What Stood Out From Wake Forest Men’s Basketball’s First Official Practice

Basketball season is a little under a month and a half away, and Wake Forest hosted their official Media Day on Monday, which also happened to be the first day of official practice. We spoke with Coach Steve Forbes and the players and watched practice. The Deacs roster is mostly comprised of newcomers, so it was very interesting to see them on the court together.

Here are the biggest takeaways from the first day of practice, including some surprises and areas the Deacs will need to improve before the season.

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Versatile Size

The one immediate physical characteristic that stands out about this group is their size. The roster includes three guys 6’11” or taller and three more 6’8″. This was something last year’s team desperately missed and should play a large factor this season.

The interesting thing is that all the big guys seem to play different styles of basketball. Freshman Gavin Placide seems to be more comfortable at the four but can also play the five. He moves really well for a guy his size. His strength is probably his ability to get other people involved, as he makes good passes, especially out of the high and low posts, and can also finish at the rim. He is a smart player who makes the right reads without putting the ball in harm’s way. Deac fans should expect the freshman to be a well-rounded big who continues to get more comfortable as the season goes along.

Xander Pintelon stands at 6’11” but plays as more of a stretch big. He will be slotted in at the four and has a perimeter shot that defenses will have to account for. We also saw him make some powerful plays under the basket as well, so that ability is there. He should be a plus defender for this team as well, with his length.

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Antonio Dorn is a 7’0″ true center from Virginia Tech. He can get out on the perimeter, but is best in the post, where he can finish around the basket, lead the team in rebounds, and defend the rim. He is more of a traditional big man but is working to continue to…

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Publish date : 2026-09-22 11:07:00

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