Finest Magazine 26-27 DMV Preseason CBB Watchlist: Power Forward

Versatility, Physicality and Frontcourt Production

The power forward position continues to evolve, and this year's Finest Magazine Watchlist features a diverse group of players who bring different dimensions to the frontcourt. From established high-major veterans capable of carrying significant offensive responsibilities to young, high-energy forwards looking to make their mark, this group offers a combination of scoring versatility, rebounding, defensive flexibility and interior toughness.

Whether it's stretching the floor, creating mismatches off the dribble, protecting the rim or bringing relentless energy around the basket, these players have the tools to impact winning in different ways. Here's a closer look at the power forwards to keep an eye on heading into the 2026-27 college basketball season.

Thomas Batties II | Harvard

6'7" | 225 lbs | Senior

Thomas Batties II enters his senior season as one of the more complete and versatile frontcourt players in the Ivy League. A returning All-Ivy League Second Team selection and co-captain, Batties averaged 12.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 45.3% from three-point range and 87.2% from the free-throw line. His ability to contribute across multiple areas of the game makes him an important piece for Harvard on both ends of the floor.

Batties led the Crimson in three-point shooting, knocking down 58 shots from beyond the arc while recording 20 games in double figures, including a season-high 24 points against Columbia. At 6'7", he presents a difficult matchup for opposing forwards because of his ability to stretch the floor, attack closeouts and make plays as a passer. Defensively, his 1.5 blocks per game highlight his ability to protect the rim despite playing at a relatively undersized frontcourt position.

Harvard head coach Tommy Amaker has emphasized just how important Batties has been to the program, describing him as an anchor on the defensive back line while highlighting his shooting, rebounding and shot-blocking ability. Batties has steadily developed into a player who can influence the game without needing the ball in his hands every possession. With another year of leadership and experience ahead, he has the opportunity to build on his All-Ivy League season and finish his collegiate career as one of the conference's most dependable frontcourt players.

Darren Buchanan Jr. | Rutgers

6'7" | 240 lbs | Graduate Student

Darren Buchanan Jr. brings a physical, versatile presence to the Rutgers frontcourt as he enters his second season with the Scarlet Knights and his final year of college eligibility. The well-traveled forward has stops at Virginia Tech and George Washington on his résumé, and his experience across multiple programs and conferences has helped shape him into a reliable two-way contributor.

Buchanan averaged 8.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 35.3% from three-point range. His production increased during Big Ten play, where he made 13 of his 16 starts and averaged 9.0 points per game, the second-highest mark on the team in conference action. At 240 pounds, he plays with a physical edge and has the versatility to contribute as a scorer, rebounder, facilitator and defender.

What stands out about Buchanan is his ability to do a little bit of everything. He can defend multiple positions, handle the ball in transition, make the extra pass and knock down open perimeter shots. His physicality allows him to hold his ground against bigger forwards, while his skill set gives Rutgers flexibility when looking to create mismatches.

Head coach Steve Pikiell has described Buchanan as a jackknife-type player who can rebound, distribute, defend and score. The next step is consistency. With another offseason in the program and a full season of Big Ten experience behind him, Buchanan has an opportunity to become a more dependable presence in the Scarlet Knights' rotation and provide valuable veteran leadership.

Kwame Evans Jr. | Villanova

6'10" | 220 lbs | Senior

Kwame Evans Jr. arrives at Villanova after an impressive season at Oregon, where the 6'10" forward averaged 13.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. Evans brings a combination of size, skill and versatility that gives Villanova a potential centerpiece in the frontcourt heading into the new season.

Evans averaged double figures in 23 games, including Oregon's final seven contests, demonstrating his ability to finish the season playing some of his best basketball. His offensive game is built around versatility. He can score aruound the basket, face up against opposing bigs, put the ball on the floor and create opportunities for teammates. At his size, his ability to handle and facilitate gives him an advantage against traditional power forwards who may struggle to defend him away from the paint.

Villanova head coach Kevin Willard has praised Evans for his unselfishness and ability to play both power forward and center. Willard also compared his versatility to former Seton Hall standout Sandro Mamukelashvili, a player known for his ability to stretch defenses, create off the dribble and make plays as a big man.

Evans has the potential to be a difficult matchup in the Big East. His length and athleticism give him defensive value, while his offensive versatility allows Villanova to use him in different lineup combinations. If he continues to build on his production at Oregon, Evans could develop into one of the conference's most impactful frontcourt players.

