By ZACH SMART
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — -A long, lanky lob finisher with proficiency around the rim, Class of 2026 forward Preston Wade of Academy of Central Florida is tracking as one of the top unsigned bigs in the 2026 class. Wade has authored a breakthrough season for an ACF team which is now ranked as high as No.4 nationally.
The 6-foot-11, 215-pound Wade scored a game best 22 points on a scalding 10-for-12 from the field, tore down 12 rebounds, to go with three blocks during a win over Darrow School during the Prep National Showcase in New Haven, Conn.
Tennessee, UNLV, University of Central Florida, South Florida, and Rutgers, among a handful of other programs, have been in active pursuit of Wade.
Possessing broomstick arms and a motor Wade has emerged into a unique threat. He has developed a knack for soaring in for dunks from 3-4 feet away from the rim and relishing contact.
With his fleet of foot, Wade is able to thrive with his open floor finishing.
With his fluid mobility and legitimate ball tracking skills as a workmanlikepresence on the glass, Wade possesses a wealth of HM translatable upside.
“Preston is as talented and big potential there is in the country,” said Academy of Central Florida Head Coach Chris Chaney.
A nationally and internationally known program builder, Chaney helped cultivate the post development of guys such as Hassan Whiteside (NBA), Dermarr Johnson (NBA), 2009 New York Knicks first round pick Jordan Hill, and more recently Oklahoma State Center and menacing shot blocker Abou Ousmane, and others.
Wade, with his insatiable thirst for winning and competitiveness, appears to be the next one.
“What really separates (Wade) will be his competitive stamina and love for the game,” Chaney said.
“He keeps improving at a high rate and impacting winning in all aspects of the game.”
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