Live Period Preview: 2027 Delaware Forwards

Chad Graham June 6, 2026 @ 09:59 AM

This cadre of forwards isn't afraid to get their hands dirty on defense. But they make splash plays there and on offense too. Here are six to watch during the Scholastic Live Period:   [player_tooltip player_id='2458370' first='Aamir' last='Akbar'] | 6'6 W/F 2027 Middletown   A walking pogo stick, Akbar has the tools and the bounce to be a nightmare around the basket. He has loud flashes when he's rotating to the basket to contest a shot and when he opens up his stride in transition for chase-down blocks. Akbar can play above the rim on offense too. His leaping ability enables him to high-points the ball for easy points from the dunker spot and on backdoor cuts. The ingredients are there for him to be an effective roller as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='2869980' first='Donte' last='Cain'] | 6'7 F 2027 Appoquinimink   He is still making the transition from prospect to player, but Cain has the makings of an athletic shotmaker at the four. He plays through his jumper, intently spotting-up or shooting off-the-catch. Against zones, Cain flashes middle for catch-and-shoot twos. But he can also use his momentum on those touches to get to the cup with one or no dribbles. Furthermore, with his lanky build and smooth movements, Cain shows glimpses of secondary rim-protection.   [player_tooltip player_id='2534590' first='Shawn' last='Neurell'] | 6'5 F 2027 Concord   The most versatile forward in the state, Nuerell has the talent and skill to do just about everything on the court. His physical mentality and stout frame empower him to play out of the low post and score with his back to the basket. When he sees zone and/or has to play away from the paint, he has the handle to get to his spots and the jumper - with improving range - to space the floor. And without jumping out the gym, Nuerell still finds ways to punish teams on the boards. But his most tantalizing skill set is his playmaking. He has the vision and passing chops to pick defenses apart as a point forward.   [player_tooltip player_id='2387969' first='Jayden' last='Reid'] | 6'7 F 2027 St. Georges   Despite playing next to the Del State-bound Obiora, Reid was quietly one of the most dominant rim protectors last season. He has the hand-eye coordination and the length to put a lid on the basket, in addition to clogging gaps and racking up steals. His feel as a defender is now extending toward the perimeter, where he can shoot gaps or switch onto smaller players. Reid is steadily coming into his own on offense too. On top of being automatic on putbacks, he can carve out space on the block and find different angles to finish.   [player_tooltip player_id='2488689' first='Amere' last='Rhoades'] | 6'6 F/C St. Georges   The game slowing down for Rhoades allowed him to shine in his complementary role for the Hawks. With his wide hips and shoulders, he still manages to play under control, anchoring his foot into the ground and kissing the ball off the glass. Rhoades is light on his feet too. Despite not being the most twitchy athlete, he makes second and third efforts when going after rebounds. Additionally, Rhoades closes space with short bursts to alter shots inside and to cause some havoc out in passing lanes.   [player_tooltip player_id='2375230' first='Chris' last='Thomas'] | 6'5 W/F 2027 Sussex Central   One who easily could've been listed with the crop of two-way wings, Thomas is rounding out and adding depth to his game. The once defensively-tilted prospect flies around for rebounds, deflections, and blocks. Thanks to his improved handle, athletic plays that were exclusive to his cuts and transition opportunities are now coming from him attacking off-the-bounce and off of closeouts. Thomas then accents his rim-attempts with spot-up threes.

This cadre of forwards isn't afraid to get their hands dirty on defense. But they make splash plays there and on offense too. Here are six to watch during the Scholastic Live Period: