Buy the Stock: Top 10 Stock Rising Forwards (2026)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>he 2026 class continues to produce forwards whose stock is trending upward as bodies mature, roles expand, and skill translation becomes clearer. This list highlights prospects showing <strong>real growth in translatable areas</strong>—shot creation, defensive versatility, motor, and positional flexibility. Some are late bloomers physically, others are benefiting from improved usage and confidence, but all ten are moving in the right direction. These are forwards whose value is becoming easier to project into next-level rotations. Below are ten names firmly on the rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560885"],"_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-69657cc4be0bb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1560885' first='Isaiah' last='Ward'] is a versatile forward/wing who can defend multiple positions and contribute as a three-level scoring option. While he may not project as a primary scorer, his motor, defensive versatility, and rebounding give him immediate floor value. He consistently impacts possessions without needing volume touches. Ward's profile translates cleanly to early minutes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🟧 Multi-position defense<br>🟧 Elite motor and rebounding<br>🟧 Low-maintenance offensive value</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2343838"],"_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-69657cc4be121"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2343838' first='Hudson' last='Lucas'] has emerged as one of the more intriguing forwards in the 2026 class. He's a long, skilled forward with a polished offensive base, capable of impacting the game with mobility, shot-making, and size. As his body continues to mature, his two-way consistency should rise and dominant stretches should become more frequent. His trajectory aligns with long-term next-level success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🟧 Shot-making forward<br>🟧 Mobility and pace at size<br>🟧 Matchup versatility</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2635232"],"_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-69657cc4be170"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2635232' first='Trey' last='Hall']'s senior campaign has highlighted his upside as a 2–4 at the next level. Though often used as a small-ball five in high school, his defensive versatility and face-up scoring project best on the wing and forward line. He provides scoring as a three-level threat and attacks space well. As his frame fills out, his overall impact should accelerate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🟧 Face-up scoring ability<br>🟧 Defensive versatility across spots<br>🟧 Physical development upside</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2555019"],"_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-69657cc4be1bb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">No player on this list has improved their stock more than [player_tooltip player_id='2555019' first='Bryson' last='Howard']. He's become a highly consistent perimeter scorer while showcasing explosive athleticism with the ball. Defensively, his tools suggest high-end upside as his technique sharpens. His development curve continues to point upward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🟧 Perimeter shot consistency<br>🟧 Explosive athletic traits<br>🟧 Two-way upside</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1590878"],"_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-69657cc4be203"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1590878' first='Jaden' last='Marshall'] continues to refine his game as a true wing. While still under the radar for some programs, his combination of size, shooting, and athleticism gives him real next-level utility. The tools are in place for him to grow into a reliable contributor. Increased exposure should elevate his stock further.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🟧 Positional size<br>🟧 Shooting foundation<br>🟧 Functional athleticism</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560934"],"_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-69657cc4be24c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1560934' first='Gilbert' last='Aluga'] brings physicality, defensive versatility, and leadership to the floor. His offensive game is evolving as he transitions from interior play to the perimeter, but the flashes are encouraging. His motor and basketball IQ consistently show up. He profiles as a glue-forward who helps winning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🟧 Defensive versatility<br>🟧 Physical presence<br>🟧 Motor and leadership</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2243330"],"_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-69657cc4be294"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2243330' first='Jeremy' last='Nyakundi'] is a physical forward with sneaky athleticism and a developing perimeter skill set. His poise and maturity stand out, especially when handling contact and pressure. As a potential late signee, his upside lies in size, strength, and expanding skill. He's a forward worth revisiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🟧 Physicality and strength<br>🟧 Developing perimeter game<br>🟧 Poise and maturity</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2454445"],"_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-69657cc4be2dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2454445' first='Anthony' last='Spencer'] is a rim-to-rim, blue-collar forward who brings defensive edge and mobility. He covers ground, defends multiple actions, and plays with consistent energy. As his perimeter game continues to grow, his value becomes even clearer. He projects as a switchable defensive piece at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🟧 Rim-to-rim motor<br>🟧 Defensive switchability<br>🟧 Energy and toughness</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2715817"],"_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-69657cc4be328"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2715817' first='Macodou' last='Diouf'] is a skilled stretch-four who can score inside and out while defending multiple positions. His offensive versatility allows him to fit into different lineup structures. He projects as a steady, dependable contributor for programs seeking frontcourt skill. A reliable plug-and-play forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🟧 Stretch-four shooting<br>🟧 Interior scoring touch<br>🟧 Multi-position defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2534567"],"_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-69657cc4be371"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2534567' first='Gabriel' last='Zachariah'] is an under-the-radar forward whose game is built on physicality. He provides interior toughness and competes through contact, with a jumper that continues to develop. Coaches who value strength and paint presence should keep him on their board. His role value is clear.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🟧 Physical interior play<br>🟧 Toughness and competitiveness<br>🟧 Developing jumper</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->