Wake Forest Basketball: Analyzing Demon Deacons’ 2021 incoming recruiting class

2. Dallas Walton

The 7’0” grad transfer from Colorado will almost certainly get the nod if Steve Forbes wants legitimate size in his starting lineup as opposed to going with a smaller, more mobile lineup.

Walton started 23 games for Colorado last season, with the Buffs going 18-5 in games that Walton started and just 5-4 in games that he did not start, or played less than 15 minutes in.

For the season, he averaged 6.5 points and 2.8 boards per game, shooting 56.8% from the field, 47.4% from deep, and 84.5% from the free-throw line—an incredibly efficient scorer. Walton is also versatile for a 7-footer, capable of scoring from all three levels and maintaining excellent mobility at just 230 pounds.

1. Jake LaRavia

The junior from Indiana State will likely jump straight into the starting lineup as a 6’8″ forward with excellent athleticism and the ability to guard multiple positions.

Offensively, LaRavia is an efficient scorer who features mostly as a driver and slasher, although he is a career 36% three-point shooter—enough to keep the defense honest.

On the other end, LaRavia finished near the top 100 nationally in steal rate last season, often transitioning directly into fast-break opportunities. Forbes is known for his high ball pressure system that emphasizes forcing turnovers and creating transition opportunities—a perfect fit.