​It’s tempting to feel sorry for Steve Forbes. Like NC State and UNC, Wake Forest is in a near-total rebuild, and unlike his in-state rivals, Wake Forest has struggled to adapt to the modern college basketball landscape. Wake doesn’t publish its NIL budget, but two words reveal the truth: Juke Harris. Harris was a four-star, Top 50 recruit that Forbes and his staff invested heavily in, transforming him into a standout. Yet as he examined his market value, Wake could not keep him. There may be more to the decision than money, but whatever the reason, he’s gone, and money is likely a factor. Wake AD John Curry has spoken about the need to raise more money and seems to be pursuing that goal with determination, but Wake Forest is relatively small, with only about 5,500 undergrads. It isn’t a poor school, but it is a small one, and football demands stretch the budget as well. Forbes finds himself in a difficult position.
And it’s a pity because his teams are smart, play hard, and compete vigorously. For now, though, he’s hampered by not having a roster on the same talent level as Wake’s ACC rivals. Last season, the Demon Deacons finished 18-17. The fan base isn’t openly rebelling yet, though there have been murmurs in the past. Hopefully they’ll recognize Forbes as a quality coach and offer their support.
Now, let’s dive into the roster.
Returnees:
– Isaac Carr – 6-4, 187, JRV
– Vincent Ricchiuti – 6-6, 195, SR
– Will Underwood – 6-3, 180, SR
– Anson Beard – 6-5, 215, SOP
– Antonio Dorn – 7-0, 230, JR (Virginia Tech)
– Kevair Kennedy – 6-2, 165, SO (Merrimack)
– Jamari McDowell – 6-5, 200, RJr (Kansas)
– Vincent Chaudhri – 6-7, 190, R-FR (George Washington)
– Xander Pintelon – 6-11, 220, SR (FAU)
– Ring Nyeri – 6-8, 185, JR (Northern Colorado)
Freshmen:
– Gavin Placide – 6-9, 4-star
– Gallagher Placide – 6-8, 4-star
Forbes’ roster is light on returning production, and unless you’re a Demon Deacons devotee, you may not recognize many names. That’s not to say they can’t excel this year, but none of them has yet established a strong track record. Wake is effectively in a complete rebuild, as noted above, and their most pivotal contributor may be Kevair Kennedy. The 6-2 guard from Merrimack emerged as a breakout freshman, averaging 18.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He earned MAAC Freshman of the Year and MAAC Player of the Year honors. If he can translate his game to the ACC level, he would be a major catalyst for Wake.
Kennedy is expected to run the point, likely paired in the backcourt with Kansas transfer Jamari McDowell. McDowell’s stats aren’t eye-popping—about 3.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game—but he contributed in clutch moments, and Jayhawks coach Bill Self valued his effort. He should see more minutes at Wake and have the opportunity to shine.
Dorn figures to be the starting center. He doesn’t put up flashy numbers, but at 7-0 and 230 pounds, he brings size and experience at 23 years old. In his final game of the previous season, he contributed eight points, and he offers the physical presence Wake will lean on inside.