Frances Folefac | Syracuse

6'7" | 245 lbs | Sophomore

Frances Folefac is one of the more intriguing young forwards on this year's watchlist, bringing an unusual combination of strength, mobility and perimeter skill to the Syracuse frontcourt. After beginning his freshman season at Siena in a reserve role, Folefac developed into a key starter and finished the year playing some of his best basketball.

The 6'7", 245-pound forward averaged 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 51.5% from the field, 37.5% from three-point range and 74.0% from the free-throw line. His offensive production continued to improve throughout the season, and he scored in double figures in each of his final five games.

Folefac's value extends well beyond his scoring. His strength and lateral quickness allow him to defend multiple positions, making him a valuable option when Syracuse needs to switch defensively or match up against versatile opposing forwards. During the MAAC championship game, he was assigned to Merrimack guard Kevair Kennedy, the league's leading scorer, and held him to 15 points on 5-for-18 shooting. In the NCAA Tournament, he faced Duke's Cameron Boozer and limited him to just four made field goals on 11 attempts, despite Boozer finishing with 22 points.

Head coach Gerry McNamara has described Folefac as a matchup nightmare, emphasizing his ability to defend positions one through five. That type of defensive flexibility is especially valuable at the high-major level. Offensively, his ability to knock down perimeter shots and make plays off the bounce creates additional challenges for opposing defenses.

Folefac is a player whose versatility could translate into an immediate impact at Syracuse. With his combination of physicality, skill and defensive range, he has the potential to become one of the more difficult forwards to match up against in the ACC.

Amani Hansberry | Virginia Tech

6'8" | 240 lbs | Senior

Amani Hansberry enters his senior season as one of the most established players on this year's watchlist and a potential All-ACC caliber performer for Virginia Tech. The 6'8", 240-pound forward averaged 14.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 49.2% from the field and 35.1% from three-point range.

Hansberry's development throughout his college career has been impressive. He began at Illinois in a bench role, moved into a starting position at West Virginia during the 2024-25 season and then emerged as a featured player for the Hokies last season. That progression speaks to his work ethic, willingness to improve and ability to adapt to different situations.

Offensively, Hansberry has become a versatile scoring option who can operate around the basket, face up against opposing forwards and stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting. His passing ability also allows him to contribute as a facilitator, particularly when defenses collapse on him in the post. On the glass, his strength and physicality make him a dependable rebounder, while his size gives Virginia Tech the flexibility to use him at either power forward or center.

Head coach Mike Young has praised Hansberry's continued growth, noting his strength and work ethic while expecting his production to keep increasing. With another season of experience and an expanded role, Hansberry has the opportunity to establish himself as one of the ACC's premier frontcourt players.

Julen Iturbe | American

6'7" | 225 lbs | Junior

Julen Iturbe is one of the more unique players on this year's watchlist because of his ability to function as a point forward while providing the physicality and skill of a traditional power forward. The American University junior averaged 10.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game last season while leading the Eagles in assists.

Iturbe spent much of the season playing center because of injuries in the frontcourt, often having to compete against bigger opponents. Despite the difficult matchup situations, he showed flashes of the versatile offensive player American originally recruited him to be. His ability to handle the ball, initiate offense and make decisions in the half court gives the Eagles another dimension when he is playing in his natural power forward position.

At 6'7", Iturbe can facilitate through dribble handoffs, pop out for perimeter opportunities, dive toward the basket or exploit smaller defenders with his back to the basket. His versatility also creates lineup flexibility, allowing American to play bigger with him at the four alongside a traditional center or go smaller and use him at the five against certain matchups.

Head coach Duane Simpkins has emphasized the different ways Iturbe can impact the game, particularly through his ability to create mismatches and operate with the ball in his hands. With more opportunities to play his natural position, Iturbe could take another step forward as one of the Patriot League's more versatile frontcourt players.

Riley Jacobs | UMBC

6'9" | 220 lbs | Sophomore

Riley Jacobs is a young frontcourt player whose development could be important to UMBC's continued success. The 6'9" sophomore averaged 4.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while starting half of the team's contests and making several key contributions during its championship run.

Jacobs brings an appealing combination of athleticism, skill and defensive versatility. He has the ability to play anywhere from the three to the five, giving UMBC flexibility when building lineups around his skill set. Offensively, he can stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting, finish around the basket and create opportunities as a roll man in screen-and-roll actions.

His ability to score out of traditional ball screens and ghost-screen actions makes him a valuable option in the half court. Jacobs also presents a lob threat because of his length and athleticism, while his ability to rebound and protect the rim gives him value on the defensive end.

