<![CDATA[Draftstack: 2026 Recruitment]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/s/2026-recruitmenthttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!2yst!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd5d11f2e-4904-40c4-b577-1abc95900bc6_1280x1280.pngDraftstack: 2026 Recruitmenthttps://draftstack.substack.com/s/2026-recruitmentSubstackThu, 30 Jul 2026 05:21:39 GMT<![CDATA[Adam Oumiddoch Scouting Report]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/adam-oumiddoch-scouting-reporthttps://draftstack.substack.com/p/adam-oumiddoch-scouting-reportWed, 22 Apr 2026 11:04:13 GMT

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]]><![CDATA[2026 Recruitment Rankings]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/2026-recruitment-rankings-d32https://draftstack.substack.com/p/2026-recruitment-rankings-d32Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:32:49 GMT

1 - Baba Oladotun

From: Compass Prep

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: 3 Level Scoring Hybrid
Top Offers: Maryland (Committed)

2 - Caleb Holt

From: Prolific Prep

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 207
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Natural Scorer

Top Offers: Arizona (Committed)

3 - Tyran Stokes

From: Rainer Beach HS

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Destructive Physical Wing
Top Offers: Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas

4 - Jason Crowe Jr

From: Inglewood HS

Position: PG
Height: 6’4

Weight: 170
Wingspan: 6’6
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Creative Scoring Guard
Top Offers: Missouri (Committed)

5 - Brandon McCoy Jr

From: St John Bosco

Position: PG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Physical Floor General
Top Offers: UCLA, Duke, Arkansas

6 - Jordan Smith

From: Paul VI

Position: SG
Height: 6’3”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Explosive Lockdown Guard
Top Offers: Arkansas (Committed)

7- Dylan Mingo

From: Long Island Lutheran

Position: PG
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’9.5”
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: 2 Way Lead Guard
Top Offers: North Carolina (Committed)

8 - Bruce Branch III

From: Prolific Prep

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Smooth Scorer

Top Offers: BYU (Committed)

9 - Tajh Ariza

From: St Johns Bosco

Position: SF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 195
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Skilled big wing
Top Offers: Oregon (Committed)

10 - Christian Collins

From: St John Bosco

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Active hybrid forward
Top Offers: USC, UCLA, Kentucky

11 - Jaxon Richardson

From: Southeastern Prep

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank:

Playstyle: Athletic Wing Scorer
Top Offers: Alabama (Committed)

12 - Caleb Gaskins

From: Columbus

Position: PF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Skilled Hybrid
Top Offers: Miami Hurricanes (Committed)

13 - Joe Philon

From: Montverde

Position: SF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Athletic Finishing Wing
Top Offers: Florida, Miami, USF

14 - Ant Thompson

From: Western Reserve Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’8.5”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Smooth Skilled Hybrid
Top Offers: Ohio State (Committed)

15 - Deron Rippey Jr

From: Blair Academy

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’5”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Bouncy Floor General
Top Offers: Duke (Committed)

16 - Cole Cloer

From: Caldwell Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Shifty Combo Guard
Top Offers: NC State (Committed)

17 - Ikenna Alozie

From: Dream City Christian

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 186
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Athletic Playmaker
Top Offers: Houston (Committed)

18 - Alex Constanza

From: SPIRE Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 207
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Balanced Wing
Top Offers: Georgetown (Committed)

19 - Qayden Samuels

From: Bishop McNamara

Position: SF
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Shifty Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Alabama (Committed)

20 - Cameron Holmes

From: Millennium

Position: SG
Height: 6’6

Weight: 203
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Gifted Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Arizona (Committed)

21 - Toni Bryant

From: Zephyrhills Christian Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’10

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Skilled Faceup
Top Offers: Missouri (Committed)

22 - Vaughn Karvala

From: Bella Vista Prep

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Athletic Shot Maker
Top Offers: Indiana (Committed)

23 - Ralph Scott

From: IMG Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: N/A
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Offensive Weapon
Top Offers: Tennessee (Committed)

24 - Jalen Montonati

From: Owassa

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’8”
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Skilled Wing Scorer
Top Offers: Oklahoma State (Committed)

25 - Marcus Johnson

From: Garfield Heights

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Shifty Scoring Lead Guard
Top Offers: Ohio State (Committed)

26 - Taylen Kinney

From: OTE

Position: PG
Height: 6’1”

Weight: 160
Wingspan: 6’7”
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Offensively Gifted Lead
Top Offers: Kansas (Committed)

27 - Marcis Ponder

From: West Oaks Academy

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 320
Wingspan: 7’5”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Physically Imposing Rim Presence
Top Offers: FSU (Committed)

28 - JJ Andrews

From: LRCA

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Aggressive Athletic Wing
Top Offers: Arkansas (Committed)

29 - Austin Goosby

From: Melissa

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Athletic Off Guard
Top Offers: Texas (Committed)

30 - Chris Washington Jr

From: Providence Christian Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 186
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Athletic Offensive Weapon
Top Offers: FSU, Clemson, WVU

31 - Davion Atkins

From: Prolific Prep

Position: C
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: 7’2
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Athletic Faceup 5
Top Offers: Kansas (Committed)

32 - Chidi Nwigwe

From: Sunrise Christian Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Athletic Wing
Top Offers: NC State, Michigan, Georgia Tech

33 - Latrell Almond

From: Petersburg

Position: C
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 225
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Athletic Physical Hybrid
Top Offers: Oklahoma State (Committed)

34 - Justin Caldwell

From: North Carolina

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Skilled Bruiser
Top Offers: Georgetown (Committed)

35 - Kendre Harrison

From: Reidsville

Position: C
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 243
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Athletic Interior Force
Top Offers: Oregon (Committed)

36 - Cameron Williams

From: St Marys

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Faceup 5
Top Offers: Duke (Committed)

37 - Darius Ratliff

From: Archbishop Stepinac

Position: PF
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Skilled Faceup 4
Top Offers: USC (Committed)

38 - Moustapha Diop

From: OTE

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 215
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Athletic Hybrid 5/4
Top Offers: Alabama, Auburn, Missouri, Georgia

39 - Kayden Allen

From: Long Island Lutheran

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Shot making Off Guard
Top Offers: Cincinnati, Ole Miss, Georgia Tech, California

40 - Adonis Ratliff

From: Archbishop Stepinac

Position: C
Height: 7’0”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Rim Running 5
Top Offers: USC (Committed)

41 - DaKari Spear

From: The Colony

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Athletic Combo
Top Offers: Texas Tech (Committed)

42 - Jayden Hodge

From: Montverde Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 194
Wingspan: 6’8.5”
Position Rank: 14

Playstyle: Skilled Playmaking Wing
Top Offers: Northwestern (Committed)

43 - Chase Foster

From: IMG Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Skilled Hybrid 4
Top Offers: Pittsburgh (Committed)

44 - Jermal Jones

From: IMG Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Skilled Combo
Top Offers: Pittsburgh (Committed)

45 - Arafan Diane

From: Iowa United Prep

Position: C
Height: 7’1”

Weight: 265
Wingspan: 7’3”
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Classic Big
Top Offers: Houston (Committed)

46 - Elijah Williams

From: TMI Episcopal

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 15

Playstyle: Shot making Wing
Top Offers: Baylor (Committed)

47 - Adam Ouimiddouch

From: OTE

Position: SG
Height: 6’5

Weight: 178
Wingspan: 6’8”
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Crafty Combo
Top Offers: St. John’s (Committed)

48 - Kaden House

From: Compass Prep

Position: SG
Height: 6’3”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Scrappy Combo
Top Offers: Maryland (Committed)

49 - Aziz Olajuwon

From: Clements

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 16

Playstyle: Skilled Wing
Top Offers: Stanford (Committed)

50 - Tarris Bouie

From: SPIRE Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 172
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Athletic Off Guard
Top Offers: Alabama (Committed)

51 - Miles Sadler

From: Bella Vista Prep

Position: PG
Height: 5’10”

Weight: 165
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Lightning Quick Lead
Top Offers: West Virginia (Committed)

52 - Maximo Adams

From: Sierra Canyon

Position: SF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 212
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 17

Playstyle: Aggressive Jumbo Wing
Top Offers: North Carolina (Committed)

53 - Kobe Edwards

From: Greenfield

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 167
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Dynamic Floor General
Top Offers: Georgetown, Illinois, ECU

54 - Quinn Costello

From: Newman School

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Skilled Big Wing
Top Offers: Michigan (Committed)

55 - Sam Funches

From: Germantown

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’5”
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Classic Anchor
Top Offers: Gonzaga (Committed)

56 - Christian Gibson

From: Mayde Creek HS

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Gifting Scoring Off Guard
Top Offers: UCF (Committed)

57 - Aidan Chronister

From: The New School

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 18

Playstyle: Aggressive Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Missouri (Committed)

58 - Quincy Wadley

From: Compass Prep

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Shifty Scorer
Top Offers: Maryland, Clemson, Georgia

59 - Collin Paul

From: Calvary Christian Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 208
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 19

Playstyle: Playmaking Wing
Top Offers: FSU (Committed)

60 - Jonathan Sanderson

From: La Lumiere

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 176
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Classic Lead
Top Offers: Notre Dame (Committed)

61 - Bryson Howard

From: Heritage High School

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 20

Playstyle: Classic Combo Wing
Top Offers: Duke (Committed)

62 - Dean Rueckert

From: Timpview

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’8”
Position Rank: 21

Playstyle: Skilled Wing
Top Offers: BYU (Committed)

63 - Neiko Mundey

From: Prince George Christian Academy

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 177
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Shifty Floor General
Top Offers: Texas A&M (Committed)

64 - Bo Ogden

From: Westlake

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 14

Playstyle: Smooth Shooter
Top Offers: Texas (Committed)

65 - Colben Landrew

From: Wheeler

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 22

Playstyle: Scoring Wing
Top Offers: UCONN (Committed)

66 - Shane Pendergrass

From: Hargrave

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Athletic 4
Top Offers: George Mason (Committed)

67- Luke Ertel

From: Mount Vernon

Position: PG
Height: 6’1”

Weight: 170
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Aggressive Floor General
Top Offers: Purdue (Committed)

68- Jermel Thomas

From: Our Savior Lutheran

Position: PG
Height: 6’3”

Weight: 170
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Slick Floor General
Top Offers: Saint Louis (Committed)

69- Jesiah Jervis

From: Archbishop Stepinac

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 15

Playstyle: Athletic Combo
Top Offers: Michigan State (Committed)

70 - Anthony Felesi

From: Utah Prep

Position: SF
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 23

Playstyle: Rim Pressuring Wing
Top Offers: Pittsburgh (Committed)

71 - Landon Colyer

From: OTE

Position: SG
Height: 6’5

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 16

Playstyle: Smooth Scoring 2
Top Offers: Hampton, FSU, DePaul

72 - Fred Smith

From: Briarcrest Christian

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 24

Playstyle: Athletic Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Missouri, Memphis, Ole Miss

73 - Gage Mayfield

From: Hale County

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 25

Playstyle: Skilled Combo Wing
Top Offers: Oklahoma (Committed)

74 - Sinan Huan

From: Georgetown Prep

Position: C
Height: 7’1”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Physical 5
Top Offers: Purdue (Committed)

75 - Collin Ross

From: SPIRE Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’10”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Athletic Forward
Top Offers: VCU (Committed)

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]]><![CDATA[Eli Jolin Scouting Deepdive]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/eli-jolin-scouting-deepdivehttps://draftstack.substack.com/p/eli-jolin-scouting-deepdiveTue, 24 Feb 2026 16:00:26 GMT

Very few mid-major programs have produced NBA talent at the same rate as Santa Clara, especially as of late. In the 1980s, their league representative was Kurt Rambis, who played an important role for the showtime Lakers. Two-time MVP Steve Nash is the program’s most prominent alumnus. He was drafted in 1996, and it would be nearly three decades until another Bronco was selected in the draft. That was until Jalen Williams was drafted in the lottery in 2022, and Brandin Podziemski was taken in the first round in 2023. Williams went on to be named an NBA All-Star and take home the Larry O’Brien in 2025. Podziemski is now a multi-year starter for the Golden State Warriors. Today, Santa Clara’s current roster features several potential pros, including Christian Hammond, Elijah Maji, and Allen Graves. Well, do I have some not-so-surprising news for you; head coach Herb Sendek has added another potential pro to their 2026 recruiting class: Canadian wing Eli Jolin.

Player Profile:

Eli Jolin is a 6’7” shooting guard/wing from Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec who currently plays for Fort Erie International Academy. He’s an unranked prospect according to all major recruiting outlets, but he’s one of the better scorers on the Grind Session circuit, one of the best high school circuits in the country. He played AAU ball for Lu Dort Brookwood Elite on the Adidas 3SSB circuit, where he turned heads and began to garner attention from prominent collegiate programs. He committed to Santa Clara in June, ahead of his senior season. In May, he also received an offer from Arizona State. Now he’s helping lead Fort Erie to a strong Grind Session record alongside fellow notable 2026 prospects Deng Ngor and Promis N’landu, a George Washington commit.

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Interior Scoring:

It’s difficult to pin down a description of Jolin’s interior scoring game, as he’s very proficient in certain areas while seriously struggling in others. He’s a big-time athlete who plays with a ton of energy, so his at-the-rim transition scoring is naturally effective. On the other hand, he has a loose handle without a ton of advantage creating dribble moves, which handicaps his downhill scoring in the half-court. At times, his gravity from the mid-range and beyond the arc allows for easy interior offense, but for the most part he struggles to find strong interior position. That said, he is a solid finisher once he reaches the paint.

Although he isn’t an incredibly talented ball handler, he is a creative interior scorer when he reaches the paint. Pump fakes are an important element to his overall scoring arsenal, but they’re especially vital to his interior scoring. Once he finds good court position, he’s effective, it’s just that he struggles to utilize his handle to find that position. This is why I wish Fort Erie would put him in more off-ball actions inside the arc rather than simply rotating him around the perimeter. He’s a solid off-angle finisher, has strong footwork, and is able to rely on his length and athleticism when necessary. Considering the success Santa Clara has found in developing off-ball wings, I expect Jolin’s strengths in this area to be amplified next season.

The fast break is where he truly shines, as he’s a ruthless above the rim athlete who moves very well in the open court. In addition to having long arms, which bolsters his above-the-rim scoring, he also moves with long strides, allowing him to outrun otherwise quicker opponents in transition. When I watched him play in person during his junior season, he was significantly shorter and unable to fully tap into his athleticism. He has since had a growth spurt, something else to monitor if that trend continues throughout this season and into the next. If he continues to grow while adding more weight to his frame, he could become a big-time lob threat for the Broncos and throughout his collegiate career. If a future coaching staff can figure out how to utilize his athleticism in the half court and take self-creation responsibilities off his shoulders, his overall interior scoring game could improve drastically.

Mid-Range Scoring:

As far as self-creation scoring is concerned, Jolin is at his best from the mid-range. In fact, he’s such a confident mid-range shooter that he has self-handicapped his at-the-rim scoring, as he often stops his own downhill drives for ill-advised pull-up jumpers. That said, he makes a ton of these shots, and I expect this part of his game to serve as a foundational skill as his all-around game further develops. This is where he finds the most rhythm, where his mechanics are the most fluid, and where his off-the-dribble shot creation ceiling is most evident.

Unlike his occasional inability to penetrate the paint, Jolin is able to find his way to the elbows whenever he’d like. Once he gets there, he’s excellent at stopping on a dime, or even coasting into pull-up jumpers. If a defender sticks with him, he’s capable of putting his back to the basket before attempting and knocking down a turnaround or fadeaway jump shot. As he gets closer to the basket, we see him become less effective as a mid-range operative, but he has shown flashes of incorporating floaters and push shots into his arsenal. That said, for the most part, his mid-range game is founded on his jump shooting from the elbows and along the baseline.

Moving forward, I hope a coaching staff doesn’t encourage him to stop taking these shots, as they’re incredibly important for his overall scoring output. Instead, I want to see him utilize his gravity from this range to force defenders to guard him more closely, resulting in more paint touches and trips to the charity stripe. His mechanics on these looks are more fluid than they are on his long-range attempts, so I hope to see him replicate his mid-range approach to other areas of his game as well.

Outside Shooting:

When considering what his immediate impact may look like for Santa Clara, I’d point to his outside shooting. While I don’t think his three-point shooting suggests the same high-end offensive ceiling that his athleticism and mid-range shooting do, it does provide a high floor skill that I’m sure will be tapped into relatively early on in his career. He’s a legitimate movement shooter off the catch, and he’s flashed some real off-the-dribble shooting touch. I expect him to continue developing in this area as his career progresses, but he does need to address some mechanical issues before I’ll buy into his long-term upside from deep.

For a player who doesn’t have a consistent role for his current team, as he’s sometimes asked to be a lead ball handler and sometimes spends entire games coasting away from the ball; his outside shooting is relatively uniform. Almost all of his threes come off-the-catch, whether they’re standstill or moving is another story. Despite an obvious hitch in his shooting motion, he gets the ball off quick enough and gets adequate height on his release to beat closeouts. This hitch isn’t as evident on his (limited) off-the-dribble attempts, which suggests he could also remove it from his catch-and-shoot looks. If he can polish his mechanics and harness the same fluidity that we see from his mid-range pull-up shooting, I think he’ll end up being a very good outside shooting wing at the collegiate level. Even if that hitch persists, I expect off-ball shooting to be his primary offensive skill throughout his first year at Santa Clara.

Passing & Playmaking:

As a passer, Jolin is very hit-or-miss. At times, he’s a heads-up connective passer who swings the ball along and out to the perimeter with pace. He’s also capable of making quick decisions when moving downhill, finding teammates at the rim or beyond the arc for good looks. However, he’s often very lazy, lobbing slow passes to his teammates which regularly get picked off or deflected. In the games of his I watched; he was taken off the court for this on several occasions. I’m not sure why his effort as a ball mover fluctuates so greatly, but it’s something he’ll need to work on moving forward, as fixable flaws such as this could lose games for his team.

As I said, I think his weaknesses as a passer are easily fixable and are mostly a mental issue. When he’s at his best, it’s clear that he’s an intelligent player with legitimate basketball IQ and a feel for the game. The only real problem I could see him running into once he overcomes his inconsistent motor is his inability to consistently create paint touches. This is such an important skill for a passer to have, as it allows you to collapse the defense and find teammates who are left open following that collapse. If he doesn’t improve as a ball handler and downhill driver, he’ll probably be limited to connective passing along the perimeter and as an off-ball middleman.

Rebounding:

Jolin is a very good positional rebounder, especially on the offensive end. It’s strange that a player who deals with energy issues in certain situations is such an avid fighter on the offensive glass. He’s excellent at spying lazy boxouts and weaseling his way under the basket. His athleticism is a major advantage in this area, as he has an impressive reel of putbacks and tip-ins to his name. I doubt he’ll make as big of a difference in this area at the collegiate level, as he’ll be forced to beat out bigger and stronger opponents, but I think he’ll continue to outperform his positional contemporaries. Whether or not he continues to make a major impact in this area at the next level, his willingness to do the dirty work is a positive indicator of his overall motor.

As I mentioned earlier; I think there’s a chance that Jolin continues to grow, adding weight to his frame in the process. He’s already 6’7”, so if he adds a couple more inches then he very well may end up being the rebounder he tries to be despite matching up against stiffer competition. His length and athleticism will remain factors no matter what, and I assume he’ll maintain the level of effort he’s shown as an offensive rebounder moving forward. These are the types of skills that separate players during draft cycles and move guys from mid- to high majors. I think Jolin has high major and professional potential, making his rebounding abilities all the more interesting when it comes to long-term projection.

Defense:

Jolin is not a lockdown defender and has a lot of growth ahead of him on this end of the floor, but it’s worth noting that he still makes an impact in certain areas. For one, he’s a solid recovery defender, in both the half and full court. He’s a savvy off-ball defender who occasionally gets his hand in driving lanes and pokes balls loose. Because he is such a fantastic transition scorer, forcing turnovers is more important for his (and his team’s) success than it is for other off-ball defenders. His on-ball defense is questionable, as he’s a somewhat awkward lateral mover, but he doesn’t see a ton of on-ball reps.

Because he isn’t a great lateral mover, Jolin tends to get beaten off-the-dribble by competent downhill drivers. Because he’s such an impressive athlete with strong timing, he often recovers for blocks after being beaten. His athleticism and length also support his transition defense, specifically his ability to chase down streaking opponents for come-from-behind blocks. While you’d prefer him to be a better on-ball defender and not be forced to resort to recovery defense, it is nice to know that he’s not a lost cause.

As previously mentioned, he spends most of his half-court defensive reps off the ball. Because his lateral movement isn’t tested as frequently in these situations, he’s considerably better as an off-ball defender than he is at the point of attack. That said, he’s still occasionally targeted by opposing ball handlers, so it’s in his best interest to avoid switches and remain away from the ball. When he achieves this goal, he sees more opportunities to force turnovers and get out in the fast break. His length and timing support him in this area. This skill is made even more valuable by his elite transition scoring, as he’s able to artificially create his own fast break opportunities out of these situations. While I hope he improves as an on-ball defender before he reaches the college level, I think he’ll continue to prove himself valuable as an off-ball agent.

Summary:

Before I summarize Jolin’s game, I want to list any and all of his weaknesses and flaws in order for you to gain a better understanding of his game in its entirety. It’s important to remember that every player has weaknesses, but what makes the great players great is their ability to improve upon their weaknesses over the course of their careers. It’s also important to remember that Jolin is a late bloomer and a totally different player than he was a year ago. He’s still actively developing and is nowhere near his ceiling in any area of the game.

  • He struggles to reach the rim as a ball handler in the half court due to a myriad of flaws. His handle leaves quite a bit to be desired, his stance is somewhat vertical and stiff, and he resorts to back-to-the-basket offense instead of downhill driving too often.

  • He hasn’t totally proved himself as an off-ball slasher, but this could be a system issue. The Fort Erie staff does not utilize him this way at the rate they probably should considering his lob potential and willingness to move.

  • As a driver, he shies away from contact despite being an impressive vertical athlete likely capable of finishing through and above defenders. This isn’t always the case, as he’s good at absorbing contact when fighting for rebounds, but struggles to maintain that mentality as an on-ball operative.

  • While he is an impressive mid-range jump shooter, he needs to polish his shot diet from this level. Instead of taking a ton of turnaround attempts, he should focus on pull-up jumpers in order to further strengthen his downhill gravity and open up the paint.

  • Despite having real finishing touch, he doesn’t attempt enough floaters or push shots. Especially for the time being, as he clearly isn’t a fan of drawing contact around the rim, a more consistent floater would support his current approach to the game.

  • He has a long way to go before he’ll be a competent off-the-dribble outside shooter. He struggles to find his shooting rhythm on these attempts and subsequently converts significantly less of them than he does catch-and-shoot looks.

  • His catch-and-shoot mechanics from long-range could use some work, which I think would further strengthen his efficiency on these looks. He has a hitch in his shot motion, which allows defenders to better contests his shots and limits his shooting momentum.

  • His inconsistent passing makes me want to pull my hair out. When he’s locked into the rhythm of the game, he’s a fine connective passer, but he often plays lackadaisical as a connector, throws weak passes, and turns the ball over.

  • His stiffness and inability to maintain a strong defensive stance get him targeted as an on-ball defender. Yes, he’s a very good recovery defender, but that won’t carry him at higher levels of the sport. He must improve as a lateral mover and on-ball defender.

  • Adding healthy weight to his thin frame would go a long way on both ends of the floor. It would allow him to feel more comfortable absorbing contact on his drives and would make up for some of his defensive flaws. That said, he should probably wait to focus on weight gain until he’s certain that his growth spurt is over.

Eli Jolin’s game is somewhat easy to summarize, as his strengths are obvious while his weaknesses are easily diagnosable. He’s an athletic wing with on-ball ability who is still growing in virtually every area. When playing alongside a lead guard, he turns into a knock down catch-and-shoot movement shooter capable of slashing to the hoop both as a play finisher and defense manipulator. He’s one of the best fast break operatives in his graduating class, as he’s rather quick in the open court and is able to take full advantage of his elite vertical athleticism. We rarely see his impressive above-the-rim acumen in the half court, as he struggles to create downhill opportunities, but that’s not the case in transition. Other ancillary skills, such as aggressive rebounding and connective passing (when he’s playing focused) further support his ability to play within a system. I expect him to play a limited role next season at Santa Clara, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he emerged as a legitimate contributor for one of the better mid-major programs in the country. I view him as a very real professional prospect, and if he continues to grow and develop, I expect him to either make the professional leap before graduation or finish out his college career at a high major program.

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]]><![CDATA[2026 Recruitment Rankings]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/2026-recruitment-rankings-5c0https://draftstack.substack.com/p/2026-recruitment-rankings-5c0Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:38:04 GMT

1 - Baba Oladotun

From: Compass Prep

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: 3 Level Scoring Hybrid
Top Offers: Maryland (Committed)

2 - Caleb Holt

From: Prolific Prep

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 207
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Natural Scorer

Top Offers: Alabama, Ole Miss, Baylor

3 - Tyran Stokes

From: Rainer Beach HS

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Destructive Physical Wing
Top Offers: Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas

4 - Jason Crowe Jr

From: Inglewood HS

Position: PG
Height: 6’4

Weight: 170
Wingspan: 6’6
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Creative Scoring Guard
Top Offers: Missouri (Committed)

5 - Brandon McCoy Jr

From: St John Bosco

Position: PG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Physical Floor General
Top Offers: UCLA, Duke, Arkansas

6 - Tajh Ariza

From: St Johns Bosco

Position: SF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 195
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Skilled big wing
Top Offers: Oregon (Committed)

7- Dylan Mingo

From: Long Island Lutheran

Position: PG
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’9.5”
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: 2 Way Lead Guard
Top Offers: Alabama, St Johns, Penn State

8- Jordan Smith

From: Paul VI

Position: SG
Height: 6’3”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Explosive Lockdown Guard
Top Offers: Duke, Indiana, Louisville

9- Jaxon Richardson

From: Southeastern Prep

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Athletic Wing Scorer
Top Offers: Creighton, Ole Miss, USC, Alabama

10- Caleb Gaskins

From: Columbus

Position: PF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Skilled Hybrid
Top Offers: Miami Hurricanes (Committed)

11- Christian Collins

From: St John Bosco

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Active hybrid forward
Top Offers: USC, UCLA, Kentucky

12- Joe Philon

From: Montverde

Position: SF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Athletic Finishing Wing
Top Offers: Florida, Miami, USF

13- Ant Thompson

From: Western Reserve Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’8.5”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Smooth Skilled Hybrid
Top Offers: Ohio State (Committed)

14- Deron Rippey Jr

From: Blair Academy

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’5”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Bouncy Floor General
Top Offers: Duke, Rutgers, Texas

15- Cole Cloer

From: Caldwell Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Shifty Combo Guard
Top Offers: NC State (Committed)

16- Ikenna Alozie

From: Dream City Christian

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 186
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Athletic Playmaker
Top Offers: Houston (Committed)

17- Alex Constanza

From: SPIRE Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 207
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Balanced Wing
Top Offers: Georgetown (Committed)

18- Qayden Samuels

From: Bishop McNamara

Position: SF
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Shifty Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Rutgers, UNC, NC State, Alabama

19- Cameron Holmes

From: Millennium

Position: SG
Height: 6’6

Weight: 203
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Gifted Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Arizona (Committed)

20- Toni Bryant

From: Zephyrhills Christian Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’10

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Skilled Faceup
Top Offers: Missouri (Committed)

21- Vaughn Karvala

From: Bella Vista Prep

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Athletic Shot Maker
Top Offers: Indiana (Committed)

22- Ralph Scott

From: IMG Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: N/A
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Offensive Weapon
Top Offers: Tennessee (Committed)

23- Jalen Montonati

From: Owassa

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’8”
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Skilled Wing Scorer
Top Offers: Oklahoma State (Committed)

24- Marcus Johnson

From: Garfield Heights

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Shifty Scoring Lead Guard
Top Offers: Ohio State (Committed)

25- Taylen Kinney

From: OTE

Position: PG
Height: 6’1”

Weight: 160
Wingspan: 6’7”
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Offensively Gifted Lead
Top Offers: Kansas (Committed)

26- Latrell Almond

From: Petersburg

Position: C
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 225
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Athletic Physical Hybrid
Top Offers: Oklahoma State (Committed)

27- JJ Andrews

From: LRCA

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Aggressive Athletic Wing
Top Offers: Arkansas (Committed)

28- Austin Goosby

From: Melissa

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Athletic Off Guard
Top Offers: Texas (Committed)

29- Chris Washington Jr

From: Providence Christian Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 186
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Athletic Offensive Weapon
Top Offers: FSU, Clemson, WVU

30- Davion Atkins

From: Prolific Prep

Position: C
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: 7’2
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Athletic Faceup 5
Top Offers: Kansas (Committed)

31- Chidi Nwigwe

From: Sunrise Christian Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Athletic Wing
Top Offers: NC State, Michigan, Georgia Tech

32- Justin Caldwell

From: North Carolina

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Skilled Bruiser
Top Offers: Georgetown (Committed)

33- Kendre Harrison

From: Reidsville

Position: C
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 243
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Athletic Interior Force
Top Offers: Oregon (Committed)

34- Marcis Ponder

From: West Oaks Academy

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 320
Wingspan: 7’5”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Physically Imposing Rim Presence
Top Offers: FSU (Committed)

35- Cameron Williams

From: St Marys

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Faceup 5
Top Offers: Duke (Committed)

36- Darius Ratliff

From: Archbishop Stepinac

Position: PF
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Skilled Faceup 4
Top Offers: USC (Committed)

37- Moustapha Diop

From: OTE

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 215
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Athletic Hybrid 5/4
Top Offers: Georgia Tech (Committed)

38- Kayden Allen

From: Long Island Lutheran

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Shot making Off Guard
Top Offers: Cincinnati (Committed)

39- Adonis Ratliff

From: Archbishop Stepinac

Position: C
Height: 7’0”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Rim Running 5
Top Offers: USC (Committed)

40- DaKari Spear

From: The Colony

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Athletic Combo
Top Offers: Texas Tech (Committed)

41- Jayden Hodge

From: Montverde Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 194
Wingspan: 6’8.5”
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Skilled Playmaking Wing
Top Offers: Northwestern (Committed)

42- Chase Foster

From: IMG Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Skilled Hybrid 4
Top Offers: Pittsburgh (Committed)

43- Jermal Jones

From: IMG Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Skilled Combo
Top Offers: Pittsburgh (Committed)

44- Arafan Diane

From: Iowa United Prep

Position: C
Height: 7’1”

Weight: 265
Wingspan: 7’3”
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Classic Big
Top Offers: Houston (Committed)

45- Elijah Williams

From: TMI Episcopal

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 14

Playstyle: Shot making Wing
Top Offers: Baylor (Committed)

46- Adam Ouimiddouch

From: OTE

Position: SG
Height: 6’5

Weight: 178
Wingspan: 6’8”
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Crafty Combo
Top Offers: St. John’s (Committed)

47- Kaden House

From: Compass Prep

Position: SG
Height: 6’3”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Scrappy Combo
Top Offers: Maryland (Committed)

48- Aziz Olajuwon

From: Clements

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 15

Playstyle: Skilled Wing
Top Offers: Stanford (Committed)

49- Tarris Bouie

From: SPIRE Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 172
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Athletic Off Guard
Top Offers: Alabama (Committed)

50- Miles Sadler

From: Bella Vista Prep

Position: PG
Height: 5’10”

Weight: 165
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Lightning Quick Lead
Top Offers: West Virginia (Committed)

51- Kobe Edwards

From: Greenfield

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 167
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Dynamic Floor General
Top Offers: Georgetown, Illinois, ECU

52- Quinn Costello

From: Newman School

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Skilled Big Wing
Top Offers: Michigan (Committed)

53- Sam Funches

From: Germantown

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’5”
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Classic Anchor
Top Offers: Gonzaga (Committed)

54- Christian Gibson

From: Mayde Creek HS

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Gifting Scoring Off Guard
Top Offers: UCF (Committed)

55- Aidan Chronister

From: The New School

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 16

Playstyle: Aggressive Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Missouri (Committed)

56- Quincy Wadley

From: Compass Prep

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Shifty Scorer
Top Offers: Maryland, Clemson, Georgia

57- Maximo Adams

From: Sierra Canyon

Position: SF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 212
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 17

Playstyle: Aggressive Jumbo Wing
Top Offers: North Carolina (Committed)

58- Jonathan Sanderson

From: La Lumiere

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 176
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Classic Lead
Top Offers: Notre Dame (Committed)

59- Bryson Howard

From: Heritage High School

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 18

Playstyle: Classic Combo Wing
Top Offers: Duke (Committed)

60- Dean Rueckert

From: Timpview

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’8”
Position Rank: 19

Playstyle: Skilled Wing
Top Offers: BYU (Committed)

61- Neiko Mundey

From: Prince George Christian Academy

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 177
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Shifty Floor General
Top Offers: Texas A&M (Committed)

62- Collin Paul

From: Calvary Christian Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 208
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 20

Playstyle: Playmaking Wing
Top Offers: FSU (Committed)

63- Bo Ogden

From: Westlake

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 14

Playstyle: Smooth Shooter
Top Offers: Texas (Committed)

64- Colben Landrew

From: Wheeler

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 21

Playstyle: Scoring Wing
Top Offers: UCONN (Committed)

65- Shane Pendergrass

From: Hargrave

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Athletic 4
Top Offers: George Mason (Committed)

66- Anthony Felesi

From: Utah Prep

Position: SF
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 22

Playstyle: Rim Pressuring Wing
Top Offers: Pittsburgh (Committed)

67- Luke Ertel

From: Mount Vernon

Position: PG
Height: 6’1”

Weight: 170
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Aggressive Floor General
Top Offers: Purdue (Committed)

68- Jermel Thomas

From: Our Savior Lutheran

Position: PG
Height: 6’3”

Weight: 170
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Slick Floor General
Top Offers: Saint Louis (Committed)

69- Jesiah Jervis

From: Archbishop Stepinac

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 15

Playstyle: Athletic Combo
Top Offers: Michigan State (Committed)

70- Landon Colyer

From: OTE

Position: SG
Height: 6’5

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 16

Playstyle: Smooth Scoring 2
Top Offers: Hampton, FSU, DePaul

71 - Fred Smith

From: Briarcrest Christian

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 23

Playstyle: Athletic Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Missouri, Memphis, Ole Miss

72- Gage Mayfield

From: Hale County

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 24

Playstyle: Skilled Combo Wing
Top Offers: Oklahoma (Committed)

73- Sinan Huan

From: Georgetown Prep

Position: C
Height: 7’1”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Physical 5
Top Offers: Purdue (Committed)

74- Collin Ross

From: SPIRE Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’10”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Athletic Forward
Top Offers: VCU (Committed)

75 - Ethan Mgbako

From: Oak Hill Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 215
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 17

Playstyle: Physical Off Guard
Top Offers: Vanderbilt (Committed)

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]]><![CDATA[Toni Bryant Scouting Deepdive]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/toni-bryant-scouting-deepdivehttps://draftstack.substack.com/p/toni-bryant-scouting-deepdiveTue, 20 Jan 2026 13:22:11 GMT

Last year’s high school graduating class was so stellar that, at least for the top prospects, scouting felt somewhat easy. We got comfortable with that group, and hard work was rarely required to properly express just how special they were. Many would argue that this privilege was not extended to this year’s class, and suddenly, we’ve been thrust into a cycle that requires us to take a more diligent approach. However, I’m of the opinion that there are still a handful of recruits who are easy to define, a trait that I’m certain is held at a premium by college programs and professional organizations. Come this time next year, I have a suspicion that these prospects will be highly regarded ahead of the 2027 draft, as they’ll represent a safe bet compared to most of their peers. Today’s article covers Toni Bryant, one of those safer bets, and someone who I’m betting on heading into his freshman season with Missouri.

Player Profile:

Toni Bryant is a 6’9” and 215lb power forward from Tampa, Florida who currently plays for Southeastern Prep Academy, but who started his high school career with North Tampa Christian Academy. He started his senior season with Zephyrhills Christian Academy but transferred to SEPA following a mid-season coaching change. He now plays alongside fellow top recruits Jaxon Richardson (#20 – Class of 2026), CJ Rosser (#2 – Class of 2027), Obinna Ekezie Jr (#3 – Class of 2027), and Beckham Black (#19 – Class of 2027) among others.

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Bryant has been a priority recruit throughout the entirety of his high school career, receiving his first high major offer from Florida State following his freshman season. He picked up offers from Illinois and Iowa a few months later. He cemented himself at the top of his class during his sophomore year with North Tampa, and at season’s end he received an offer from Missouri, where he would eventually commit to continue his career prior to his senior season.

Before transferring to SEPA, Bryant had led Zephyrhills to a 6-1 record, a hot start that found the program named as one of the top 25 teams in the country. Prior to his transfer, SEPA was already considered a top 10 team in the nation, and now they’ve added Bryant, who will certainly be their best two-way player. Personally, he looks to achieve consensus five-star status and be selected to the McDonald’s All-American game. He’s a part of the #6 recruiting class in all of college basketball alongside Jason Crowe Jr (#3 – Class of 2026) and Aidan Chronister (#70 – Class of 2026). No matter how the remainder of his senior season goes, he’s in a great place heading into his freshman season with the Tigers.

Interior Scoring:

Seeing that Bryant is an athletic specimen with fantastic size and a muscular frame, it should come as no surprise that he’s a premier interior scorer. Coming into his senior season, many evaluators questioned his touch, wondering if he’d ever develop a consistent inside scoring game beyond his run-and-dunk abilities. He’s proven his doubters wrong (for the most part) through the first few months of the season, showcasing an impressively well-rounded scoring arsenal from the interior. That said, his athleticism is special, and while I’m glad his shot diet has become more diverse, it’s still important to note that his above-the-rim scoring is where he shines and where I think he’ll hang his hat as a future NBA Draft prospect.

I had not watched much of Bryant before this year, so I did not see him previous to his physical growth this off-season. From what I understand, he was not the physically imposing force that he is today in seasons prior. My guess is that this physical growth directly led to his improvements as a self-creator, because I feel that I’m far higher on his creation ability than evaluators and scouts were as recently as this Summer. He doesn’t have a fantastic handle (although one could argue his handle is better than most recruits of a similar archetype), but what he does have are quick-twitch reflexes, impressive balance, and an ability to absorb and finish through contact. He’s at his best working from the mid-range with his back to the basket. He’s able to spin off his defender with a ton of immediate downhill acceleration and force, turning himself into a wrecking ball at the rim even when he doesn’t have room for more than one or two steps. If his momentum does come to a halt inside, his strength allows him to muscle through interior defenders and go up for layups and dunks. Finally, he’s a very good offensive rebounder, a skill built on his vertical athleticism and strength. All in all, while I can’t confidently say his interior self-creation will be a major part of Missouri’s gameplan during his freshman campaign, I do think it will be a valuable skill to consider throughout his draft cycle.

You may be asking yourself, “Why won’t his self-creation be a major part of Missouri’s gameplan?” My answer to your question is because it doesn’t need to be. Bryant, at least as of today, is at his best working away from the ball both in the half- and full-court. He’s arguably the best lob threat in his graduating class, and he certainly combines lob-catching ability and contact absorption better than any of his peers. He’s a solid screener, usually allowing him the space necessary to catch and throw down a lob out of basically every pick-and-roll scenario. He’s incredibly effective on the fast break, as he’s faster than most of his frontcourt contemporaries and is excellent at utilizing his balance and athleticism to stop on a dime when necessary, or go up for monstrous dunks otherwise. His only noticeable flaw as an off-ball operative is his inability to consistently catch the ball low. He struggles to make plays following a bad pass, a skill that he’ll have to develop as he progresses through his career.

Mid-Range Scoring:

Bryant has worked hard to extend his game beyond the arc and prove himself as a capable multi-level scorer, but he’s already proven himself productive from the mid-range. He utilizes his interior scoring skills to bolster his mid-range output, as defenders are forced to respect his driving ability and give him enough space to consistently get his shot off from this level. He’s a fantastic face-up shooter, regularly transitioning out of his back-to-the-basket positioning for quick turnaround jumpers. He sees more catch-and-shoot opportunities from this level than you’d probably expect, and he’s capable of creating his own looks off-the-dribble, even though I’m not certain that will be asked of him at the college level.

Much like his close-range scoring, while Bryant does possess self-creation ability from this level, he’s at his best working away from the ball or limiting his dribbles. He’s very effective when he turns back-to-the-basket possessions into face-up attempts, and his ability to knock down catch-and-shoot looks from the mid-range is a somewhat unique skill in today’s basketball landscape. His vertical style of play and movement can sometimes hinder his game, especially when it comes to his handle, but it supports his jump shooting. Because he doesn’t have to uncoil his body during his shot motion, he’s able to get off the floor very quickly. This, combined with a difficult to reach release point that sits atop his head, makes his shot very difficult to properly contest. If he could maintain a consistent shot motion, which often sees small changes from play-to-play, I could confidently project him to be an above-average mid-range shooter at least at the collegiate level, and perhaps even against professional defenders. However, that inconsistency is a real concern, and it’s something that I hope naturally improves as he sees increased opportunity.

While there are signs that Bryant may one day develop a legitimate self-creation toolbelt from this level, at the moment, this simply isn’t a major part of his game. He dabbles with the occasional off-the-dribble jumper, but for the most part the extent of his self-created looks are turnaround attempts following a backdown. That said, even though he doesn’t create a ton of space with his handle or movement, his release point still makes his shot difficult to block, and his touch does allow him to convert a decent number of these attempts. If he does loosen up as a mover while developing a stronger handle, he could very well become a notable mid-range shot creator relative to his position group.

Another area where he’s actively developing is the short mid-range, specifically on his touch shots. While he does have more game feel than you’d expect from a rim running power forward, he still must improve in areas such as this before he can claim a truly well-rounded offensive arsenal. He’s actually rather proficient at finding strong court position and creating space via his verticality and agility. That said, he’s been inconsistent in converting these looks, and at the moment he’s probably better off taking the ball to the rim instead of searching for short mid-range opportunities. If his efficiency on these shots does improve, he’ll be able to claim some level of adeptness from all four scoring levels, if you separate the mid-range into two separate levels, short and long.

Outside Shooting:

I’m hopeful that Bryant will be a serviceable three-point shooter throughout the remainder of his career. Based on what I’ve seen from him, Bryant is confident that he’ll be a more-than-serviceable outside shot creator. While he is a solid catch-and-shoot operative, his shot diet certainly suggests that he considers himself more than just that. He attempts a ton of off-the-dribble threes, and while this may eventually be a more prominent part of his game, as of today I think he’s a bit too liberal on these attempts. That said, I’m glad he’s getting the repetitions necessary to become the shooter he clearly wants to be, and I do think that his long-range shooting ceiling will be viewed in a positive light throughout his draft cycle.

Percentagewise, he’s solid on catch-and-shoot attempts, but there is a bit of a give-and-take when compared to other aspects of his game. Compared to his mid-range jump shot, his outside shot is far slower, more labored, and easier to contest. That said, he doesn’t suffer from the same inconsistency issues from beyond the arc, with his shot motion being far more replicable and seemingly comfortable. While I would like to see him speed up his motion and maybe raise his release point, as long as he continues to make these shots at an efficient rate, I won’t make a major fuss over his mechanics.

Of course, I didn’t clip up his misses or examples of poor shot selection from beyond the arc, but let it be known that I do question his shot selection from this range quite often. Not because the shots he takes are always bad ones, but because he often takes threes when the drive is a far more enticing option. That said, I will point out how much faster his shot motion is on these looks, suggesting that he is capable of such a thing on his catch-and-shoot attempts. It is important to remember that we’re talking about a 6’9” power forward whose game is primarily predicated on his interior athleticism, so that we’re even talking about his off-the-dribble three-point shooting should be a long-term positive indicator. If he can become as efficient on these looks as he is when playing off-the-ball, he’d be tough to pass on for a team looking to draft a frontcourt player with both upside and win-now ability.

Playmaking & Passing:

There really isn’t much to write about in this section; passing is by far Bryant’s biggest weakness. He’s okay at making passes out of the paint, but other than that he seriously struggles to effectively move the ball. He can be a ball stopper when operating along the perimeter, often choosing to settle for low percentage outside shots rather than swing the ball to an open shooter. He should be a better passer on his drives, as his gravity in these situations is strong enough to draw multiple defenders and leave teammates open. However, his handle isn’t strong enough for him to take his eyes off the ball or the rim long enough to find the pass and make it without turning the ball over. Luckily for him, I’m not sure that being a secondary or even tertiary passer is going to be asked of him at either the college or professional level, so while it would certainly help if he improved as a passer, it’s probably not a deal breaker if he doesn’t.

Defense:

After all the high praise I’ve given his offensive abilities, I’d still argue that he’s even better on the defensive end. His offense is probably more polished than his defense, but the gap between him and his peers on the defensive end is far greater than it is on offense. During an era when most recruits dedicate themselves to improving their offensive skillset, a player like Bryant, who’s an absolutely monstrous rim protector, stands out as a different type of player. He’s probably the best rim protector in the 2026 class despite only being a forward, and while he isn’t a game breaking man-to-man defender, he has the physical intangibles to one day become just that.

What makes Bryant such a special rim protector is the diverse nature of his shot blocking abilities. He’s not some 7-footer picking up a couple blocks working in drop coverage; he’s an athletic specimen with elite mobility who gets off the ground incredibly quick. He’s also difficult to out-muscle in the paint, something that has improved this season after the development of his frame. He can be drawn away from the paint and still recover to the basket. He’s able to keep up with guards in transition. If he falls for a pump fake, his second jump is still fast enough to catch up with the ball. He’s also very good at pinning shots against the backboard, saving the possession and allowing his team to get out in the fast break. I really do think he’s talented enough to be a primary rim protector despite being undersized for that role, but realistically, he’ll probably play alongside a true center for most of his career. That being the case, I can only imagine the chaos caused by him playing with another legitimate rim protector (perhaps 7’5” Trent Burns next season at Missouri).

As I mentioned, apart from his rim protection he’s not an all-around defensive gamebreaker. That said, he holds his own in other areas, as he’s still a strong and athletic player, traits that come in handy no matter what you’re doing on a basketball court. He doesn’t force many steals, and he really doesn’t even attempt deflections, instead opting to play a conservative brand of defense for the most part. He can get into foul trouble when he starts block hunting, as he has a bad habit of jumping at pump fakes and being punished by quick thinking opponents. Discipline is taught, and it’s something that I imagine will be fixed over time as he moves through upper levels of the sport. If he maintains his elite rim protection while also remaining solid while defending on the floor, I think he’ll be a can’t miss defensive prospect when he makes the professional transition.

Summary:

Before I summarize Bryant’s game, as always, I want to put together a list of his flaws and weaknesses so that you have a better understanding of his profile in its entirety. Let it be known that every player has weaknesses, and what makes the great players great is their ability to view these flaws as areas in need of improvement rather than areas void of potential. In Bryant’s case, we’re looking at a player who is still actively developing, but whose strengths outweigh his weaknesses by a significant margin.

  • Despite being an incredibly talented interior scorer, he still needs to improve his touch and overall non-dunk finishing ability. While this is his strongest scoring level, it’s not strong enough for me to feel fully confident that it won’t betray him against professional defenders.

  • He struggles to handle passes below the knees or outside of his standard catch radius; he needs to work on his hands and coordination overall.

  • His handle, while actively improving, still has a long way to go before he’ll consistently be able to do the things he clearly wants to do on the offensive end. This includes on-ball driving and shot creation from both the mid-range and beyond the arc.

  • While I don’t always mind that he takes ill-advised shots from the mid-range and from beyond the arc, I only hope that he doesn’t become attached to these attempts mentally, because I’m not sure he’ll be permitted to take them next season.

  • His shot motion from mid-range is inconsistent, and not just overall or from game-to-game, but literally from play-to-play. If he doesn’t develop uniform mechanics, he’s going to struggle to be the offensive agent he strives to be.

  • His long-range shooting mechanics aren’t as inconsistent as they are from mid-range, but they do differ between his catch-and-shoot and self-created looks. If he could harness the speed at which he moves on his off-the-dribble attempts and incorporate that into his more efficient off-ball work, that would be ideal.

  • His biggest weakness is his passing, an area he has seriously struggled in during his senior season. He can be a ball stopper on the perimeter, isn’t the kickout passer you’d like him to be, and can appear selfish when he sets his sights on scoring.

  • While he naturally has solid rebounding numbers because of his size and athleticism, he can be lazy at times on box outs. He’s far more aggressive on the offensive glass than he is on the other end, which can sometimes result in easy offensive rebounds for opponents.

  • Despite rim protection being his strongest skill, he still has his moments of being an undisciplined shot blocker. He jumps at pump fakes, picks up fouls, and occasionally gives up an easy look.

  • He’s not the same defender outside of the paint that he is inside it, and at times he can come across as too conservative a defender. He doesn’t attempt steals or deflections at the rate I’d like to see from someone who is supposed to be an elite defensive prospect.

In my opinion, Bryant is probably underrated. He’s one of the best defenders in his graduating class and his offensive game has flown well under the radar to this point. The developments he’s made this season suggest he has a higher offensive ceiling than evaluators previously thought, and if he can further tap into that next season at Missouri, we’re looking at a lottery talent. I’m hoping that, as he finishes his senior season with SEPA surrounded by other premier talents, he will stand out as the best all-around player on the team. I’m hoping that his shot making and shot creation continue to improve and that his reps don’t decrease too drastically now that he must split them between more teammates. If all of that happens, I expect the buzz surrounding him to be far greater when he makes his freshman debut than it is today, and for good reason.

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]]><![CDATA[2026 Recruitment Rankings]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/2026-recruitment-rankings-a4ehttps://draftstack.substack.com/p/2026-recruitment-rankings-a4eSat, 10 Jan 2026 16:52:16 GMT

1 - Baba Oladotun

From: Compass Prep

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: 3 Level Scoring Hybrid
Top Offers: Maryland (Committed)

2 - Jason Crowe Jr

From: Inglewood HS

Position: PG
Height: 6’4

Weight: 170
Wingspan: 6’6
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Creative Scoring Guard
Top Offers: Missouri (Committed)

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3 - Brandon McCoy Jr

From: St John Bosco

Position: PG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Physical Floor General
Top Offers: UCLA, Duke, Arkansas

4 - Caleb Holt

From: Prolific Prep

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 207
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Natural Scorer

Top Offers: Alabama, Ole Miss, Baylor

5 - Tyran Stokes

From: Rainer Beach HS

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Destructive Physical Wing
Top Offers: Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas

6 - Tajh Ariza

From: St Johns Bosco

Position: SF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 195
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Skilled big wing
Top Offers: Oregon (Committed)

7- Dylan Mingo

From: Long Island Lutheran

Position: PG
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’9.5”
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: 2 Way Lead Guard
Top Offers: Alabama, St Johns, Penn State

8- Jordan Smith

From: Paul VI

Position: SG
Height: 6’3”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Explosive Lockdown Guard
Top Offers: Duke, Indiana, Louisville

9- Christian Collins

From: St John Bosco

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Active hybrid forward
Top Offers: USC, UCLA, Kentucky

10- Jaxon Richardson

From: Southeastern Prep

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Athletic Wing Scorer
Top Offers: Creighton, Ole Miss, USC, Alabama

11- Caleb Gaskins

From: Columbus

Position: PF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Skilled Hybrid
Top Offers: Miami Hurricanes (Committed)

12- Ant Thompson

From: Western Reserve Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’8.5”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Smooth Skilled Hybrid
Top Offers: Ohio State (Committed)

13- Joe Philon

From: Montverde

Position: SF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Athletic Finishing Wing
Top Offers: Florida, Miami, USF

14- Ikenna Alozie

From: Dream City Christian

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 186
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Athletic Playmaker
Top Offers: Houston (Committed)

15- Deron Rippey Jr

From: Blair Academy

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’5”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Bouncy Floor General
Top Offers: Duke, Rutgers, Texas

16- Cole Cloer

From: Caldwell Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Shifty Combo Guard
Top Offers: NC State (Committed)

17- Alex Constanza

From: SPIRE Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 207
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Balanced Wing
Top Offers: Georgetown (Committed)

18- Qayden Samuels

From: Bishop McNamara

Position: SF
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Shifty Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Rutgers, UNC, NC State, Alabama

19- Cameron Holmes

From: Millennium

Position: SG
Height: 6’6

Weight: 203
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Gifted Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Arizona (Committed)

20- Toni Bryant

From: Zephyrhills Christian Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’10

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Skilled Faceup
Top Offers: Missouri (Committed)

21- Vaughn Karvala

From: Bella Vista Prep

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Athletic Shot Maker
Top Offers: Indiana (Committed)

22- Ralph Scott

From: IMG Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: N/A
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Offensive Weapon
Top Offers: Tennessee (Committed)

23- Jalen Montonati

From: Owassa

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’8”
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Skilled Wing Scorer
Top Offers: Oklahoma State (Committed)

24- Marcus Johnson

From: Garfield Heights

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Shifty Scoring Lead Guard
Top Offers: Ohio State (Committed)

25- Taylen Kinney

From: OTE

Position: PG
Height: 6’1”

Weight: 160
Wingspan: 6’7”
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Offensively Gifted Lead
Top Offers: Kansas (Committed)

26- Latrell Almond

From: Petersburg

Position: C
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 225
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Athletic Physical Hybrid
Top Offers: Oklahoma State (Committed)

27- JJ Andrews

From: LRCA

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Aggressive Athletic Wing
Top Offers: Arkansas (Committed)

28- Austin Goosby

From: Melissa

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Athletic Off Guard
Top Offers: Texas (Committed)

29- Chris Washington Jr

From: Providence Christian Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 186
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Athletic Offensive Weapon
Top Offers: FSU, Clemson, WVU

30- Davion Atkins

From: Prolific Prep

Position: C
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: 7’2
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Athletic Faceup 5
Top Offers: Kansas (Committed)

31- Chidi Nwigwe

From: Sunrise Christian Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Athletic Wing
Top Offers: NC State, Michigan, Georgia Tech

32- Justin Caldwell

From: North Carolina

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Skilled Bruiser
Top Offers: Georgetown (Committed)

33- Kendre Harrison

From: Reidsville

Position: C
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 243
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Athletic Interior Force
Top Offers: Oregon (Committed)

34- Cameron Williams

From: St Marys

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Faceup 5
Top Offers: Duke (Committed)

35- Darius Ratliff

From: Archbishop Stepinac

Position: PF
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Skilled Faceup 4
Top Offers: USC (Committed)

36- Moustapha Diop

From: OTE

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 215
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Athletic Hybrid 5/4
Top Offers: Georgia Tech (Committed)

37- Kayden Allen

From: Long Island Lutheran

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Shot making Off Guard
Top Offers: Cincinnati (Committed)

38- Adonis Ratliff

From: Archbishop Stepinac

Position: C
Height: 7’0”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Rim Running 5
Top Offers: USC (Committed)

39- DaKari Spear

From: The Colony

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Athletic Combo
Top Offers: Texas Tech (Committed)

40- Jayden Hodge

From: Montverde Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 194
Wingspan: 6’8.5”
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Skilled Playmaking Wing
Top Offers: Northwestern (Committed)

41- Chase Foster

From: IMG Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Skilled Hybrid 4
Top Offers: Pittsburgh (Committed)

42- Jermal Jones

From: IMG Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Skilled Combo
Top Offers: Pittsburgh (Committed)

42- Arafan Diane

From: Iowa United Prep

Position: C
Height: 7’1”

Weight: 265
Wingspan: 7’3”
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Classic Big
Top Offers: Houston (Committed)

44- Elijah Williams

From: TMI Episcopal

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 14

Playstyle: Shot making Wing
Top Offers: Baylor (Committed)

45- Adam Ouimiddouch

From: OTE

Position: SG
Height: 6’5

Weight: 178
Wingspan: 6’8”
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Crafty Combo
Top Offers: St. John’s (Committed)

46- Kaden House

From: Compass Prep

Position: SG
Height: 6’3”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Scrappy Combo
Top Offers: Maryland (Committed)

47- Aziz Olajuwon

From: Clements

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 15

Playstyle: Skilled Wing
Top Offers: Stanford (Committed)

48- Tarris Bouie

From: SPIRE Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 172
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Athletic Off Guard
Top Offers: Alabama (Committed)

49- Miles Sadler

From: Bella Vista Prep

Position: PG
Height: 5’10”

Weight: 165
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Lightning Quick Lead
Top Offers: West Virginia (Committed)

50- Kobe Edwards

From: Greenfield

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 167
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Dynamic Floor General
Top Offers: Georgetown, Illinois, ECU

51- Quinn Costello

From: Newman School

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Skilled Big Wing
Top Offers: Michigan (Committed)

52- Sam Funches

From: Germantown

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’5”
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Classic Anchor
Top Offers: Gonzaga (Committed)

53- Christian Gibson

From: Mayde Creek HS

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Gifting Scoring Off Guard
Top Offers: UCF (Committed)

54- Aidan Chronister

From: The New School

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 16

Playstyle: Aggressive Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Missouri (Committed)

55- Quincy Wadley

From: Compass Prep

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Shifty Scorer
Top Offers: Maryland, Clemson, Georgia

56- Maximo Adams

From: Sierra Canyon

Position: SF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 212
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 17

Playstyle: Aggressive Jumbo Wing
Top Offers: North Carolina (Committed)

57- Jonathan Sanderson

From: La Lumiere

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 176
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Classic Lead
Top Offers: Notre Dame (Committed)

58 - Marcis Ponder

From: West Oaks Academy

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 320
Wingspan: 7’5”
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Physically Imposing Rim Presence
Top Offers: FSU (Committed)

