 6'6 Gill St. Bernard's</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Malecki is primed to have a breakout 2025-26 season as he should get more touches in the half court. The 6'6 forward attacks the basket with a purpose as he finishes strong around the rim and is able to draw contact in the paint. Malecki rarely forces shots in the half court and moves well without the ball in his hands. He is an underrated shot-blocker and works for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Malecki's ability to score around the rim along with his ability to defend the paint will help his game this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342636' first='Chidi' last='Chukwurah'], 6'2 Sayreville</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chukwurah might be one of the more undersized power forward prospects, but that won't stop him from making an impact on the hardwood. The 6'2 forward plays with great footwork in the post and has a soft touch in the paint. Chukwurah runs the floor hard, setting himself up for easy baskets in transition. He is tough to keep off the offensive glass and is an underrated passer. Chukwurah is a gritty forward prospect who should fill up the stat sheet over the next couple of months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Prospects to Know:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1943567' first='Connor' last='Andree'], 6'5 CBA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342686' first='Troy' last='Strelec'], 6'5 Hackettstown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2771927' first='Brandon' last='Lissade'], 6'6 Oratory Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3040469' first='Nick' last='Ferdinand'], 6'6 St. Peter's Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1948971' first='Christian' last='Grubbs'], 6'4 Morris Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->