Gallagher Placide

PF•Faith Family Academy of Oak Cliff•Class of 2026

@gallagherplacide

Committed to

Wake Forest

6-8

205 lbs

Denver, COFaith Family Academy

91 Rating

#75|247Sports#82|ESPN#40|State (247)#55|Position (247)

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Last checked Apr 15, 2026from 6 sourcesHow we verify →

Scout Report

When you watch the EYBL circuit, you'll notice how many promising big men get pushed around by stronger competition. That's not the case with this 6-8 frame from Denver who's been holding his own against elite frontcourt talent all spring.

Background

Gallagher Placide made the move from Denver to Faith Family Academy of Oak Cliff, trading Rocky Mountain views for the competitive cauldron of Texas prep basketball. The program has become a magnet for elite talent, and Placide landed in a perfect situation surrounded by multiple top-50 recruits. Playing alongside Xavier Young and King Grace has accelerated his development, forcing him to elevate his game daily in practice against high-level competition.

Playing Style

Placide operates with a controlled aggression that separates him from typical power forwards in his class. He's comfortable initiating offense from the elbow and high post, using his length to create angles over smaller defenders. His decision-making rarely breaks down under pressure, and he's developed a reliable feel for when to attack and when to facilitate for teammates. Defensively, he anchors the paint without gambling for highlight blocks, staying disciplined in his positioning. The motor runs consistently hot for 32 minutes, and his basketball IQ shows in how he impacts winning without needing gaudy numbers.

Strengths

The combination of size and skill development puts Placide in rare company for his class. His mid-range touch from 15 feet is already college-ready, and coaches love how he finishes contact around the rim with both hands. The footwork in post situations shows advanced technique, using subtle pivots and shoulder fakes to create space. Most impressive is his passing vision from the high post, finding cutters and shooters with precision that suggests years of fundamental training.

Areas to Watch

Extending his range beyond 18 feet would make him nearly impossible to guard, and the mechanics suggest that development is coming. Adding 15-20 pounds of functional strength will help him battle against elite college centers who currently can body him off his spots.

Player Comparison

Think Jalen Johnson during his Duke season - a skilled forward who can initiate offense but also play his role within a system. Both have that rare combination of size, basketball IQ, and unselfish play that makes teammates better. The ceiling might be similar too if the outside shot continues developing.

Recruitment

Wake Forest won a competitive recruitment that included heavyweight programs like Kansas and Florida State. The Demon Deacons sold him on immediate playing time and a system that maximizes his skill set in the ACC. Steve Forbes and his staff identified Placide early in the process and never let other programs gain serious momentum. The commitment came in late spring, giving Wake Forest a foundational piece for their 2026 class.

Projection

At Wake Forest, Placide projects as a day-one contributor who could start by conference play as a freshman. His ceiling is a multi-year starter who develops into an NBA draft consideration if the three-point shot becomes consistent. The floor is still high - a productive college career as a skilled big man who helps teams win games through intelligence and versatility.

Updated Apr 27, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team