2026 Forwards to Monitor This Spring/Summer

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With AAU season already underway, the 2026 class is ready to make their names known, draw widespread college attention for the first time, and be ready to be stars in their junior years of high school ball. Check out five frontcourt players who are worthy of more attention going into grassroots season, and are set for big seasons, college offers, and increased exposure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2298977"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Trandafir is a new name to the state, but is already showing college level potential in his elite frame, combined with inside out ability on the offensive end. He's got legitimate floor spacing potential at the next level, along with a nice face up game and good touch in the low post. A little thin, but with so much time, he'll be able to put on the weight and be a college-ready body. Also has intriguing rim protection upside on the defensive end. Should have a breakout summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2225832' first='Team' last='Curry'] 16U.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["2055526"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Rousseau is another forward with floor spacing ability, projecting to be a stretch 4 man. He's got good touch and can play inside and out, although he loves to get involved with pick and pops and playing along the perimeter. Also showing more of an ability to create off the bounce and with the ball in hands rather than just needed to get open looks from passes. With him playing on the UA Rise circuit this summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2078553' first='WCBA' last=''], expect him to get more attention regionally.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["2055545"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Gyabaah is a prospect I've already mentioned once this AAU season, and his blend of shiftiness for his size makes him someone to look out for. On the defensive end is where he provides the most impact, able to guard multiple positions while also making it difficult for people to get to the rim and finish on him. Offensively is still a work in progress, but has great upside with him being able to create on the bounce and finish around the rim.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["2326899"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Watkins was productive on the varsity level next year, and should continue to show off his rapid improvement on the AAU circuit this spring/summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='2078513' first='NC' last='Wildcats']. An elite offensive rebounder, his motor and ability to physically box out and get position for rebounds helps him corral plenty, and a silky touch helps him finish those second chance looks. Plays really hard and is everything regional programs will be looking for in a forward prospect.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["2055661"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Strickland is someone who projects as a 3/4 at the next level, with an ability to produce with the ball in his hands as well as provide an impact defensively. Really been impressed with his shot creation at 6'5, showing he can break down opponents off the dribble and create opportunities at the rim, where he can either finish or draw fouls well. Also an elite free throw shooter (89% on the varsity season), making him trouble if you do commit a foul. Should be an impact player offensively with whichever grassroots team he plays for this summer.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6615cb41c5c02"} /-->