2025: Hidden Gems in a Talented Class: Forwards/Bigs

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The state of North Carolina has a ton of talent across a number of classes. Take a look as we focus on a few Forwards/Bigs in the 2025 class to keep an eye on heading into June.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>There's no better time to sign up for PrepHoopsNC! Get 30% OFF payment on your first billing cycle with offer code: JAYANDERSON30, sign up <a href="https://prephoops.com/subscribe">TODAY</a>!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1226599' first='Tayeshaun' last='Smith'] | 6'7 Forward | 1 of 1 Academy/[program_tooltip program_id='2234929' first='1' last='of 1 Elite']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is an intriguing big man prospect to get to know with [program_tooltip program_id='2234929' first='1' last='of 1 Elite'] on the grassroots scene. He's got tremendous feel for the game when he's on the floor especially given his ability to navigate off the bounce into the painted area. He's shown he can create opportunities for himself in the painted area with his footwork and skillset with a college-ready frame already and a number of HM/MM offers. It's only a matter of time before his recruitment blossoms.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Tayeshaun_Smith/status/1793296499314450546","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Tayeshaun_Smith/status/1793296499314450546 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Tayeshaun_Smith/status/1793296499314450546","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Tayeshaun_Smith/status/1793296499314450546 </div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><br></figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2093824' first='Zach' last='Peterson'] | 6'9 Forward | Asheville Christian Academy/[program_tooltip program_id='2235184' first='NLPB' last='Next Level Prospects Basketball']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Peterson is a prospect who continues to improve on his game on the grassroots scene with [program_tooltip program_id='2235184' first='NLPB' last='Next Level Prospects Basketball']. He's shown he can operate at both forward roles given his ability to handle the basketball on the wing and space the floor with his shooting ability. His ability to take up space and be a factor defensively in the painted area is something to keep an eye on as well. He's a prospect for DI and DII programs to keep an eye on in the region as he continues to improve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2023923' first='Grant' last='Overman'] | 6'9 Forward/Center | Willow Spring/[program_tooltip program_id='2078549' first='Team' last='Wall']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overman is an emerging big man to get to know out of Willow Spring High who's suited up with [program_tooltip program_id='2078549' first='Team' last='Wall'] on the grassroots scene over the past few months. He's a prospect who can block shots at a high level already and continues to develop his stretch-forward skills as a ballhandler and shooter. As he continues to improve on his frame in the weight room, look for college programs to start gaining interest in him on the recruiting trail, especially at the DI and DII level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1159295' first='Mason' last='Hagedorn'] | 6'10 Forward | Hargrave PostGrad/[program_tooltip program_id='2078535' first='Team' last='Charlotte']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hagedorn is a recent mover into the 2025 class as he continues to shine with [program_tooltip program_id='2078535' first='Team' last='Charlotte'] on the grassroots stage. He's due to continue his growth in the frontcourt with his ability to alter shots at the rim and keep plays alive as a rebounder and finisher around the rim. His ability to shoot the ball from deep and challenge defenders with his abilities. He's due to be a bigger presence at Hargrave PG on the national scene this upcoming year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1131338' first='Kaden' last='Hammond'] | 6'8 Power Forward | The Burlington School/[program_tooltip program_id='2078535' first='Team' last='Charlotte']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hammond is a prospect who's finding his health since being sidelined with injury earlier in the fall. He's a double-double machine on the hardwood with [program_tooltip program_id='2078535' first='Team' last='Charlotte']. He's shown he can play at a high level when healthy on both ends of the floor. His motor and energy are unmatched on the hardwood. He's a prospect for college programs at all levels to keep an eye on as he gets back to optimal health.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/PhenomMixtapes/status/1789392534579642767","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PhenomMixtapes/status/1789392534579642767 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->