NCAA Tournament. Forwards to watch! March 18, 2026.

AJ Dybantsa, a 19-year-old forward at BYU, stands 6'9" with a 7-foot wingspan and weighs 195 pounds. He’s a dominant scorer, averaging 25.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His ability to draw contact is elite. He leads the NCAA in free throw attempts with 284 this season. His scoring volume is complemented by a 34% three-point clip (just below NBA average). AJ was named First Team All-Big 12. Additionally, he ranks third in the Big 12 in box score plus-minus even though his DEFRTG is 1.6 points worse than the BYU team DEFRTG. Scouts will watch how he adjusts to the longer NBA three-point lines, but his free throw volume, scoring prowess, and high impact metrics make him the top forward prospect in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Cameron Boozer, an 18-year-old forward at Duke, stands 6'9" and weighs 250 pounds. The son of Carlos Boozer, "Cam" has emerged as a dominant force. Averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, he is a full-fledged inside-out threat. While he may not have the explosive pop that some of the other top prospects possess, Boozer makes up for that in multi-dimensional skill. He shoots an impressive 40.9% from three. Most notably, he leads the entire NCAA in box score plus-minus, underscoring his overall impact. Scouts will monitor his defensive versatility and how he handles longer, more physical matchups, but his scoring, rebounding, and overall efficiency make him one of the most impactful forwards in the nation.

Koa Peat, a 19-year-old forward, stands 6'7" with a 6'11" wingspan and weighs 235 pounds. He averages 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. His shooting consistency is a work in progress. He shoots 31.6% from three and just 59.7% from the free throw line. Still, his all-around game, coupled with his size and athleticism, gives him a solid base. Scouts will watch his development, especially as he works to raise his shooting efficiency, but his youth and production will keep him squarely on the radar as a forward prospect.

Dailyn Swain, a 20-year-old small forward from Texas that has suddenly started converting from beyond the three point line. He stands 6'7" and weighs 200 pounds, offering solid positional size for a modern wing. Swain profiles as a functional two-way player that can defend his position while providing just enough offensive punch to stay on the floor. He ranks fourth in the SEC in box score plus-minus. What stands out most is his defensive utility. Swain has the tools to guard multiple spots. Offensively, he plays with aggression, particularly in transition where he thrives. He consistently looks to push the pace, and apply pressure on the defense. That same aggressiveness shows up in his ability to get to the free throw line. Swain fits the mold of a complementary wing who impacts winning through defense, energy, and selective offense. Scouts will continue to monitor his offensive consistency and shooting development (presently 34.5% 3-pt. FG), but his defensive presence and transition play already give him a pathway to contribute at the next level.

Amari Allen, a 20-year-old freshman forward at Alabama, stands 6'7" and weighs 205 pounds, bringing solid size and a well-rounded statistical profile to the wing. He averages 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, while shooting 36.5% from three. Allen’s value starts with his two-way reliability. He’s a capable wing defender, reflected in his +2.1 defensive differential, and he plays within structure on that end. Offensively, he’s not a primary option, but he contributes across the board, moving the ball, making simple reads, and keeping possessions organized. His assist-to-turnover ratio (better than 2-to-1) speaks to his decision-making and control. He doesn’t possess standout athletic traits. He’s not an explosive runner or leaper but he compensates with feel, positioning, and efficiency. Allen fits the mold of a low-mistake, connective forward who can space the floor, defend his position, and support higher-usage teammates.

Nate Ament, a 19-year-old forward at Tennessee, brings intriguing size at 6'10" with a 7'1" wingspan. Ament averages 17.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, showing strong offensive involvement for his age. He’s below the desired threshold from three (33.1%), but his 78.9% free throw shooting suggests there’s a foundation for improvement. Like many freshmen, his shot selection can be inconsistent. He does a strong job generating pressure, ranking fourth in the SEC in free throw attempts. With his size, defensive impact, and scoring ability, Ament’s development, particularly his shooting consistency, will be key to his long-term outlook.

There are plenty of other forwards that derserve a mention. The rest of the forwards who are playing in the tournament and are in the HoopObsession.com top 60 for the 2026 Draft:

Home