59- Bryson Howard

From: Heritage High School

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 18

Playstyle: Classic Combo Wing
Top Offers: Duke (Committed)

60- Dean Rueckert

From: Timpview

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’8”
Position Rank: 19

Playstyle: Skilled Wing
Top Offers: BYU (Committed)

61- Neiko Mundey

From: Prince George Christian Academy

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 177
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Shifty Floor General
Top Offers: Texas A&M (Committed)

62- Collin Paul

From: Calvary Christian Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 208
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 20

Playstyle: Playmaking Wing
Top Offers: FSU (Committed)

63- Bo Ogden

From: Westlake

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 14

Playstyle: Smooth Shooter
Top Offers: Texas (Committed)

64- Colben Landrew

From: Wheeler

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 21

Playstyle: Scoring Wing
Top Offers: UCONN (Committed)

65- Shane Pendergrass

From: Hargrave

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Athletic 4
Top Offers: George Mason (Committed)

66- Anthony Felesi

From: Utah Prep

Position: SF
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 22

Playstyle: Rim Pressuring Wing
Top Offers: Pittsburgh (Committed)

67- Luke Ertel

From: Mount Vernon

Position: PG
Height: 6’1”

Weight: 170
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Aggressive Floor General
Top Offers: Purdue (Committed)

68- Jermel Thomas

From: Our Savior Lutheran

Position: PG
Height: 6’3”

Weight: 170
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Slick Floor General
Top Offers: Saint Louis (Committed)

69- Jesiah Jervis

From: Archbishop Stepinac

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 15

Playstyle: Athletic Combo
Top Offers: Michigan State (Committed)

70- Sinan Huan

From: Georgetown Prep

Position: C
Height: 7’1”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Physical 5
Top Offers: Purdue (Committed)

71- Landon Colyer

From: OTE

Position: SG
Height: 6’5

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 16

Playstyle: Smooth Scoring 2
Top Offers: Hampton, FSU, DePaul

72 - Fred Smith

From: Briarcrest Christian

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 23

Playstyle: Athletic Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Missouri, Memphis, Ole Miss

73- Gage Mayfield

From: Hale County

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 24

Playstyle: Skilled Combo Wing
Top Offers: Oklahoma (Committed)

74 - Ethan Mgbako

From: Oak Hill Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 215
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 17

Playstyle: Physical Off Guard
Top Offers: Vanderbilt (Committed)

75- Collin Ross

From: SPIRE Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’10”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Athletic Forward
Top Offers: VCU (Committed)

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]]><![CDATA[2026 Recruitment Rankings]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/2026-recruitment-rankings-841https://draftstack.substack.com/p/2026-recruitment-rankings-841Sun, 30 Nov 2025 13:10:43 GMT

1- Tyran Stokes

From: Notre Dame HS

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Destructive Physical Wing
Top Offers: Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas

2 - Baba Oladotun

From: Compass Prep

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: 3 Level Scoring Hybrid
Top Offers: Maryland (Committed)

3 - Jason Crowe Jr

From: Inglewood HS

Position: PG
Height: 6’4

Weight: 170
Wingspan: 6’6
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Creative Scoring Guard
Top Offers: Missouri (Committed)

4- Brandon McCoy Jr

From: St John Bosco

Position: PG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Physical Floor General
Top Offers: UCLA, Duke, Arkansas

5 - Caleb Holt

From: Prolific Prep

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 207
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Natural Scorer

Top Offers: Alabama, Ole Miss, Baylor

6- Tajh Ariza

From: St Johns Bosco

Position: SF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 195
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Skilled big wing
Top Offers: Oregon (Committed)

7- Dylan Mingo

From: Long Island Lutheran

Position: PG
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’9.5”
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: 2 Way Lead Guard
Top Offers: Alabama, FSU, St Johns

8- Jordan Smith

From: Paul VI

Position: SG
Height: 6’3”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Explosive Lockdown Guard
Top Offers: Duke, Indiana, Louisville

9- Christian Collins

From: St John Bosco

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Active hybrid forward
Top Offers: USC, UCLA, Kentucky

10- Jaxon Richardson

From: Columbus

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Athletic Wing Scorer
Top Offers: Creighton, Ole Miss, USC, Alabama

11- Caleb Gaskins

From: Columbus

Position: PF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Skilled Hybrid
Top Offers: Miami Hurricanes (Committed)

12- Ant Thompson

From: Western Reserve Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’8.5”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Smooth Skilled Hybrid
Top Offers: Ohio State (Committed)

13- Ikenna Alozie

From: Dream City Christian

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 186
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Athletic Playmaker
Top Offers: Houston (Committed)

14- Joe Philon

From: Montverde

Position: SF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Athletic Finishing Wing
Top Offers: Florida, Miami, USF

15- Cole Cloer

From: Caldwell Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Shifty Combo Guard
Top Offers: NC State (Committed)

16- Deron Rippey Jr

From: Blair Academy

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’5”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Bouncy Floor General
Top Offers: Duke, Rutgers, Texas

17- Alex Constanza

From: SPIRE Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 207
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Balanced Wing
Top Offers: Georgetown (Committed)

18- Cameron Holmes

From: Millennium

Position: SG
Height: 6’6

Weight: 203
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Gifted Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Arizona (Committed)

19- Qayden Samuels

From: Bishop McNamara

Position: SF
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Shifty Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Rutgers, UNC, NC State, Alabama

20- Toni Bryant

From: Zephyrhills Christian Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’10

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Skilled Faceup
Top Offers: Missouri (Committed)

21- Vaughn Karvala

From: Bella Vista Prep

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Athletic Shot Maker
Top Offers: Indiana (Committed)

22- Ralph Scott

From: IMG Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: N/A
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Offensive Weapon
Top Offers: Tennessee (Committed)

23- Taylen Kinney

From: OTE

Position: PG
Height: 6’1”

Weight: 160
Wingspan: 6’7”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Offensively Gifted Lead
Top Offers: Kansas (Committed)

24- Jalen Montonati

From: Owassa

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’8”
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Skilled Wing Scorer
Top Offers: Oklahoma State (Committed)

25- Marcus Johnson

From: Garfield Heights

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Shifty Scoring Lead Guard
Top Offers: Ohio State (Committed)

26- Latrell Almond

From: Petersburg

Position: C
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 225
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Athletic Physical Hybrid
Top Offers: Oklahoma State (Committed)

27- JJ Andrews

From: LRCA

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Aggressive Athletic Wing
Top Offers: Arkansas (Committed)

27- Austin Goosby

From: Melissa

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Athletic Off Guard
Top Offers: Texas (Committed)

29- Chris Washington Jr

From: Providence Christian Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 186
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Athletic Offensive Weapon
Top Offers: FSU, Clemson, WVU

30- Davion Atkins

From: Prolific Prep

Position: C
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: 7’2
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Athletic Faceup 5
Top Offers: Kansas (Committed)

31- Chidi Nwigwe

From: Sunrise Christian Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Athletic Wing
Top Offers: NC State, Michigan, Georgia Tech

32- Justin Caldwell

From: North Carolina

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Skilled Bruiser
Top Offers: Georgetown (Committed)

33- Kendre Harrison

From: Reidsville

Position: C
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 243
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Athletic Interior Force
Top Offers: Oregon (Committed)

34- Cameron Williams

From: St Marys

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Faceup 5
Top Offers: Duke (Committed)

35- Darius Ratliff

From: Archbishop Stepinac

Position: PF
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Skilled Faceup 4
Top Offers: USC (Committed)

36- Moustapha Diop

From: OTE

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 215
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Athletic Hybrid 5/4
Top Offers: Georgia Tech (Committed)

37- Kayden Allen

From: Long Island Lutheran

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Shot making Off Guard
Top Offers: Cincinnati (Committed)

38- Adonis Ratliff

From: Archbishop Stepinac

Position: C
Height: 7’0”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Rim Running 5
Top Offers: USC (Committed)

39- DaKari Spear

From: The Colony

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Athletic Combo
Top Offers: Texas Tech (Committed)

40- Chase Foster

From: IMG Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Skilled Hybrid 4
Top Offers: Pittsburgh (Committed)

41- Jayden Hodge

From: Montverde Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 194
Wingspan: 6’8.5”
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Skilled Playmaking Wing
Top Offers: Northwestern (Committed)

42- Arafan Diane

From: Iowa United Prep

Position: C
Height: 7’1”

Weight: 265
Wingspan: 7’3”
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Classic Big
Top Offers: Houston (Committed)

43- Jermal Jones

From: IMG Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Skilled Combo
Top Offers: Pittsburgh (Committed)

44- Elijah Williams

From: TMI Episcopal

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 14

Playstyle: Shot making Wing
Top Offers: Baylor (Committed)

45- Adam Ouimiddouch

From: OTE

Position: SG
Height: 6’5

Weight: 178
Wingspan: 6’8”
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Crafty Combo
Top Offers: St. John’s (Committed)

46- Aziz Olajuwon

From: Clements

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 15

Playstyle: Skilled Wing
Top Offers: Stanford (Committed)

47- Kaden House

From: Compass Prep

Position: SG
Height: 6’3”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Scrappy Combo
Top Offers: Maryland (Committed)

48- Tarris Bouie

From: SPIRE Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 172
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Athletic Off Guard
Top Offers: Alabama (Committed)

49- Miles Sadler

From: Bella Vista Prep

Position: PG
Height: 5’10”

Weight: 165
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Lightning Quick Lead
Top Offers: West Virginia (Committed)

50- Kobe Edwards

From: Greenfield

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 167
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Dynamic Floor General
Top Offers: Georgetown, Illinois, ECU

51- Quinn Costello

From: Newman School

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Skilled Big Wing
Top Offers: Michigan (Committed)

52- Sam Funches

From: Germantown

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’5”
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Classic Anchor
Top Offers: Gonzaga (Committed)

53- Christian Gibson

From: Mayde Creek HS

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Gifting Scoring Off Guard
Top Offers: UCF (Committed)

54- Aidan Chronister

From: The New School

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 16

Playstyle: Aggressive Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Missouri (Committed)

55- Quincy Wadley

From: Compass Prep

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Shifty Scorer
Top Offers: Maryland, Clemson, Georgia

56- Maximo Adams

From: Sierra Canyon

Position: SF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 212
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 17

Playstyle: Aggressive Jumbo Wing
Top Offers: North Carolina (Committed)

57- Jonathan Sanderson

From: La Lumiere

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 176
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Classic Lead
Top Offers: Notre Dame (Committed)

58 - Marcis Ponder

From: West Oaks Academy

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 320
Wingspan: 7’5”
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Physically Imposing Rim Presence
Top Offers: FSU (Committed)

59- Bryson Howard

From: Heritage High School

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 18

Playstyle: Classic Combo Wing
Top Offers: Duke (Committed)

60- Dean Rueckert

From: Timpview

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’8”
Position Rank: 19


Playstyle: Skilled Wing
Top Offers: BYU (Committed)

61- Neiko Mundey

From: Prince George Christian Academy

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 177
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Shifty Floor General
Top Offers: Texas A&M (Committed)

62- Collin Paul

From: Calvary Christian Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 208
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 20

Playstyle: Playmaking Wing
Top Offers: FSU (Committed)

63- Bo Ogden

From: Westlake

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 14

Playstyle: Smooth Shooter
Top Offers: Texas (Committed)

64- Colben Landrew

From: Wheeler

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 21

Playstyle: Scoring Wing
Top Offers: UCONN (Committed)

65- Shane Pendergrass

From: Hargrave

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Athletic 4
Top Offers: George Mason (Committed)

66- Luke Ertel

From: Mount Vernon

Position: PG
Height: 6’1”

Weight: 170
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Aggressive Floor General
Top Offers: Purdue (Committed)

67- Anthony Felesi

From: Utah Prep

Position: SF
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 22

Playstyle: Rim Pressuring Wing
Top Offers: Pittsburgh (Committed)

68- Jermel Thomas

From: Our Savior Lutheran

Position: PG
Height: 6’3”

Weight: 170
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Slick Floor General
Top Offers: Saint Louis (Committed)

69- Jesiah Jervis

From: Archbishop Stepinac

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 15

Playstyle: Athletic Combo
Top Offers: Michigan State (Committed)

70- Landon Colyer

From: OTE

Position: SG
Height: 6’5

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 16

Playstyle: Smooth Scoring 2
Top Offers: Hampton, FSU, DePaul

71- Sinan Huan

From: Georgetown Prep

Position: C
Height: 7’1”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Physical 5
Top Offers: Purdue (Committed)

72 - Fred Smith

From: Briarcrest Christian

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 23

Playstyle: Athletic Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Missouri, Memphis, Ole Miss

73- Gage Mayfield

From: Hale County

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 24

Playstyle: Skilled Combo Wing
Top Offers: Oklahoma (Committed)

74 - Ethan Mgbako

From: Oak Hill Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 215
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 17

Playstyle: Physical Off Guard
Top Offers: Vanderbilt (Committed)

75- Collin Ross

From: SPIRE Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’10”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Athletic Forward
Top Offers: VCU (Committed)

76- Manny Green

From: Cedar Grove

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 183
Wingspan: 6’10.5”
Position Rank: 25

Playstyle: Athletic 2 Way Wing
Top Offers: Tennessee (Committed)

77- Joe Sterling

From: Harvard Westlake

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 18

Playstyle: Scoring Oriented Combo
Top Offers: Texas (Committed)

78- Sammy Jackson

From: Roman Catholic

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 208
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 26

Playstyle: Athletic Wing
Top Offers: VCU (Committed)

79- Favour Ibe

From: Mt. Zion Prep

Position: C
Height: 7’1”

Weight: 235
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Classic Big Anchor
Top Offers: Georgia, FSU, Alabama

80- Dionte Neal

From: Reidsville

Position: PG
Height: 5’9.5”

Weight: 160
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 14

Playstyle: Lockdown Floor General
Top Offers: UNCG (Committed)

81- Katrelle Harmon

From: Wasatch Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 184
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 19

Playstyle: Athletic Combo
Top Offers: Creighton (Committed)

82- Kevin Thomas

From: Montverde Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 27

Playstyle: Scoring Wing
Top Offers: LSU (Committed)

83- Brandon Bass Jr

From: Windermere Prep

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 180

Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 20

Playstyle: Scoring Off Guard
Top Offers: FSU (Committed)

84- Alex Egbuonu

From: Lawrence Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 28

Playstyle: Physical Wing
Top Offers: Marquette (Committed)

85- Darius Bivins

From: Bishop O’Connell

Position: PG
Height: 6’0”

Weight: 160
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 15

Playstyle: Speedy Facilitator
Top Offers: Maryland, Harvard, BYU, Texas Tech

86- Cody Peck

From: Davidson Day

Position: PF
Height: 6’10”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Athletic Hybrid
Top Offers: UVA, Clemson, Dayton

87- Aiden Derkack

From: SPIRE Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 165
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 21

Playstyle: Skilled Shooter
Top Offers: Providence (Committed)

88- Keonte Greybear

From: Link Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 165
Wingspan: 6’5”
Position Rank: 22

Playstyle: Athletic Scoring Combo
Top Offers: Kansas, Oklahoma St, Texas Tech

89- Herly Brutus

From: Villages Charter School

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 29

Playstyle: Slashing Wing
Top Offers: LSU (Committed)

90- Julius Avent

From: Bergen Catholic

Position: PF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 203
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 14

Playstyle: Classic Hybrid
Top Offers: Michigan State (Committed)

91- Trent Perry

From: Link Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 170
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 30

Playstyle: Athletic Wing
Top Offers: Kansas (Committed)

92- Steve Reynolds

From: Arlington Martin

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 170
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 23

Playstyle: Scoring 2
Top Offers: Purdue, DePaul, Indiana

93- Trey Beamer

From: IMG Academy

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 163
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 16

Playstyle: Sniping Floor General
Top Offers: Boston College (Committed)

94- Brannon Martinson

From: Sierra Canyon High School

Position: PF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 15

Playstyle: Athletic Hybrid
Top Offers: UCLA, USC, TCU

95- Imahri Wooten

From: Redemption Christian Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 182
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 24

Playstyle: Classic 2 Guard
Top Offers: Rutgers (Committed)

96- Rivers Knight

From: La Lumiere

Position: PF
Height: 6’10”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 16

Playstyle: Skilled Faceup 4
Top Offers: Purdue (Committed)

97- Andrew Hilman

From: Archbishop Riordan

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 182
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 25

Playstyle: Versatile Combo
Top Offers: San Francisco (Committed)

98- Aaron McGee

From: Gillion

Position: SG
Height: 6’3”

Weight: 195
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 26

Playstyle: True Combo Guard
Top Offers: Arkansas State (Committed)

99- TJ Crumble

From: Long Island Lutheran

Position: PF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 215
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 17

Playstyle: Skilled Hybrid
Top Offers: North Texas (Committed)

100- MJ Madison

From: Prolific Prep

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 215
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 18

Playstyle: Athletic Hybrid
Top Offers: Georgia, Penn St, WVU

101- Luke Barnett

From: Mater Dei

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 27

Playstyle: Scoring 2
Top Offers: Kansas (Committed)

102- Angelo Dickerson

From: The Bullis School

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 176
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 28

Playstyle: Skilled Scoring Combo
Top Offers: NSU, Bryant, Howard

103- Jones Lay

From: Moravian Prep

Position: C
Height: 7’0”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Athletic 5
Top Offers: Florida (Committed)

104- Parker Robinson

From: OTE

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 29

Playstyle: Well Rounded Combo
Top Offers: Oklahoma State (Committed)

105- Jalan Wingfield

From: Tri-Cities

Position: PF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 226
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 19

Playstyle: Versatile Hybrid
Top Offers: Georgia Tech (Committed)

106- Isaiah Rogers

From: Centennial High School

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 170
Wingspan: 6’7”
Position Rank: 17

Playstyle: Classic Floor General
Top Offers: Stanford (Committed)

107- Elhadji Diallo

From: Our Savior Lutheran

Position: PF
Height: 6’7

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 20

Playstyle: Athletic Defensive Anchor
Top Offers: Georgia State, George Mason, Arkansas St

108- Kosi Mgbejiofor

From: Catholic High School (VA)

Position: C
Height: 6’10”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: 7’3”
Position Rank: 14

Playstyle: Athletic Rim Runner
Top Offers: LaSalle, Texas A&M, Mississippi State

109- Darien Moore

From: Brewster Academy

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 172
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 18

Playstyle: Rim Pressuring Floor General
Top Offers: Seton Hall (Committed)

110- Keeper Jackson

From: Columbus

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 31

Playstyle: Slashing Wing
Top Offers: Jacksonville, Radford, Georgia Tech

111- Ladarius Givan

From: John Marshall

Position: PF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 21

Playstyle: Athletic Hybrid
Top Offers: Mississippi State (Committed)

112- Jahda Swann

From: Thomas Jefferson

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 181
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 30

Playstyle: Aggressive Combo
Top Offers: Hofstra (Committed)

113- Ja’Quan Stennis Jr

From: Old Redford Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 22

Playstyle: Skilled Bruising Hybrid
Top Offers: Xavier, Indiana, EMU

114- Carlos Medlock Jr

From: Link Academy

Position: PG
Height: 5’11”

Weight: 165
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 19

Playstyle: Shifty Playmaker
Top Offers: Michigan State (Committed)

115- Jayden Johnson

From: Trinity HS

Position: SF
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 32

Playstyle: Athletic Wing With Wingspan
Top Offers: Missouri, Notre Dame, Indiana

116- RJ Young

From: Bryant

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 182
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 31

Playstyle: Scoring 2
Top Offers: Tennessee Tech (Committed)

117- Jeremiah Jackson

From: St Xavier

Position: SF
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 191
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 33

Playstyle: Scrappy Wing
Top Offers: Ohio, Toledo, Cincinnati

118- Tyler Jones

From: Christ School

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 192
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 32

Playstyle: Physical Combo
Top Offers: Albany (Committed)

119- Prince-Alexander Moody

From: Bishop McNamara

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 33

Playstyle: Tough Combo
Top Offers: Indiana (Committed)

120- Lattimore Ford

From: Combine Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 187
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 34

Playstyle: Skilled Slasher
Top Offers: Oklahoma, Utah, Utah State

121- Christian Wiggins

From: Wayzata

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 34

Playstyle: Skilled Combo
Top Offers: Iowa State (Committed)

122- Yabi Aklog

From: Eastside Catholic

Position: C
Height: 6’10”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 15

Playstyle: Physical Presence
Top Offers: Seattle, Portland, Washington

123- Ryan Kreager

From: Faribault Senior

Position: C
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 16

Playstyle: Skilled Faceup 5
Top Offers: Loyola (Committed)

124- Cello Jackson

From: Columbus

Position: SF
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 35

Playstyle: Skilled Wing Initiator
Top Offers: Memphis (Committed)

125- Myles Fuentes

From: Riviera Prep

Position: PG
Height: 6’0”

Weight: 165
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 20

Playstyle: Scrappy Playmaker
Top Offers: FSU, UCF, USF, Albany, Jacksonville

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]]><![CDATA[Davion Adkins Scouting Report]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/davion-adkins-scouting-reporthttps://draftstack.substack.com/p/davion-adkins-scouting-reportSun, 02 Nov 2025 15:17:06 GMT

Read more

]]><![CDATA[Caleb Gaskins Scouting Report]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/caleb-gaskins-scouting-reporthttps://draftstack.substack.com/p/caleb-gaskins-scouting-reportSun, 26 Oct 2025 14:26:36 GMT

Versatility is the first thing that comes to mind when watching Caleb Gaskins operate during a game or practice. Coaches are looking for prospects who can score, defend, and impact the game in multiple ways and Gaskins checks many of those boxes. A 6’8” wing from Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, embodies this evolving archetype. A standout in the 2026 class, Gaskins has earned recognition for his blend of athleticism, length, and smooth offensive game. A key contributor for Columbus’ powerhouse program, he has shown an ability to impact winning across different settings — from high school competition to national showcases — and is now firmly on the radar of high-major programs.

