Gavin Placide
"-‘26 | 6’11 W/F|"
Wake Forest
Rankings sourced from 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals. Learn how we aggregate data →
Scout Report
When college coaches flip on Faith Family Academy tape, they're watching a 6-9 forward who moves like he's three inches shorter. The fluidity jumps off the screen immediately.
Background
Gavin Placide made the trek from Denver to Dallas for basketball reasons, landing at Faith Family Academy of Oak Cliff where he's surrounded by elite talent. Athletics run deep in the Placide family with siblings Gallagher making their own marks in sports. The move to Texas put him in one of the premier prep programs in the country, playing alongside future stars like Xavier Young and Josiah Rose. Faith Family has become his basketball laboratory.
Playing Style
Placide operates with the mobility of a wing trapped in a power forward's body, creating matchup nightmares for opposing coaches. He's comfortable initiating offense from the perimeter but also effective working inside against smaller defenders who get switched onto him. His basketball IQ shows in how he reads defenses and finds the right spots on the floor. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions thanks to his length and lateral movement, though he's still developing the strength to bang with traditional big men. The pace he plays with is controlled but assertive. He doesn't rush possessions but also doesn't let opportunities slip away.
Strengths
The mobility for his size is genuinely special - he can step out and guard perimeter players without looking lost or slow. His shooting mechanics are sound and he's comfortable taking shots from NBA three-point range with proper rotation and follow-through. Court vision stands out when he's operating from the high post or elbow, finding cutters and open teammates with precise passing. His length disrupts passing lanes consistently, and he times his help defense rotations well for someone still learning the position.
Areas to Watch
Adding functional strength without losing that mobility will determine how high his ceiling goes. His rebounding numbers need to improve, especially on the offensive glass where his frame should give him more second-chance opportunities. Developing a more consistent post game would make him nearly impossible to guard given his perimeter skills.
Player Comparison
Think Kelly Olynyk with better athleticism and defensive potential. Both have that rare combination of size and shooting ability, plus the basketball IQ to play multiple spots. Placide has more upside on the defensive end than Olynyk ever showed, but he's following a similar developmental path as a skilled big man who can stretch the floor.
Recruitment
Wake Forest landed a major commitment here, beating out heavy hitters like Kansas and Florida State who came calling just three weeks ago. The Demon Deacons got in early and built a strong relationship that paid off despite late pushes from bigger programs. LSU, NC State, and Mississippi State were all serious contenders throughout the process. His commitment gives Wake Forest a cornerstone piece for their 2026 class and someone who can contribute immediately in the ACC.
Projection
Placide has all the tools to be a four-year contributor at Wake Forest with potential to develop into an NBA prospect if he continues adding strength and polish. His skill set translates perfectly to modern college basketball where versatile big men are premium assets. The ceiling is legitimate pro potential, but the floor is a very good college player who can help winning programs.
Updated May 1, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Wake Forest
COLLEGE
Faith Family Academy of Oak Cliff
PREP SCHOOL
Houston Hoops
AAU
Career Highlights
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