Gavin Placide
Committed · Wake Forest"-‘26 | 6’11 W/F|"
Rankings sourced from 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals. Learn how we aggregate data →
Scout Report
When you watch Gavin Placide operate around the paint, you see a young big man who understands spacing and impact in a way few his age do. He doesn't just occupy space; he dictates it, moving with a fluidity that belies his 6-9 frame. This isn't just raw talent, it's a foundation for something significant.
Background
Gavin hails from Denver, Colorado, but has made his mark in Texas at Faith Family Academy of Oak Cliff, a program known for producing high-level talent. His time in AAU on the EYBL circuit has sharpened his competitive edge, exposing him to top-tier competition consistently. He plays alongside some serious prospects like Josiah Rose and Xavier Young, plus King Grace, which gives him a taste of high-stakes basketball every time he steps on the court.
Playing Style
Placide operates as a modern power forward, capable of stretching the floor but truly excelling in the high post and around the rim. His decision-making with the ball in his hands is advanced for a player of his age, often making the right pass out of a double-team or finding cutters. He brings a consistent motor on both ends, impacting possessions through relentless effort, whether it's battling for offensive rebounds or rotating quickly on defense. He handles the ball surprisingly well for his size, capable of starting fast breaks or attacking closeouts with a couple of strong dribbles. His game is built on efficiency and leverage, understanding how to use his frame to create advantages without unnecessary flash.
Strengths
His physical development is impressive; he's got good length and a frame that can certainly add more weight without sacrificing mobility. He's a reliable rebounder, particularly on the offensive glass where he snatches boards in traffic and quickly puts them back up. Coaches will appreciate his defensive versatility, as he can defend multiple positions and show good instincts protecting the rim. His touch around the basket, whether on post-ups or short rolls, is soft and consistent.
Areas to Watch
For Gavin to truly unlock his full potential, adding more consistent range to his jumper will be crucial, forcing defenders to guard him out to the three-point line. Developing more counter moves in the post will also make him a more dangerous scoring threat against stronger college interior defenders. Continued work on his explosiveness in short bursts could elevate his defensive ability to block shots at a higher rate.
Player Comparison
Gavin's game shows flashes reminiscent of a young Draymond Green, specifically in his ability to impact the game without being a primary scorer. Like Green, he possesses an impressive basketball IQ, makes smart passes, and defends multiple positions while doing the dirty work. He has that same blend of forward size with guard-like instincts for the game.
Recruitment
Gavin's recruitment culminated in a commitment to Wake Forest, a major victory for Coach Forbes and his staff. He accumulated nine Division I offers from schools like Kansas, Florida State, LSU, and NC State, so the interest was certainly widespread. His commitment happened fairly early, signaling a clear vision for his future at Wake Forest and allowing him to focus on continued development.
Projection
At the college level, Gavin projects as an immediate impact player, likely settling into a significant role by his sophomore season. He has the tools to be a high-level glue guy who can score efficiently, rebound, and defend at a high clip. His professional trajectory depends heavily on the development of his perimeter skills, but he absolutely has the frame and basketball intelligence to carve out a niche as a high-level role player in the NBA.
Updated Jul 15, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Wake Forest
COLLEGE
Faith Family Academy of Oak Cliff
PREP SCHOOL
Houston Hoops
AAU
Offers
9
Wake Forest
Committed
Chose Wake Forest over 8 other offers
NC State
LSU
Mississippi State
Cal
Florida StateOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Social Activity
Can officially say: Welcome to DEACTOWN, Gavin 🎩 ✍️ http://deacs.info/3LGuHLj https://x.com/WakeMBB/status/1990520563920773211/photo/1
Per @on3/@Rivals, @WakeMBB’s 2026 recruiting class is currently rated No. 8 overall 👀 6’10 Gavin Placide | No. 34 nationally 6’10 Gallagher Placide | No. 67 nationally 6’3 Quentin Coleman | No. 78 nationally https://t.co/KqBADJ0wuZ
NEWS: 2026 4⭐️ prospects Gavin and Gallagher Placide have committed to Wake Forest, sources told @LeagueRDY. Two huge additions for the Demon Deacons as they pickup two highly productive prospects with tremendous upside. They chose Wake Forest over Kansas, Florida State, LSU, https://t.co/nQME9cKIQx
𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: The Placide Twins have committed to #WakeForest on the CBS College Basketball YouTube Channel. With both brothers locked in, the Demon Deacons have landed the No. 50 and No. 78 overall recruits in the national 2026 class. 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 https://t.co/BQ3UoWztdY https://t.co/BB0oeEpE8Q
𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: The Placide Twins are set to announce their college decisions live on the CBS College Basketball YouTube Channel on September 18th, at 3:45 p.m. ET. Finalists: Florida State, LSU, Kansas, Mississippi State, NC State, and Wake Forest. 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 https://t.co/UBj1z7JgQF https://t.co/SwQTSWyVcK