Physically, Gaskins has the type of frame that immediately pops when he steps on the floor. He carries broad shoulders, long arms, and a naturally fluid gait that allows him to cover ground effortlessly. His athleticism is both powerful and controlled — he can explode off one or two feet — and he uses that vertical pop to finish above the rim. He is an ideal transition athlete, capable of filling lanes and finishing lobs, but also has the strength to absorb contact on drives and post-ups. His physical profile suggests he will continue to add strength without losing his mobility, which bodes well for his long-term projection.

Offensively, Gaskins is at his best when attacking with purpose. He thrives as a downhill driver, using his first step and body control to get into the paint where he can finish with either hand. He is a strong cutter who times his movements well, often slipping behind defenders for easy buckets. His coordination allows him to adjust mid-air, making him a creative finisher in traffic. Gaskins is still developing into a consistent three-level scorer, but his growing confidence from the perimeter suggests his shooting will eventually complement his slashing ability and open the floor for him to operate.

His shooting mechanics are compact and repeatable, which is a positive sign for future growth as a perimeter threat. He has shown comfort stepping into rhythm threes, particularly from the corners, and is steadily extending his range. When defenders play off him, he has the confidence to rise up and knock down open shots. As he continues to improve his off-the-dribble shooting and ability to create separation with pull-ups, his offensive ceiling will expand even further.

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Gaskins also displays intriguing playmaking flashes. While not a pure point-forward, he is comfortable making reads out of the pick-and-roll and has shown the ability to hit cutters and shooters when the defense collapses. He processes the game at a good speed, rarely forcing bad shots, and understands how to keep the ball moving within Columbus’ offense. As he continues to refine his handle and decision-making, he could grow into a secondary creator capable of running actions for stretches.

Transition play is one of Gaskins’ best weapons. His ability to grab-and-go after a defensive rebound, push the ball up the floor, and either finish himself or make the right pass puts constant pressure on defenses. His speed forces opponents to sprint back in transition, and when paired with his teammates in Columbus’ uptempo system, he becomes even more dangerous.

Defensively, Gaskins offers the type of versatility coaches covet. His length and lateral quickness allow him to guard multiple positions — from shifty guards to physical forwards — without being a liability. He plays with active hands, frequently deflecting passes and turning defense into offense. His timing as a help defender continues to improve, and he has shown the ability to rotate from the weak side and contest shots at the rim.

Looking closer at his defense, Gaskins excels at staying in front of his man and using his size to wall off driving lanes for opponents. He is a strong communicator on the floor and talks well on switches, demonstrating a high understanding of the team’s defensive principles. His ability to contest shots without fouling is extremely advanced for his age, and he shows flashes of being a lockdown perimeter defender when he is fully engaged. Improving his consistency on closeouts and sharpening his footwork will only raise his defensive impact and overall floor as a player.

Another standout trait for Gaskins is his rebounding ability. He attacks the glass with purpose and anticipation. His positioning and his length are used to corral rebounds outside his area. On the offensive end, he is capable of creating extra possessions by crashing the boards and finishing second-chance opportunities. His rebounding translates into quick transition looks, for both teammates if he is the outlet passer, or himself on the receiving end, where he thrives.

Gaskins also stands out for his motor and competitiveness. He plays hard on both ends of the floor. He is always diving for loose balls and usually embraces big defensive assignments against the opposing teams best players. These intangibles make him a winning player who contributes even on nights when his scoring may not always be there. His maturity and poise for a player his age are indicators that he is extremely coachable and understands how to impact games beyond just his own stats.

Looking ahead, the key developmental areas for Gaskins will be expanding his perimeter game and becoming a more consistent shot creator. If he can tighten his handle, become more comfortable in creating separation off the dribble, and elevate his three-point shooting to a more reliable level, he will become a complete offensive weapon. Additionally, continuing to polish his defensive discipline will allow him to consistently guard the best player on the floor. With what Columbus has done over the previous few seasons, success and development do seem extremely likely.

Physical Attributes


Height/Position: 6’6” Wing / Combo Forward

Build: Long, smooth frame with natural coordination and athletic balance; lean but strong with clear upside to add muscle mass as he matures physically

Athleticism: Fluid and explosive athlete with quick leaping ability, effortless strides in the open floor, and body control to finish through contact; plays well above the rim in transition and in traffic

Matchup Impact: Too quick and shifty for traditional forwards to contain and too big and physical for smaller guards to bother; creates mismatches by attacking closeouts and posting smaller defenders

Offensive Game


Scoring Ability

  • Polished finisher who thrives attacking downhill, slashing through gaps, and converting with soft touch around the rim

  • Showcases hang-time and control when finishing through contact; capable of converting tough layups and highlight dunks

  • Developing mid-range scorer, comfortable with one- and two-dribble pull-ups and face-up jumpers from the elbows

  • Three-point shot is progressing — displays clean mechanics and growing confidence, particularly from the corners and on spot-up looks

  • Active offensive rebounder who uses length and timing to create second-chance opportunities and put-backs

Ball-Handling & Creation

  • Functional handle that allows him to attack closeouts and create driving lanes; flashes advanced footwork on spins and change-of-direction moves

  • Shows ability to get to his spots with strength and quickness; has a developing mid-post game where he can face up and exploit mismatches

  • Capable of pushing the ball in transition and creating early offense for himself or teammates

  • Still refining handle under pressure and creativity off the dribble but trending upward with confidence

Playmaking

  • Displays improving passing vision, finding cutters and open shooters when defenses collapse

  • Comfortable making reads off drives, especially on baseline dump-offs and kick-outs to the perimeter

  • Keeps the offense flowing by moving the ball quickly; plays unselfishly and doesn’t over-dribble

  • Projects as a secondary creator who can facilitate within a system and make the right basketball play

Defensive Game

  • Length, footwork, and athleticism allow him to switch across multiple positions and guard 1–4 effectively

  • Disruptive on the perimeter — gets deflections, tips passes, and forces turnovers that turn into easy transition points

  • Improving help-side defender with strong timing; rotates well to protect the rim and contest shots without fouling

  • Attacks the glass defensively, rebounding outside his area and starting fast breaks with quick outlets

  • Continues to sharpen technique on closeouts and containment, projecting as a true on-ball stopper with growth in discipline and lateral movement

  • Trusted to take on challenging matchups for Columbus, showing poise and competitiveness against elite competition

Intangibles

  • Competitiveness: Relentless competitor who embraces challenges on both ends; thrives in big-game environments and elevates his play against top competition.

  • Work Ethic: Known for steady year-over-year improvement; consistently adds to his skill set and shows a commitment to developing his body and game.

  • Composure: Plays under control, even in pressure situations; doesn’t get sped up easily and makes sound decisions when games tighten late.

  • Coachability: Responsive to feedback and adaptable to different roles; demonstrates a willingness to do what’s needed to help his team win.

Areas for Growth

  • Continue to build consistency as a three-point shooter, particularly off the dribble, to stretch the floor and punish sagging defenses

  • Refine ball-handling and add more counters to become a reliable half-court shot creator

  • Keep working on lateral quickness and defensive discipline to lock down quicker guards and avoid cheap fouls

  • Further develop playmaking reads to create higher-quality looks for teammates and grow into a true secondary facilitator

Projection & Comparisons

Caleb Gaskins projects as a high-major Division I forward with the versatility and athleticism to make an immediate impact. At 6’8” and 210 pounds, he combines strength, agility, and a high basketball IQ. A standout at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Gaskins has showcased his skills on the national stage with the Nightrydas in the Nike EYBL circuit. During the 2025 season, he averaged 16.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, earning Third Team All-Circuit honors. His performance in EYBL Session 4 was particularly impressive, where he averaged 20 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. He can see immediate time on the floor as a plug-and-play contributor who thrives in uptempo systems. His floor spacing and development as a shooter are intriguing and will need to be monitored. Versatility wise, he can guard multiple positions and does not shy away from physicality. With steady skill development, he has the upside to become a focal point of an offense at the college level in the right system and program.

Long term, Gaskins certainly has NBA potential if his perimeter skill set continues to evolve. His physical tools and two-way upside are reminiscent of players like Aaron Gordon and Josh Green — athletic wings who can defend, run the floor, and finish above the rim while steadily improving as shooters. Offensively, he is effective in the mid-range and has shown the ability to finish through contact. While he is working on extending his range beyond the arc, his current shooting percentages are 28% from three-point range and 75% from the free-throw line. If Gaskins continues his current trajectory, he could become one of the more impactful two-way wings in his class and eventually a legitimate pro prospect. Versatility reigns in this case, and Gaskins has it on display each and every time he sets foot on the floor.

]]><![CDATA[Grind Session's Power Play-In Tournament Standouts]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/grind-sessions-power-play-in-tournament-141https://draftstack.substack.com/p/grind-sessions-power-play-in-tournament-141Mon, 13 Oct 2025 15:23:35 GMT

This past weekend, I was in attendance for the 2025 Grind Session Power Play-In Tournament in Hopkinsville, KY, an event that featured some of the nation’s top talent competing for a spot in the Grind Session’s power conference. Last year, this tournament gave us our first stateside look at Iowa United Prep’s Arafan Diane, who at the time was an unranked prospect, and who is now the top-ranked center in the country. I’m not sure if I spotted any off-the-radar guys who could make that leap this year, but there was still plenty of talent in attendance. Today, I want to cover a handful of players who stood out above the rest, some of whom will be lacing up for some of the top college programs in the country next season.

Toni Bryant – 6’9” 215lbs – Power Forward – Class of 2026 – Zephyrhills Christian Academy

Five-star Missouri commit Toni Bryant was by far the most dominant player in the tournament, putting together two fantastic performances in the games of his I was able to watch. Not only did he dominate, but he did so despite rarely having the ball in his hands. Instead, operating within the flow of the offense and making an impact with his ancillary traits. He proved why he’s already prepared to contribute at the collegiate level, as he quickly emerged as the best player on the court in both games despite not being the primary focal point of Zephyrhills’ offense.

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Bryant is an athletic 6’9” (maybe 6’10”, according to a few outlets) power forward with a pro-ready frame. Despite being a true forward, he possesses a skillset that allows him to play different roles throughout a game, which he did during this tournament. For the most part, he operates as an off-ball mover, setting screens and offering connective passing. However, when he is given the ball in a position to score, he’s able to quickly shift his objective toward the basket, utilizing agile footwork and impressive strength to impose his will inside. He’s a solid soft-touch finisher, consistently converting on off-angle layups, hook and push shots, and floaters. Where he’s at his best is finishing above the rim, via both his own self-created dunk opportunities as well as lobs.

Defensively, he was by far the best interior defender I saw throughout the tournament. His length and athleticism allow him to swat shots that otherwise would be difficult to reach, and even when he isn’t picking up blocks, his presence alone is a major deterrent for opposing drivers. He moves incredibly well laterally for his position, which allows him to switch onto smaller opponents on the perimeter as well as recover for blocks both as a primary and secondary defender. While I doubt he’ll serve as a primary rim protector against SEC competition, he projects to be a fluid and switchable defender and an elite secondary rim protector (which is incredibly scary considering he’ll be suiting up alongside 7’5” center Trent Burns).

What makes him a high-end NBA Draft prospect is his skill ceiling, which is far higher than most of his contemporaries. This was on full display throughout this tournament. On occasion, he would bring the ball up the floor for Zephyrhills, operating as the team’s offensive hub, opening up the floor for his teammates via his passing abilities and scoring gravity. He showcased his ability to step beyond the arc and knock down the three, converting 3/7 of his long-range attempts in the two games I watched. If he can become a more consistent shooter while strengthening his already solid passing skills, I could see his offensive ceiling being a major discussion point come his eventual declaration for the draft.

All in all, Bryant showcased everything I wanted to see from him coming into the weekend. He further cemented himself as the two-way weapon we already knew him to be, while also showcasing some skills that have yet to be entirely cemented as major aspects of his game. I was happy to see him willing to play his role and not be his team’s full-time focal point, something that I think bolstered his teammates’ effectiveness throughout the event. Once he gets to Missouri, he will likely not be the team’s go-to scoring threat, which is why it’s so important that he builds positive off-ball habits while he’s still in high school. I’m looking forward to seeing more of him throughout his senior season and can confidently say that Missouri fans should be more than excited about adding him to next year’s freshman class.

Noah George – 6’4” 170lbs – Shooting Guard – Class of 2026 – CIA Bella Vista

I must admit, when I decided to attend this tournament, I was under the assumption that CIA Bella Vista would have their whole team in attendance, but I was unaware they were also playing in the Border League in Las Vegas. Because they were playing in two tournaments on the same weekend, I was able to watch a handful of players who otherwise wouldn’t be in the starting lineup considering Bella Vista is one of the deepest and most talented teams in the nation. One of those players was Noah George, a currently unranked (according to 247) shooting guard from Glendale, Arizona, who really impressed me on the weekend. While he is unranked by select outlets, he does already hold offers from Oregon, Georgia Tech, and Arizona State, three programs who are clearly doing their homework, as I think George could be a very solid addition next season.

I watched George play twice on the weekend, and both times he stood out to me as the most college-ready (from a skill perspective) player on the team. He was the best shooter on the floor in both games and was able to make a major impact on the offensive end despite not having the ball in his hands all that much. When he did spend possessions operating as his team’s lead guard, he was able to get to his spots and knock down outside shots without wasting dribbles or slowing down the pace of play. Without the ball, he’s an excellent catch-and-shoot agent from beyond the arc with super smooth mechanics. He can attack closeouts and did a handful of times, but he’s actually better at collapsing the defense and passing out of those situations than he is finishing inside or from the short mid-range. All in all, while he is rather one-dimensional on the offensive end, he’s incredibly proficient in that dimension and doesn’t negatively impact his team by trying to branch too far outside of his comfort zone.

He didn’t stand out as a game breaking defender by any means, but I was more than happy with what I saw from him on the defensive end. He spent most of his minutes defending away from the ball but did see his fair share of point-of-attack opportunities when his opponent’s secondary guard brought the ball up the court for whatever reason. While he’s listed at 170lbs, I thought he looked significantly heavier than that in a good way. He stood his ground well, moved well laterally, and even picked a few balls out of the air when defending off-ball. If he can continue to develop physically, I see no reason why he wouldn’t be a solid defender at the college level. He showcased evident feel for the game on both ends, which I believe bodes well for his long-term defensive ceiling.

Despite Bella Vista’s starting lineup being all the way out in Nevada, their squad in Kentucky ended up winning this tournament, and Noah George was a big reason for that. He was the best outside shooter, arguably scorer, on the team all weekend, and his long-range gravity gave his teammates a ton of flexibility. I would imagine that his performances throughout this tournament have secured him a major rotational spot when the roster is all together, and I’m excited to see what that team looks like in the power conference this season. Based on what I’ve seen from him, I expect him to make an impact for whatever college program he decides to join, and I expect him to finish the season as a consensus four-star recruit.

Aidan Chronister – 6’7” 180lbs – Wing – Class of 2026 – The New School

I promise I’m not here to do propaganda work for the University of Missouri, but Aidan Chronister, another player joining the Tigers next season, was the most skilled player I saw in this event. As far as immediate eye-appeal is concerned, Chronister was the guy for me on the weekend. The top 75 ranked (according to 247) four-star recruit recently committed to the Missouri Tigers and head coach Dennis Gates, and for me, it was very clear why that program prioritized him on the recruiting trail. The lanky shooting wing is an incredible all-around processor capable of making an impact with and without the ball and is just plain smooth at all times.

During the games of his that I watched, Chronister spent most of his time away from the ball, a coaching decision that I must admit I disagree with. While he likely won’t be a primary ball handler at the college level, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with him getting more on-ball opportunities as a scoring wing of his caliber. When he did have the ball, his primary threat was the outside shot, but he also showcased his three-level scoring and all-around passing acumen. What stood out the most to me was his overall decision-making process, both as a scorer and a playmaker. Every time he got the ball, something good happened for his team. Even when he missed a shot, it seemed like the right shot when he took it. He was the most mature offensive agent I saw, and to be honest, one of the more mature processing wings I’ve seen in a long time.

That processing ability translated directly to the defensive end, where he managed to get stops without doing much at all. His rotations were crisp, his switches were perfect, and he regularly picked up off-ball steals and help side blocks simply by being in the right place at the right time. I can’t comment on his motor, because like I said, it seriously felt like he was making a positive defensive impact without doing much. I have no reason to believe he doesn’t have a strong motor, but in the games I watched, he was making a difference primarily because of his feel for the game. He has a promising frame, and if he can add more muscle to it, I think he’ll end up being a very strong college defender. As the season progresses, I expect him to get more love from a defensive perspective.

In conclusion, I walk away from this tournament in love with Missouri’s 2026 recruiting class. Chronister, much like Bryant, is more than ready to contribute at the college level. He has one of the smoother offensive packages that I’ve seen from an off-ball wing, and based on the games I watched, he doesn’t have a single glaring weakness in his game. To be honest, I don’t know how it’s possible for him to be ranked as low as he is, and I fully expect him to rise up the ranks as the season moves along. If the coaching staff at The New School starts to give him the ball more and allow him to initiate the offense, I think that would be the best-case scenario for both the team and Chronister himself.