Head coach Jim Ferry has praised Jacobs' development and willingness to learn, describing him as a player who continues to blossom and wants to improve every day. With additional playing time and greater responsibility, Jacobs has an opportunity to become a more consistent contributor and a key piece of UMBC's younger frontcourt.

Emmanuel Kanga | George Mason

6'9" | 225 lbs | Sophomore

Emmanuel Kanga is the type of player every successful program needs in its frontcourt: a strong, athletic, high-motor big who understands his role and consistently brings energy to the floor. The George Mason sophomore averaged 4.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 58.1% from the field in limited opportunities behind second-team All-A10 selection Riley Allenspach.

Kanga's production may not jump off the page yet, but his physical tools and approach to the game suggest there is plenty of room for growth. He finishes well around the basket, runs the floor hard, sets solid screens and attacks the offensive glass with relentless energy. His ability to operate as a rim runner and lob threat gives George Mason another dimension in its half-court offense.

Defensively, Kanga's athleticism and motor allow him to compete around the basket, while his rebounding instincts make him a valuable presence on both ends. He understands his strengths and plays within himself, which is an important foundation for a young big looking to earn a larger role.

After undergoing a meniscus cleanup procedure this offseason, Kanga is projected to compete for starter-level minutes, provided he returns to full health and avoids foul trouble. Head coach Tony Skinn has emphasized the importance of retaining Kanga and highlighted the sophomore's commitment to his development and opportunity within the program.

With Allenspach no longer occupying the same role in the frontcourt, Kanga has an opportunity to turn his high-energy minutes into consistent production. His combination of strength, athleticism and effort gives him the potential to become a double-double threat as his role expands.

Pharrel Payne | Maryland

6'9" | 250 lbs | Graduate Student

Pharrel Payne returns to Maryland as one of the more physically imposing frontcourt players in the Big Ten. The 6'9", 250-pound graduate student averaged 17.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while shooting an outstanding 62.4% from the field, establishing himself as a productive interior scorer capable of carrying a significant offensive load.

Payne's presence is particularly important for the Terrapins because of what he brings around the basket. He is a strong finisher who can establish deep post position, convert through contact and create scoring opportunities when the offense needs a reliable interior option. His ability to rebound offensively also gives Maryland additional possessions, while his physicality helps generate trips to the free-throw line.

Defensively, Payne provides value as a rim protector and an effective defender in ball-screen situations. His strength allows him to hold his ground against opposing bigs, while his mobility gives Maryland a dependable option when defending actions away from the basket.

Payne's return is especially significant after Maryland struggled to maintain consistent production in several areas last season, including offensive rebounding and free-throw generation. His ability to impact both areas should provide a welcome boost to the Terps' frontcourt.

Now healthy and entering his final season of college basketball, Payne has the opportunity to establish himself as one of the Big Ten's most productive interior players. His combination of scoring efficiency, rebounding and defensive presence makes him a player opposing teams will need to account for every night.

Cam Ward | Michigan State

6'8" | 245 lbs | Sophomore

Cam Ward is an intriguing young frontcourt prospect who could be in line for a significant jump in production during his sophomore season at Michigan State. The Largo High School product from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, averaged 5.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 58.9% from the field in 15.3 minutes per contest.

Ward made an immediate impression early in his freshman campaign, recording 18 points and 10 rebounds in just 23 minutes against Arkansas to help Michigan State secure a 69-66 victory. All three figures were season highs, and the performance showcased his ability to make an impact when given extended opportunities.

While his minutes eventually stabilized as the primary backup to Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper, Ward's role remained relatively limited. With Kohler moving on, head coach Tom Izzo believes Ward has positioned himself to compete for the starting power forward spot.

Ward brings a different skill set to the position. Unlike Kohler, who provided more perimeter shooting, Ward's game is built around physicality, interior finishing, rebounding and defensive versatility. He attempted only two three-pointers last season, but his development as a defender and improved free-throw shooting could make him a valuable piece in Michigan State's frontcourt rotation.

Izzo has noted Ward's added strength, improved shooting and ability to defend on the perimeter or switch onto different positions. Those improvements are important for a young forward looking to earn consistent minutes in the Big Ten.

With another offseason of development and an opportunity to step into a larger role, Ward could become a dependable two-way contributor for the Spartans. His combination of strength, athleticism and defensive potential makes him a player worth monitoring as he looks to turn his flashes of production into a consistent sophomore campaign.

Cardell Dudley Jr. Founder, Finest Magazine & The Focus Sports Show

Independent NBA Scouting Consultant | NBA FBOS Alum