Birkir Eythorsson – 6’8” 190lbs – Wing/Forward - Class of 2026 – St. John’s DME

As I mentioned earlier, no underrated player caught my eye this year the same way that Arafan Diane did last year, but if I had to choose one under-recruited player to cover it would be Birkir Eythorsson. Coming into the weekend, the names on my mind regarding St. John’s DME were LaTrevion Fenderson and JT Grondin, but instead, it was Eythorsson who stood above the rest (to be fair, Grondin did not play). Eythorsson was one of the best, if not the best, three-point shooters I saw during the event, and his overall offensive processing was evident from the moment he stepped on the court. He was the most vocal player in the tournament, constantly talking on both ends of the court and clearly having a strong understanding of his team’s playbook. In only two games, he proved to me that he’s more than ready to contribute at the collegiate level.

In the games of his that I watched, he was primarily used as a catch-and-shoot threat from beyond the arc, constantly moving away from the ball in search of strong long-range position. When he was given the opportunity to create his own offense, he made the most of it. While he isn’t a dynamic ball handler, his outside shooting gravity allows him to attack closeouts and get to the mid-range, where he possesses an impressive arsenal of traditional jumpers and in-between soft touch shots. He also showcased strong kickout passing on these looks, further cementing the well-rounded nature of his offensive game. Like I said, he was constantly talking on both ends of the court, a trait that many evaluators don’t consider when attempting to predict a player’s future viability. All in all, he possesses a very mature offensive toolbelt and a college-ready physical profile that I believe will immediately translate to the college game.

Eythorsson had a solid defensive outing on the weekend, but he wasn’t anything to write home about. He stuck with his man, moved well laterally, and I can’t recall him getting beat off-the-dribble at any point. He spent the entirety of both games defending opposing wings away from the ball, and while I don’t think he generated any steals or blocks (which I could be wrong about) he was also never targeted by his opponents. In fact, he was given the Toni Bryant assignment at points during St. John’s DME’s game against Zephyrhills, and he did a good job of defending him on the perimeter. That said, his defensive value was primarily derived from his communication, as he supported his teammates via his voice no matter what defensive scenario he found himself in. Much like his offense, his defensive ability also appeared very mature, and I think he’ll make an impact on this end of the floor once he reaches the college level.

The staff at St. John’s DME made an excellent decision when they added Eythorsson to their roster before this season. I’m a fan of their team, but they took a major hit with the graduation of star guard Kruz McClure, especially from a shooting perspective. Now they have a true sharpshooter, and he’s a 6’8” big wing at that. As the season progresses, I’m hoping that Eythorsson picks up more steam on the recruiting trail, as I think he’s a surefire bet to contribute at the next level. He’ll most likely be a mid-major recruit, which I think would be fantastic for his long-term development. I believe at one point he was committed to North Dakota State, a very good mid-major prospect factory, but I can’t find any information on whether he’s still heading to Fargo or not next season. That said, I think he’ll find success no matter where he ends up, and I’m excited to see him play a few more times this year.

Honorable Mentions:

Ty Ingram – 6’2” 165lbs – Combo Guard – Class of 2026 – Skyline Prep

Tyrone Uwandu – 6’6” - Shooting Guard – Class of 2026 – Wilson Academy

Joseph Hartman – 6’5” 190lbs – Shooting Guard – Class of 2026 – The Rock School

Pablo Rodriguez – 6’8” - Forward/Wing - Class of 2026 – SFA Academy

Jordan Charles – 6’0” 165lbs – Point Guard – Class of 2026 – CIA Bella Vista

Alexander Davis – 6’9” 245lbs – Power Forward – Class of 2026 – Zephyrhills

LaTrevion Fenderson – 6’5” 205lbs – Small Forward – Class of 2026 – St. John’s DME

Braylen Langley – 6’9” 195lbs – Forward/Wing - Class of 2026 – Skyline Prep

Yale Davis – 6’0 165lbs – Point Guard – Class of 2026 - Zephyrhills

Lucas Evan Toukam - 6’8” 200lbs - Forward - Class of 2026 - CIA Bella Vista

Deng Longar – 6’9” - Forward/Wing - Class of 2027 – Victory Rock Prep

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]]><![CDATA[2026 Recruitment Rankings]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/2026-recruitment-rankings-cf6https://draftstack.substack.com/p/2026-recruitment-rankings-cf6Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:49:40 GMT

1- Tyran Stokes

From: Notre Dame HS

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Destructive Physical Wing
Top Offers: Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas

2- Jason Crowe Jr

From: Inglewood HS

Position: PG
Height: 6’4

Weight: 170
Wingspan: 6’6
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Creative Scoring Guard
Top Offers: Missouri(Committed)

3- Baba Oladotun

From: Compass Prep

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: 3 Level Scoring Hybrid
Top Offers: BYU, Indiana, Maryland

4- Brandon McCoy Jr

From: St John Bosco

Position: PG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Physical Floor General
Top Offers: UCLA, Duke, Arkansas

5- Tajh Ariza

From: St Johns Bosco

Position: SF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 195
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Skilled big wing
Top Offers: Oregon, Kentucky, Kansas

6- Dylan Mingo

From: Long Island Lutheran

Position: PG
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’9.5”
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: 2 Way Lead Guard
Top Offers: Alabama, FSU, St Johns

7- Jordan Smith

From: Paul VI

Position: SG
Height: 6’3”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Explosive Lockdown Guard
Top Offers: Duke, Indiana, Louisville

8- Caleb Holt

From: Compass Prep

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 207
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Natural Scorer

Top Offers: Alabama, Ole Miss, Baylor

9- Christian Collins

From: St John Bosco

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Active hybrid forward
Top Offers: Baylor, Alabama, Arizona

10- Jaxon Richardson

From: Columbus

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Athletic Wing Scorer
Top Offers: Michigan State

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11- Caleb Gaskins

From: Columbus

Position: PF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Skilled Hybrid
Top Offers: Georgia, FSU, Baylor

12- Ant Thompson

From: Western Reserve Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’8.5”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Smooth Skilled Hybrid
Top Offers: Indiana, UNC, Duke

13- Ikenna Alozie

From: Dream City Christian

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 186
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Athletic Playmaker
Top Offers: Houston, Kansas, Gonzaga

14- Joe Philon

From: Montverde

Position: SF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Athletic Finishing Wing
Top Offers: Florida, Miami, USF

15- Cole Cloer

From: Caldwell Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Shifty Combo Guard
Top Offers: UNC, Miami, Louisville

16- Deron Rippey Jr

From: Blair Academy

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’5”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Bouncy Floor General
Top Offers: Duke, Rutgers, Texas

17- Alex Constanza

From: Westminster Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 207
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Balanced Wing
Top Offers: Florida, Auburn, Illinois

18- Cameron Holmes

From: Millennium

Position: SG
Height: 6’6

Weight: 203
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Gifted Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Oregon, Arizona, Georgetown

19- Qayden Samuels

From: Bishop McNamara

Position: SF
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Shifty Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Rutgers, UNC, NC State

20- Toni Bryant

From: Zephyrhills Christian Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’10

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Skilled Faceup
Top Offers: Arizona, Kansas, UNC

21- Vaughn Karvala

From: Bella Vista Prep

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Athletic Shot Maker
Top Offers: Xavier, Syracuse, Marquette

22- Ralph Scott

From: IMG Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: N/A
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Offensive Weapon
Top Offers: Houston, Purdue, Tennessee

23- Taylen Kinney

From: OTE

Position: PG
Height: 6’1”

Weight: 160
Wingspan: 6’7”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Offensively Gifted Lead
Top Offers: Kansas(Committed)

24- Jalen Montonati

From: Owassa

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’8”
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Skilled Wing Scorer
Top Offers: Oklahoma State(Committed)

25- Marcus Johnson

From: Garfield Heights

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Shifty Scoring Lead Guard
Top Offers: Ohio State(Committed)

26- Latrell Almond

From: Petersburg

Position: C
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 225
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 1

Playstyle: Athletic Physical Hybrid
Top Offers: Indiana, Louisville, Kansas

27- JJ Andrews

From: LRCA

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Aggressive Athletic Wing
Top Offers: Arkansas(Committed)

27- Austin Goosby

From: Melissa

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Athletic Off Guard
Top Offers: Miami, Texas, BYU

29- Chris Washington Jr

From: Providence Christian Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 186
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Athletic Offensive Weapon
Top Offers: FSU, Clemson, WVU

30- Davion Atkins

From: Faith Family Academy

Position: C
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: 7’2
Position Rank: 2

Playstyle: Athletic Faceup 5
Top Offers: Cal, Houston, Kansas

31- Chidi Nwigwe

From: Sunrise Christian Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Athletic Wing
Top Offers: NC State, Michigan, Georgia Tech

32- Justin Caldwell

From: North Carolina

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Skilled Bruiser
Top Offers: Georgetown(Committed)

33- Kendre Harrison

From: Reidsville

Position: C
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 243
Wingspan: 6’11”
Position Rank: 3

Playstyle: Athletic Interior Force
Top Offers: Oregon(Committed)

34- Cameron Williams

From: St Marys

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 4

Playstyle: Faceup 5
Top Offers: Texas, Duke, Purdue

35- Darius Ratliff

From: Archbishop Stepinac

Position: PF
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Skilled Faceup 4
Top Offers: Cal, Rutgers, Stanford

36- Moustapha Diop

From: OTE

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 215
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 5

Playstyle: Athletic Hybrid 5/4
Top Offers: Georgia Tech(Committed)

37- Kayden Allen

From: Zephyrhills Christian Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Shotmaking Off Guard
Top Offers: Cincinnati, Auburn, Ole Miss

38- Adonis Ratliff

From: Archbishop Stepinac

Position: C
Height: 7’0”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 6

Playstyle: Rim Running 5
Top Offers: Pitt, Miss State. Louisville

39- Dakari Spear

From: The Colony

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Athletic Combo
Top Offers: Miami, Michigan St, LSU

40- Chase Foster

From: IMG Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Skilled Hybrid 4
Top Offers: Villanova, Maryland, FSU

41- Jayden Hodge

From: Montverde Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 194
Wingspan: 6’8.5”
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Skilled Playmaking Wing
Top Offers: ECU, Penn State, Maryland

42- Arafan Diane

From: Iowa United Prep

Position: C
Height: 7’1”

Weight: 265
Wingspan: 7’3”
Position Rank: 7

Playstyle: Classic Big
Top Offers: Arizona, BYU, Florida

43- Jermal Jones

From: IMG Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Skilled Combo
Top Offers: Clemson, Cal, Purdue

44- Elijah Williams

From: TMI Episcopal

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 14

Playstyle: Shotmaking Wing
Top Offers: Baylor(Committed)

45- Adam Ouimiddouch

From: OTE

Position: SG
Height: 6’5

Weight: 178
Wingspan: 6’8”
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Crafty Combo
Top Offers: Arizona State, Kansas, LSU

46- Aziz Olajuwon

From: Clements

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 15

Playstyle: Skilled Wing
Top Offers: Stanford(Committed)

47- Kaden House

From: Compass Prep

Position: SG
Height: 6’3”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Scrappy Combo
Top Offers: Creighton, LSU, Hampton

48- Tarris Bouie

From: SPIRE Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 172
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Athletic Off Guard
Top Offers: Alabama(Committed)

49- Miles Sadler

From: Bella Vista Prep

Position: PG
Height: 5’10”

Weight: 165
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Lightning Quick Lead
Top Offers: Arizona St, Tennessee, Weber St

50- Kobe Edwards

From: Greenfield

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 167
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Dynamic Floor General
Top Offers: Georgetown, Illinois, ECU

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51- Quinn Costello

From: Newman School

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Skilled Big Wing
Top Offers: Harvard, Iowa, Boston College

52- Sam Funches

From: Germantown

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’5”
Position Rank: 8

Playstyle: Classic Anchor
Top Offers: Arkansas, Gonzaga, Creighton

53- Christian Gibson

From: Mayde Creek HS

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Gifting Scoring Off Guard
Top Offers: UCF(Committed)

54- Aidan Chronister

From: Sunrise Christian Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 16

Playstyle: Aggressive Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Missouri(Committed)

55- Quincy Wadley

From: Compass Prep

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Shifty Scorer
Top Offers: Maryland, Clemson, Georgia

56- Maximo Adams

From: Sierra Canyon

Position: SF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 212
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 17

Playstyle: Aggressive Jumbo Wing
Top Offers: BYU, Kansas, Texas

57- Jonathan Sanderson

From: La Lumiere

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 176
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Classic Lead
Top Offers: Notre Dame(Committed)

58- Collins Onyejiaka

From: Newman School

Position: C
Height: 6’10”

Weight: 270
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 9

Playstyle: Physical Interior Presence
Top Offers: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana

59- Bryson Howard

From: Heritage High School

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 18

Playstyle: Classic Combo Wing
Top Offers: Duke, UConn, Kentucky

60- Dean Rueckert

From: Timpview

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’8”
Position Rank: 19

Playstyle: Skilled Wing
Top Offers: BYU(Committed)

61- Neiko Mundey

From: Shabach Christian Academy

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 177
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Shifty Floor General
Top Offers: Texas A&M(Committed)

62- Trey Thompson

From: Greeneville

Position: PF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 223
Wingspan: 6’10”
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Faceup Skilled Hybrid
Top Offers: Iowa, Tennessee, Purdue

63- Bo Ogden

From: Westlake

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 14

Playstyle: Smooth Shooter
Top Offers: Purdue, Texas, UVA

64- Colben Landrew

From: Wheeler

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 20

Playstyle: Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Purdue, Texas Tech, UCF

65- Shane Pendergrass

From: Hargrave

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’1”
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Athletic 4
Top Offers: George Mason(Committed)

66- Luke Ertel

From: Mount Vernon

Position: PG
Height: 6’1”

Weight: 170
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Aggressive Floor General
Top Offers: Purdue(Committed)

67- Anthony Felesi

From: Utah Prep

Position: SF
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 21

Playstyle: Rim Pressuring Wing
Top Offers: BYU, UCLA, LSU

68- Jermel Thomas

From: Our Savior Lutheran

Position: PG
Height: 6’3”

Weight: 170
Wingspan: 6’6”
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Slick Floor General
Top Offers: Saint Louis

69- Jesiah Jervis

From: Archbishop Stepinac

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 15

Playstyle: Athletic Combo
Top Offers: Illinois, Hofstra, Fordham

70- Landon Colyer

From: OTE

Position: SG
Height: 6’5

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 16

Playstyle: Smooth Scoring 2
Top Offers: Hampton, FSU, DePaul

71- Sinan Huan

From: Georgetown Prep

Position: C
Height: 7’1”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 10

Playstyle: Physical 5
Top Offers: Florida, Georgia, Creighton

72- Collin Paul

From: Calvary Christian Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 208
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 22

Playstyle: Playmaking Wing
Top Offers: FSU(Committed)

73- Fred Smith

From: Briarcrest Christian

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 23

Playstyle: Athletic Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Missouri, Memphis, Ole Miss

74- Gage Mayfield

From: Hale County

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 24

Playstyle: Skilled Combo Wing
Top Offers: Oklahoma(Committed)

75- Ethan Mgbako

From: Oak Hill Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 215
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 17

Playstyle: Physical Off Guard
Top Offers: Vanderbilt(Committed)

76- Collin Ross

From: SPIRE Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’10”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Athletic Forward
Top Offers: Arkansas St, Cal, George Mason

77- Manny Green

From: Cedar Grove

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 183
Wingspan: 6’10.5”
Position Rank: 25

Playstyle: Athletic 2 Way Wing
Top Offers: Auburn, Florida, Indiana

78- Joe Sterling

From: Harvard Westlake

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 18

Playstyle: Scoring Oriented Combo
Top Offers: Washington St, Colorado St, GCU

79- Sammy Jackson

From: Roman Catholic

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 208
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 26

Playstyle: Athletic Wing
Top Offers: VCU(Committed)

80- Favour Ibe

From: Mt Zion

Position: C
Height: 7’1”

Weight: 235
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 11

Playstyle: Classic Big Anchor
Top Offers: Georgia, FSU, Alabama

81- Dionte Neal

From: Reidsville

Position: PG
Height: 5’9.5”

Weight: 160
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 14

Playstyle: Lockdown Floor General
Top Offers: UNCG(Committed)

82- Katrelle Harmon

From: Wasatch Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 184
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 19

Playstyle: Athletic Combo
Top Offers: Iowa, Creighton, Arizona St

83- Marcis Ponder

From: West Oaks Academy

Position: C
Height: 6’11”

Weight: 320
Wingspan: 7’5”
Position Rank: 12

Playstyle: Physically Imposing Rim Presence
Top Offers: Miami, Auburn, Georgetown

84- Kevin Thomas

From: Sagemont Prep

Position: SF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 190
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 27

Playstyle: Scoring Wing
Top Offers: Auburn, Cal, DePaul

85- Brandon Bass Jr

From: Windermere Prep

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 180

Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 20

Playstyle: Scoring Off Guard
Top Offers: FSU(Committed)

86- Alex Egbuonu

From: Lawrence Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 28

Playstyle: Physical Wing
Top Offers: Marquette, Albany, Bryant

87- Darius Bivins

From: Bishop O’Connell

Position: PG
Height: 6’0”

Weight: 160
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 15

Playstyle: Speedy Facilitator
Top Offers: Maryland, Harvard, BYU

88- Cody Peck

From: IMG Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’10”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: 7’2”
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Athletic Hybrid
Top Offers: UVA, Clemson, Dayton

89- Aiden Derkack

From: Colonia

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 165
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 21

Playstyle: Skilled Shooter
Top Offers: Albany, Dayton, FIU

90- Keonte Greybear

From: Link Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 165
Wingspan: 6’5”
Position Rank: 22

Playstyle: Athletic Scoring Combo
Top Offers: Kansas, Oklahoma St, Texas Tech

91- Herly Brutus

From: Villages Charter School

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 185
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 29

Playstyle: Slashing Wing
Top Offers: LSU(Committed)

92- Julius Avent

From: Bergen Catholic

Position: PF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 203
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 14

Playstyle: Classic Hybrid
Top Offers: Michigan St, Penn St, Seton Hall

93- Trent Perry

From: Link Academy

Position: SF
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 170
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 30

Playstyle: Athletic Wing
Top Offers: SMU, TCU, Oklahoma St

94- Steve Reynolds

From: Faith Family Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 170
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 23

Playstyle: Scoring 2
Top Offers: Purdue, DePaul, Indiana

95- Trey Beamer

From: IMG Academy

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 163
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 16

Playstyle: Sniping Floor General
Top Offers: DePaul, FSU, Hampton

96- Brannon Martinson

From: Junipero Serra High School

Position: PF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 15

Playstyle: Athletic Hybrid
Top Offers: UCLA, USC, TCU

97- Imahri Wooten

From: Redemption Christian Academy

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 182
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 24

Playstyle: Classic 2 Guard
Top Offers: Rutgers(Committed)

98- Rivers Knight

From: La Lumiere

Position: PF
Height: 6’10”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 16

Playstyle: Skilled Faceup 4
Top Offers: Purdue(Committed)

99- Andrew Hilman

From: Archbishop Riordan

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 182
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 25

Playstyle: Versatile Combo
Top Offers: Cal, Pepperdine, San Jose State

100- Aaron McGee

From: Gillion

Position: SG
Height: 6’3”

Weight: 195
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 26

Playstyle: True Combo Guard
Top Offers: Lafayette, LIU, Arkansas St

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101- TJ Crumble

From: Lutheran East

Position: PF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 215
Wingspan: 6’9”
Position Rank: 17

Playstyle: Skilled Hybrid
Top Offers: Arizona St, EMU, DePaul

102- MJ Madison

From: Long Island Lutheran

Position: PF
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 215
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 18

Playstyle: Athletic Hybrid
Top Offers: Georgia, Penn St, WVU

103- Luke Barnett

From: Mater dei

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 27

Playstyle: Scoring 2
Top Offers: UNLV, UC Riverside, Arizona St

104- Angelo Dickerson

From: OTE

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 176
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 28

Playstyle: Skilled Scoring Combo
Top Offers: NSU, Bryant, Howard

105- Jones Lay

From: Moravian Prep

Position: C
Height: 7’0”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 13

Playstyle: Athletic 5
Top Offers: Florida(Committed)

106- Parker Robinson

From: OTE

Position: SG
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 29

Playstyle: Well Rounded Combo
Top Offers: ODU, Providence, Towson

107- Jalan Wingfield

From: Tri-Cities

Position: PF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 226
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 19

Playstyle: Versatile Hybrid
Top Offers: Auburn, Cincinnati, DePaul

108- Isaiah Rogers

From: Centennial High School

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 170
Wingspan: 6’7”
Position Rank: 17

Playstyle: Classic Floor General
Top Offers: Stanford(Committed)

109- Elhadji Diallo

From: Our Savior Lutheran

Position: PF
Height: 6’7

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 20

Playstyle: Athletic Defensive Anchor
Top Offers: Georgia State, George Mason, Arkansas St

110- Kosi Mgbejiofor

From: Blue Ridge

Position: C
Height: 6’10”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: 7’3”
Position Rank: 14

Playstyle: Athletic Rim Runner
Top Offers: LaSalle, Texas A&M, Mississippi State

111- Darien Moore

From: Brewster Academy

Position: PG
Height: 6’2”

Weight: 172
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 18

Playstyle: Rim Pressuring Floor General
Top Offers: Siena, Bryant, UMASS

112- Keeper Jackson

From: Columbus

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 31

Playstyle: Slashing Wing
Top Offers: Jacksonville, Radford, Georgia Tech

113- Ladarius Givan

From: Petersburg HS

Position: PF
Height: 6’8”

Weight: 210
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 21

Playstyle: Athletic Hybrid
Top Offers: Mississippi State(Committed)

114- Jahda Swann

From: Thomas Jefferson

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 181
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 30

Playstyle: Aggressive Combo
Top Offers: NSU, UAB, Manhattan

115- Ja’Quan Stennis Jr

From: Old Redford Academy

Position: PF
Height: 6’7”

Weight: 200
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 22

Playstyle: Skilled Bruising Hybrid
Top Offers: Xavier, Indiana, EMU

116- Carlos Medlock Jr

From: Link Academy

Position: PG
Height: 5’11”

Weight: 165
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 19

Playstyle: Shifty Playmaker
Top Offers: Central Michigan, Michigan, Michigan State

117- Jayden Johnson

From: Trinity HS

Position: SF
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 32

Playstyle: Athletic Wing With Wingspan
Top Offers: Missouri, Notre Dame, Indiana

118- RJ Young

From: Bryant

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 182
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 31

Playstyle: Scoring 2
Top Offers: Central Arkansas, ORU, St Bonaventure

119- Jeremiah Jackson

From: St Xavier

Position: SF
Height: 6’5”

Weight: 191
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 33

Playstyle: Scrappy Wing
Top Offers: Ohio, Toledo, Cincinnati

120- Tyler Jones

From: Christ School

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 192
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 32

Playstyle: Physical Combo
Top Offers: Albany(Committed)

121- Prince-Alexander Moody

From: Bishop McNamara

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 33

Playstyle: Tough Combo
Top Offers: Indiana

122- Lattimore Ford

From: Mount Si

Position: SF
Height: 6’6”

Weight: 187
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 34

Playstyle: Skilled Slasher
Top Offers: Oklahoma, Utah, Utah State

123- Christian Wiggins

From: Wayzata

Position: SG
Height: 6’4”

Weight: 180
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 34

Playstyle: Skilled Combo
Top Offers: Iowa State(Committed)

124- Yabi Aklog

From: Eastside Catholic

Position: C
Height: 6’10”

Weight: 230
Wingspan: TBD
Position Rank: 15

Playstyle: Physical Presence
Top Offers: Seattle, Portland, Washington

125- Ryan Kreager

From: Faribault Senior

Position: C
Height: 6’9”

Weight: 205
Wingspan: 7’0”
Position Rank: 16

Playstyle: Skilled Faceup 5
Top Offers: Drake, Loyola, Nevada

]]><![CDATA[Miika Muurinen Scouting Report]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/miika-muurinen-scouting-reporthttps://draftstack.substack.com/p/miika-muurinen-scouting-reportSun, 05 Oct 2025 15:58:14 GMT

The highly touted Miika Muurinen is one of the most coveted prospects in the 2026 class—a versatile forward whose blend of size, skill, and adaptability has placed him firmly on the radar of not only every major college program in America but the NBA.

At 6’11”, he projects as a modern stretch forward with the tools to impact the game inside and out, making him a legitimate candidate to hear his name called in the lottery when his NBA Draft eligibility comes. Muurinen spent a couple of summers competing on the prestigious Nike EYBL circuit with Bradley Beal Elite, where he quickly established himself as one of the most polished and productive offensive players on the floor.

Muurinen’s versatility allows him to thrive in virtually any system and at nearly every spot on the floor. His skill set makes him especially dangerous as a pick-and-pop threat, where his shooting touch and agility force defenses into constant dilemmas. Whether spacing the floor as a reliable shooter, exploiting mismatches off the dribble, or stepping up in clutch moments to carry his team, he consistently demonstrates a polished game well beyond his years—helping his squad earn statement wins against top-tier competition. With news that Miika Muurinen will not return to high school basketball in the United States, speculation quickly mounted over whether he might forgo the college route altogether and instead pursue a professional path overseas. That question was quickly answered when the Finnish forward officially signed with Partizan Belgrade, one of the premier clubs in Serbia and a respected name on the European basketball stage..

Offense

Shooting – Muurinen is a high-level shooter with deep range and the confidence to let it fly at any moment. His mechanics are clean and repeatable, and combined with his 6’11” frame, he’s able to rise and get shots off over virtually any defender. He excels at setting his feet quickly and knocking down threes in rhythm, making him a constant threat as a floor-spacer. What makes him especially dangerous is that defenses can’t simply run him off the line—when pressured, he’s just as capable of attacking closeouts, finishing strong at the rim with a dunk, or creating opportunities off the dribble for teammates. His shooting gravity forces defenses to make tough decisions. Whether he’s scoring himself or facilitating, Muurinen consistently generates positive offensive value with his shooting and floor-spacing ability.

Shooting Upside and potential as a movement shooter - the next step in his development will be expanding beyond traditional catch-and-shoot opportunities. At the NBA level, becoming a reliable movement shooter—knocking down shots while coming off screens or relocating on the move—will be a critical skill. He does a solid job creating for himself off the bounce and shooting on the move, but as his career progresses, he’ll face elite athletes who will crowd him and look to neutralize that part of his game. Up to this point, it hasn’t been much of an issue because he’s been bigger and more skilled than his high school competition, but now he’ll be going up against pros in Europe who will undoubtedly get physical to try and throw him off his rhythm. Just as important, he will need to continue refining his ability to create separation off the dribble, using footwork, shot fakes, and counters to get his jumper off against elite defenders. Right now, much of his perimeter production comes from spot-up situations, but as he evolves into a more versatile shot-maker, his offensive ceiling will rise significantly.

Scoring around the rim

Miika has a vast arsenal of ways to score around the rim, and one of his most effective strengths comes from crashing the offensive glass. From the moment a shot leaves a teammate’s hands, he’s in constant motion—reading the flight of the ball, maneuvering around defenders, and making himself nearly impossible to box out. That relentless pursuit often leads to highlight put-back dunks, second-chance points, and a consistent presence in the paint that keeps defenses on edge.

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Beyond his effort, Miika’s hands are exceptional. He can tip in misses with ease, secure contested rebounds, and consistently maintain control of the ball in traffic. His hand-eye coordination is advanced for his age; he routinely tracks passes and rebounds mid-air, adjusting his body in real time to finish with both power and finesse. This combination enables him to execute difficult plays—whether a contested rebound, a quick put-back, or an off-balance finish—seemingly effortlessly.

What separates him further is his basketball intelligence and timing. He has a keen sense of the game, reading defenses and picking his spots—knowing exactly when to crash the glass, when to sneak around defenders, and how to turn chaotic situations into scoring chances. His constant activity around the rim doesn’t just put points on the board; it forces defenders to collapse, creating openings for teammates and influencing the flow of the entire offense.. Simply put, Miika’s scoring around the rim is truly elite; his rebounding instinct and motor make him a constant threat in transition, half-court sets, and every offensive possession.

Scoring in the Half-court

Half-Court Scoring: In the half-court, Miikka Muurinen is asuch a skilled scorer who gives opossing defenses migraines trying to figure out how to guard him. His middle game is a real threat, and him on a short roll as the roll man is *muah*(cheff’s kiss) making him lethal in a ballscreen scenario. He reads defenses well on the catch, knowing when to attack off the dribble and when to exploit mismatches. He’s aggressive when driving to the basket, using his strength, balance, and body control to finish through contact.

Muurinen is also a physical presence in the post. He plays with a fiery confidence. In his arsenal, he has a solid jump hook and uses his edge, creativity and witwit to his advantage when it’sit’s time to score over bigger defenders, while maintaining patience to create space when needed. What really sets him apart is his willingness to attack the rim and punish defenses. He draws contact, absorbs it, and still finishes efficiently, forcing defenders to adjust their rotations constantly.

His physicality and assertiveness don’t just lead to points—they influence the flow of the game. His aggressiveness keeps defenders on their toes, opens up chances for teammates, and consistently produces high-percentage scoring opportunities. Combined with his basketball IQ and competitive drive, Miikka’s half-court game is both highly effective and challenging to stop, making him a constant matchup problem at every level.

Defense

Defense: One of the most impressive aspects of Miika’s game on defense is his ability to read and control passing lanes. He has a knack for anticipating where the ball is going, and his long arms allow him to deflect passes and create turnovers at a high rate. When he gets a steal, he uses his quickness and agility to turn defense into instant offense, often finishing the sequence with highlight-reel dunks. His combination of anticipation, length, and speed makes him a constant disruptive force, forcing opposing offenses to think twice before attempting passes or driving into his area. Beyond steals, his presence in the passing lanes also helps his teammates, as he alters passing angles and speeds up defensive rotations, making him a key factor in team defense.

Competitive Edge

Many European prospects arrive in the United States carrying the unfair “soft” label, with questions about whether they can handle the physicality and pace of American basketball. Miikka Muurinen shattered that stereotype almost immediately. From the moment he landed stateside in 2023 to join powerhouse Sunrise Christian Academy, he proved he had both the toughness and competitive edge to thrive against elite competition. Rather than shying away from contact, Muurinen embraced it—battling in the paint, finishing through defenders, and showing a fiery mean streak that quickly put everyone on notice. From high school to EYBL to international play, he’s consistently displayed the skill and fundamentals shaped by his background, paired with the grit and edge that NBA scouts look for in a young forward. That toughness will remain one of his greatest assets—it allows him to handle the physical grind of higher competition while driving the competitiveness and resilience that set elite prospects apart.

Athleticism

An above-average athlete at 6’11”, Miikka Muurinen’s athleticism was on full display during FIBA EuroBasket 2025, where he strung together a breakout run that firmly placed him on the radar of NBA scouts. Nearly every game featured highlight-reel moments—whether it was explosive transition finishes, powerful halfcourt slams, or one-on-one dunks that showcased both his quick first step and vertical pop. What stood out wasn’t just the frequency of his dunks, but the ease with which he elevated against older, more seasoned competition, often making plays that few players his size can replicate. Scouts in attendance were left buzzing about his potential, as his combination of size, fluidity, and bounce projected seamlessly to the next level.

Muurinen gets off the floor with slight wasted motion, and his vertical leap allows him to finish above the rim in traffic or rise over defenders without needing a long runway. I’m not sure of his exact wingspan, but his arms are clearly long and disruptive. He’s wiry-strong, able to take contact and still finish plays at the rim, with body control in the air that’s well ahead of his years. That rare mix of finesse and strength makes him dangerous in transition and equally effective at exploiting mismatches in the halfcourt.As he continues to develop his frame, his finishing ability should become even more reliable and impactful against NBA-level rim protectors.

At this stage, Muurinen is more of a straight-line, north-south athlete who thrives attacking in transition or going downhill. Still, he’ll need to continue improving his lateral quickness and agility to excel at the NBA level—particularly on the defensive end. Developing the ability to slide with quicker wings, cut off driving lanes, and contain guards on switches will be essential if he wants to maximize his versatility as a two-way forward.

Projection

Muurinen projects as a modern-day pick-and-pop stretch forward who fits effortlessly into today’s NBA style of play. At the college level, he appears to be an immediate contributor, with the potential to develop into a featured starter and an eventual NBA prospect.

What could truly set him apart is his work ethic. Coaches and scouts recognize that he’ll continue to improve because he approaches the game with focus, professionalism, and a relentless drive to get better. This will only improve with him playing pro overseas again. He’s not just a player who can fit into a system—he has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone. High-ceiling, high-reward type of player on the horizon, Miika is an opportunity that can’t be missed.

]]><![CDATA[Jaxon Richardson Scouting Report]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/jaxon-richardson-scouting-reporthttps://draftstack.substack.com/p/jaxon-richardson-scouting-reportWed, 24 Sep 2025 14:01:50 GMT

As the prototypical wing role further develops, teams continue to prioritize length, versatility, and two-way impact. Wings who can defend, rebound, while playing above the rim have become highly sought-after prospects across the landscape. One player who embodies that modern archetype is Jaxon Richardson, a 6’6” small forward from Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Florida. Widely regarded as one of the premier players in the 2026 class, Richardson has impressed on the national stage with his blend of size, athleticism, and energy on both ends of the floor. He has been a major contributor to Columbus’ success, including a run through Chipotle Nationals, and continues to rise in recruiting rankings while fielding major offers from top Power Five programs.

Physically, Richardson stands out the moment he steps on the floor. He boasts a strong frame, long arms, and explosive leaping ability that allow him to consistently play above the rim. His athleticism makes him a threat in transition, a force on the offensive glass, and a versatile defender capable of switching across multiple positions. He competes with a high motor, frequently securing rebounds outside his area and turning them into quick scoring opportunities for his team. While still refining his ball-handling and ability to consistently create his own shot, Richardson’s combination of size and athletic tools makes him a tough matchup for opposing wings.

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Offensively, Richardson is at his best when attacking downhill or as an active finisher, when plays have been created by others. He thrives as a cutter, slipping behind defenses for lob opportunities or quick finishes at the rim. His touch around the basket is developing, and his ability to finish through contact has improved year to year. He is still working to become a reliable three-level scorer — his perimeter shooting remains a swing skill — but his willingness to take open shots and his improved mechanics suggest upside as a future floor spacer. Developing a tighter handle and more advanced shot creation package will elevate his offensive profile and allow him to punish mismatches more consistently.

A deeper dive into his offensive skill set reveals a player with excellent timing and feel for spacing. Richardson understands how to position himself in the dunker spot, how to flare out to the corner when drives collapse the defense, and how to relocate to stay open. He has a developing mid-post game, using his length to shoot over smaller defenders and occasionally facing up to attack slower bigs. His offensive rebounding instincts are advanced, as he has a knack for reading where misses will land and converting them into easy second-chance points. As his confidence grows, Richardson could become a dangerous threat out of short rolls or quick-hitter actions, especially if he continues to improve his passing vision and decision-making when the ball is in his hands.

Beyond his finishing ability, Richardson is a weapon in transition. His speed and explosiveness allow him to beat defenders down the floor, and his ability to play above the rim makes him a constant lob threat. When attacking the half court, he uses his length well to finish over defenders and has shown the ability to score off quick one- or two-dribble drives. As he continues to improve his footwork and reads out of the triple-threat position, he has the potential to become a consistent threat as a slasher. He has also flashed growth as a passer, finding open shooters and cutters when defenses collapse, showing promise as a secondary playmaker who can keep the ball moving in a flowing offense.

Defensively, Richardson projects as one of the most versatile stoppers in his class. His combination of size, length, and lateral quickness allows him to guard multiple positions — from smaller guards to bigger wings — making him a valuable switch defender in modern schemes. He excels at using his wingspan to contest shots without fouling and has shown timing as a shot-blocker, particularly as a weak-side help defender. His ability to protect the rim from the wing adds a unique layer to a team’s defense.

Taking a closer look at Richardson’s defense shows just how disruptive he can be. He possesses advanced anticipation, allowing him to beat ball-handlers to their spots and force them into tough decisions. His ability to “dig down” on drives and poke balls loose shows a guard-like quickness with his hands, while his strength helps him absorb contact and wall up effectively against bigger players in the paint. He communicates well for his age, calling out screens and helping his teammates stay organized defensively — a sign that he has been coached at a high level and understands the importance of team defense. As he sharpens his closeouts and maintains discipline on shot fakes, he has the chance to develop into a true defensive anchor on the wing, capable of shutting down primary scorers.

Richardson’s defensive instincts are advanced for his age. He is active in the passing lanes, capable of jumping routes to create turnovers, and frequently converts those plays into fast-break opportunities. His rebounding effort also sets him apart — he boxes out consistently, secures tough boards, and has the strength to finish possessions against bigger frontcourt players. With continued growth in his footwork and discipline, he could develop into a true lockdown defender capable of impacting the game even on nights when his offense isn’t clicking.

What separates Richardson from many of his peers is the sheer breadth of his strengths. He is an explosive athlete with a strong frame, giving him an edge physically at the high school level. He plays with consistent energy, often creating second-chance points or momentum-changing defensive stops. His willingness to do the little things — sprint the floor, crash the glass, dive for loose balls — makes him a winning player. Add to that his pedigree as the son of former NBA star Jason Richardson, and you get a prospect who combines natural talent with the mental approach needed to maximize it.

Looking ahead, there is significant room for growth, which only makes his projection more exciting. Improved three-point shooting will elevate his offensive versatility and force defenders to guard him honestly on the perimeter. Continued development as a ball-handler and shot creator will unlock another dimension to his game, making him more than just an athletic finisher. If he maintains his defensive intensity and polishes his perimeter skills, Richardson projects as a high-major impact player with long-term NBA potential. His combination of athleticism, effort, and upside make him one of the most intriguing wings in the 2026 class.

Physical Attributes

Height/Position: 6’6” Small Forward / Wing

Build: Strong, athletic frame with long arms and solid muscle development; physically mature for his age with room to add strength as he prepares for the college level

Athleticism: Explosive leaper who consistently plays above the rim; combines quick first step, vertical pop, and second-jump ability to impact the game on both ends

Matchup Impact: Too athletic for bigger forwards to stay in front of on the perimeter and too strong and physical for smaller guards or wings to keep out of the paint

Offensive Game

Scoring Ability

  • Dynamic finisher who thrives as a cutter and transition scorer, frequently finishing above the rim with authority

  • Possesses excellent touch around the rim; absorbs contact and converts tough finishes

  • Mid-range game shows promise, particularly on quick pull-ups and short jumpers off one or two dribbles

  • Perimeter shooting is still developing but trending upward; mechanics are clean and projectable

  • Active on the offensive glass, creating second-chance points with his quick jumps and timing

Ball-Handling & Creation

  • Ball-handling is functional and improving, allowing him to attack closeouts and get downhill

  • Uses length and first step to create angles on drives; flashes potential as a slasher

  • Capable of initiating offense in secondary transition or simple actions

  • Still developing confidence creating off the dribble but shows flashes of mid-post face-up ability

Playmaking

  • Growing as a passer — finds teammates on dump-offs and kick-outs when defenses collapse

  • Has shown improved recognition of help defenders and willingness to make the extra pass

  • Keeps the ball moving within the flow of the offense, rarely over-dribbles

  • Projects as a complementary connector who can add value without needing high usage

Defensive Game

  • Elite length and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions and protect the rim from the wing

  • Disruptive in the passing lanes, generating steals that lead to transition opportunities

  • Excellent timing as a help defender, blocking and altering shots from the weak side

  • Competes on the glass, boxing out and securing rebounds against bigger opponents

  • Footwork and closeouts continue to improve; projects as a versatile perimeter stopper as he refines technique

  • Already trusted to defend top assignments and shows strong instincts in team defensive schemes

Intangibles

  • Basketball IQ: Advanced for his age; reads plays quickly on both ends and understands spacing concepts

  • Versatility: Can play and defend multiple positions, adding lineup flexibility for coaches

  • Mentality: Plays with a high motor, relentless on the glass and takes pride in defense

  • Leadership: Brings positive energy to the court; vocal communicator who elevates teammates with hustle and effort

Areas for Growth

  • Continue improving three-point shooting consistency to become a reliable floor spacer

  • Enhance ball-handling and shot-creation ability to generate more offense independently

  • Sharpen footwork and lateral quickness to stay in front of quicker guards on switches

  • Grow as a playmaker by improving vision and passing accuracy in traffic

Projection & Comparisons

Richardson projects as a high-major Division I wing with the tools to contribute early thanks to his athleticism, two-way versatility, and feel for the game. Already playing against national competition at Columbus High School and with Vegas Elite on the Nike EYBL circuit, he has proven he can impact winning in high-pressure environments. His combination of strength, vertical pop, and developing skill set make him a plug-and-play option as a slashing scorer, perimeter defender, and energy provider from day one. Long-term, his ceiling will be determined by the growth of his perimeter shooting and ability to expand his self-creation skills, but the physical foundation and competitive motor are already in place for him to be an immediate contributor at the next level.

His game draws comparisons to explosive, two-way wings at the highest levels. Offensively, his downhill attacking and ability to finish through contact resemble a young Jaylen Brown, while his defensive activity and ability to guard multiple positions draw parallels to Mikal Bridges. With improved three-point consistency, Richardson could evolve into a true two-way force capable of anchoring lineups as a high-level 3-and-D wing with playmaking upside.

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]]><![CDATA[Derrick "Bam" Florence Scouting Report]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/derrick-bam-florence-scouting-reporthttps://draftstack.substack.com/p/derrick-bam-florence-scouting-reportThu, 18 Sep 2025 14:50:25 GMT

Derrick Florence ('26) is a 6-7 wing who has quickly built a reputation as a versatile and high-upside prospect. His length, mobility, and fluid athleticism allow him to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Florence is a versatile scorer who can attack in different ways. He’s comfortable pulling up from mid-range, stretching the floor with developing three-point range, or slashing to the basket with long strides that make it tough for defenders to stay in front of him. For his size, he handles the ball well, creating mismatches against slower opponents and giving him the ability to initiate offense when needed.

Defensively, Florence’s length and quickness make him an ideal modern wing defender. He can switch across multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and contest shots both on the perimeter and in the paint. On the glass, he’s an active rebounder who not only secures boards but can also start the break himself.

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What makes Florence even more valuable is his basketball IQ and team-first mentality. He doesn’t need to dominate the ball to make an impact, often making the right reads and contributing in ways that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. With his competitive edge and willingness to improve, his ceiling is extremely high.

As with most young prospects, there are areas where growth is needed. Developing more consistency from beyond the arc will elevate his offensive game, and adding muscle to his frame will allow him to finish stronger through contact while also defending bigger forwards more effectively.

Looking ahead, Derrick Florence has all the tools to become a dynamic two-way player at the next level. His size, versatility, and modern skill set make him a prospect to watch closely in the class of 2026.

Scouting Report: Derrick “Bam” Florence - OSL Prep

Strengths

  • Ideal size and length for a modern wing (6’7, long arms, fluid mover)

  • Versatile scorer: three-level threat (3PT, mid-range pull-up, rim finishes)

  • Strong slasher with long strides and body control in traffic

  • Smooth shooting mechanics with upside as a perimeter threat

  • Good passer; makes smart reads and keeps the ball moving

  • Switchable defender; can guard guards and forwards effectively

  • Active rebounder on both ends of the floor

  • High basketball IQ, poised under pressure, team-first mentality

Physical Attributes:

  • Stands at 6-foot-7 with excellent length and wingspan for a wing.

  • Fluid athlete with smooth mobility and the ability to cover ground quickly.

  • Frame still developing, giving him room to add strength without losing agility.

Offensive Skills:

  • Versatile scorer who can operate inside and on the perimeter.

  • Comfortable shooting from mid-range and capable of stretching the floor from three.

  • Strong slasher who uses long strides to get to the rim.

  • Handles the ball well for his size, creating mismatches against slower defenders.

    Defensive Skills:

  • Length and athleticism make him a disruptive presence on the perimeter and in the paint.

  • Can guard multiple positions effectively.

  • Active rebounder who secures boards and initiates fast breaks.

Intangibles:

  • Displays high basketball IQ with strong decision-making.

  • Team-oriented player who can impact the game without needing to dominate the ball.

  • Competitive mindset with the drive to elevate his game.

Areas for Improvement:

  • Needs to develop more consistency as a three-point shooter.

  • Adding strength will help him finish through contact and defend stronger forwards.

Future Outlook:

  • High-upside prospect with the size, versatility, and skill set to succeed at the next level.

  • Projects as a modern two-way wing who can thrive in multiple systems

]]><![CDATA[Collin Paul Scouting Report]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/collin-paul-scouting-reporthttps://draftstack.substack.com/p/collin-paul-scouting-reportThu, 04 Sep 2025 00:36:39 GMT

With the continued growth of positionless basketball always changing, versatility at the forward position has become one of the most valuable assets in modern offenses. One player who has continued to shine and draw major attention is Collin Paul, a 6’7” point-forward out of Calvary Christian Academy in Florida. Already competing against elite talent with SOH Elite on the Under Armour circuit as well as Overtime Elite; Paul has established himself as one of the most intriguing multi-dimensional prospects in the country. With his size, playmaking ability, and fluid skill set, he projects as a mismatch creator and versatile contributor with significant long-term upside.

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Physically, Paul stands out immediately with his solid frame, long wingspan, and strong build that allows him to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He combines size with fluid mobility, moving with coordination that is rare for a forward his age. His length and strength make him a reliable rebounder and finisher around the rim, while his ball-handling and comfort in space give him the ability to operate like a guard. Though still refining his conditioning and ability to consistently play through contact, his combination of size, skill, and versatility creates constant matchup problems—too strong for wings to contain in the post and too skilled for bigs to chase on the perimeter.

Offensively, Paul plays with the versatility and skill set of a modern point-forward, and he still has two more years of high school to refine his game. He isn’t a traditional three-level scorer just yet, but his combination of size, vision, and craftiness makes him a unique offensive weapon. In transition, he thrives, pushing the ball confidently and using his handle to create mismatches against slower defenders. Around the rim, he’s polished and poised, finishing with soft touch and creativity rather than relying purely on athleticism. His mid-range game is dependable, though his perimeter shooting remains inconsistent, leaving plenty of room for growth as a stretch option.

What separates Paul’s offensive game is his playmaking ability at his size. He handles the ball with comfort, navigates pick-and-rolls and can also initiate sets like a guard. His patience and ability to change pace keeps defenders off balance, and he shows a knack for exploiting defensive rotations. His vision allows him to be able to find cutters, shooters spotting up, and the roll man, making him an ideal facilitator in a positionless system.

Paul’s passing instincts are the hallmark of his offensive profile. He manipulates defenders with his eyes, understands the timing of the game and play calling by the Calvary coaching staff, and has the discipline to make the right read rather than forcing difficult plays. His ability to balance scoring with distribution elevates teammates around him, and his size allows him to see over defenses and deliver passes smaller guards can’t. While his jump shot still needs polish, his skill as a creator and initiator gives him a unique ceiling as a jumbo playmaker.

While Paul is not yet a knockdown shooter, his developing perimeter game adds an important dimension to his offensive profile. He has shown flashes of confidence spotting up from the corners, particularly as a catch-and-shoot option when defenses collapse on drives. His mechanics are sound, but his consistency remains streaky, as reflected in his percentages. Still, the willingness to take and make shots from the perimeter forces defenses to respect him, creating more space for his playmaking. As he improves his rhythm and efficiency, Paul has the potential to stretch the floor effectively, giving him added versatility as a forward who can both initiate offense and provide reliable spacing in half-court sets.

Defensively, Paul leverages his length and physical frame to make an impact across multiple positions. With his current frame, he is already capable of guarding both forwards and some wings, using his wingspan to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes. His instincts as a help defender are advanced for his age—he rotates well, provides rim protection in spurts, and has the timing to block or alter shots around the basket. His rebounding presence also fuels transition opportunities, turning defensive stops into instant offense.

One of Paul’s biggest strengths is his ability to anticipate plays before they happen. He uses his vision to read opposing offenses, jumping passing lanes and creating turnovers that lead to easy points. When locked in, he can anchor stretches of defensive intensity, combining physicality with positional awareness. His motor on the glass and willingness to defend bigger players in the post make him a reliable interior presence, especially in high school competition where his size and strength often overwhelm opponents.

Still, there are areas of growth needed for Paul to maximize his defensive potential at the next level. His lateral quickness and agility remain a work in progress, which can leave him vulnerable against quicker wings on the perimeter. At times, he relies on length instead of disciplined footwork, leading to fouls or late closeouts. Improving his conditioning will also be crucial so he can maintain defensive effort across extended minutes. With continued development in these areas, Paul projects as a versatile defender who can switch across multiple positions and be a difference-maker on that end of the floor.

Beyond his physical tools he possesses, Paul’s intangibles and track record of success continue to elevate his profile. He has already competed at a high level with SOH Elite on the Under Armour circuit and with Overtime Elite, consistently proving he can hold his own against national competition. Coaches praise his maturity, versatility, and unselfishness is his approach to the game—traits that make him an asset in any system at the next level. On the court, he carries himself with poise and confidence, often stepping into a point-forward role where he directs teammates and initiates offense. His ability to embrace responsibility while remaining team-first reflects the mindset of a natural leader.

There is still room for development, which only makes his upside more compelling. Improving his perimeter shooting, will allow him to maximize his floor-spacing value and open up driving lanes for himself as well as teammates. Continued progress in his lateral quickness and conditioning will be critical for defending faster wings at the next level. With his blend of size, playmaking ability, and basketball IQ, Paul already looks like one of the most versatile forwards in Florida. Given his work ethic and steady improvement over the past year, he projects as a player who will continue to grow into a multi-dimensional force at the collegiate level and beyond.

Physical Attributes

Height/Position: 6’7” Point-Forward
Build: Strong frame with broad shoulders; room to continue refining conditioning and explosiveness
Athleticism: Fluid mover with coordination for his size; not an above-the-rim leaper but uses length and timing effectively
Matchup Impact: Too skilled for bigs to defend on the perimeter and too strong for smaller wings to contain in the post

Offensive Game

Scoring Ability

  • Capable scorer at all three levels, though perimeter shot is still developing

  • Thrives in transition, pushing the ball with confidence and vision

  • Reliable touch around the rim; uses craft and length to finish through contact

  • Comfortable in mid-range spots, especially with pull-ups or short jumpers

Ball-Handling & Creation

  • Advanced handle for his size; operates smoothly as a point-forward

  • Keeps defenders off balance with pace changes and hesitation moves

  • Strong initiator in pick-and-roll sets, using size to see over defenses

  • Controls tempo well, rarely rushed even against pressure

Playmaking

  • Elite vision for a forward—finds cutters, rollers, and spot-up shooters with precision

  • Manipulates defenses with his eyes and timing

  • Balances scoring with facilitation, making teammates better

  • Mature decision-making; avoids forcing plays, reads defenses patiently

Defensive Game

  • Length allows him to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes effectively

  • Capable of guarding both forwards and some wings; best against slower matchups currently

  • Strong rebounder, secures possessions and starts transition breaks

  • Needs to continue improving lateral quickness and agility to handle quicker perimeter players

  • Conditioning and consistent engagement will raise his defensive ceiling

Intangibles

  • Basketball IQ: Consistently improving; demonstrates development and ability to make quick decisions in game.

  • Versatility: Capable of playing and defending multiple positions and contributing in various aspects of the game.

  • Mentality: Competitive edge shows in rebounding, playmaking, and willingness to take on responsibility of defending best wings or posts.

  • Leadership: Demonstrates qualities in game as well as on the bench and during timeouts to motivate and encourage teammates to perform their best.

Areas for Growth

  • Improve three-point consistency, especially from the corners, to stretch the floor

  • Enhance lateral quickness and conditioning for perimeter defense

  • Continue refining off-ball impact (spot-up shooting, movement without the ball)

  • Develop greater comfort absorbing and initiating contact against physical defenders

Projection & Comparisons

Paul projects as a versatile high-major Division I forward with the skill set to make an early impact as a secondary creator and matchup problem. He may even remain in the state of Florida at the college level with FSU making his group of finalists. His combination of size, playmaking, and rebounding gives him immediate utility at the college level, while his long-term ceiling will depend on the growth of his perimeter shooting and defensive agility. With continued development, particularly in stretching the floor and guarding quicker wings, he has the tools to evolve into a pro-caliber point-forward.

His game draws comparisons to several established players. Offensively, his blend of vision and size echoes Draymond Green-lite in how he facilitates while still impacting the game without being a dominant scorer. His fluidity and perimeter skills bear resemblance to Brandon Ingram as a potential ceiling, while his rebounding and playmaking in space evoke shades of Kyle Anderson. If his outside shot becomes more consistent, Paul could emerge as a modern, positionless forward capable of anchoring lineups at multiple spots.

]]><![CDATA[Christopher Birden Jr. Scouting Report]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/christopher-birden-jr-scouting-reporthttps://draftstack.substack.com/p/christopher-birden-jr-scouting-reportWed, 03 Sep 2025 16:26:16 GMT

In the world of high school basketball, there are always players who stand out from and capture the attention of scouts and coaches. One such player is Chris Birden Jr., a 6-9 guard/forward from South Kent School. With his exceptional height, athleticism, and skills, Birden Jr. is becoming a highly sought-after prospects in the class of 2026. We will take an in-depth look at Birden's scouting report and explore what makes him such a promising talent.

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]]><![CDATA[RJ Livingston Scouting Report]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/rj-livingston-scouting-reporthttps://draftstack.substack.com/p/rj-livingston-scouting-reportSat, 30 Aug 2025 13:40:48 GMT

Standing 6-foot-2 and playing for Riviera Prep in Florida (previously at Isadore Neman High School in New Orleans Louisiana), Livingston possesses a mix of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ. Scouts and coaches have taken notice, and for good reason. He’s not just promising—he’s producing. This scouting report takes a closer look at what makes RJ a standout prospect and why he’s one of the most exciting young guards to watch.

Physically, RJ stands out the moment he steps on the floor. He’s lean, strong, and explosive, with the frame to handle both guard spots. His length gives him a natural edge, allowing him to shoot over defenders, finish at the rim, and cover ground quickly on defense. Despite his youth, he already carries himself with the poise and presence of a veteran.

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Offensively, Livingston is versatile and efficient. He has a smooth, repeatable jump shot and shows strong range from both mid-range and deep. His release is quick, and he’s confident pulling up off the dribble or spotting up. He’s not just a shooter, though—he’s aggressive when driving to the rim and finishes well with either hand. He plays with purpose and attacks defenders, showing a natural instinct for scoring.

What truly sets RJ apart is his feel for the game. He sees the floor with clarity and makes smart, unselfish decisions. His passing is sharp and timely, and he understands when to push the pace or slow it down. Whether playing on or off the ball, he’s a connector—he keeps the offense flowing and gets others involved.

Defensively, he brings that same energy and awareness. His size allows him to guard both guard positions effectively, and his lateral movement makes it tough for opponents to get by him. He plays with a high motor, consistently contesting shots, fighting through screens, and applying pressure on the perimeter. He’s not afraid to get physical and does the little things that impact winning.

Off the court, RJ is focused, humble, and driven. He takes his academics seriously and understands the importance of being a well-rounded student-athlete. His support system, including family and coaches, has played a key role in keeping him grounded and motivated. He’s known for his work ethic and his willingness to put in extra hours, always looking to grow and improve.

The future is bright for RJ Livingston. With his physical tools, high-level skill set, and mature approach to the game, he is one of the top guards in his class. If he continues on this path, he’ll be a major name in college basketball—and potentially beyond.

RJ Livingston is a player to watch. He’s got the game, the mindset, and the momentum. The foundation is set—now it’s about building on it. Keep your eye on this rising star. His story is just getting started.

Size and Physical Abilities

  • Height: 6'2", with a lean, athletic build

  • Frame: Agile and strong, capable of handling physical play

  • Length: Uses wingspan effectively on both ends of the court

  • Versatility: Can play both guard positions with confidence

Offensive Skills

  • Shooting: Smooth, consistent jumper with deep range

  • Quick Release: Can shoot off the catch or dribble

  • Driving Ability: Finishes well at the rim with either hand

  • Basketball IQ: Reads defenses and makes smart decisions

  • Playmaking: Strong court vision and passing ability—creates for teammates as well as himself

Defensive Skills

  • Perimeter Defense: Quick feet and excellent lateral movement

  • Positional Flexibility: Can defend both guard spots effectively

  • Effort: Plays with a high motor—hustles every possession

  • Disruption: Disrupts passing lanes and contests shots with his length

  • Team Awareness: Understands rotations and communicates well on defense

Off the Court

  • Academics: Maintains solid grades and values his education

  • Character: Humble, coachable, and team-first mentality

  • Work Ethic: Known for his dedication to training and personal development

  • Support System: Backed by a strong family and coaching foundation

Future Potential

  • High-upside prospect with the tools to contribute at a high level at D1-level

  • With continued growth, he will continue to develop into one of the most versatile and complete guards in his class

]]><![CDATA[Luca Foster Scouting Report]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/luca-foster-scouting-reporthttps://draftstack.substack.com/p/luca-foster-scouting-reportWed, 27 Aug 2025 16:06:48 GMT

Luca Foster may not be the most explosive athlete in his class, but he possesses solid functional athleticism that enables him to consistently make high-level plays above the rim. He has a strong, physically mature frame and plays with great intensity on both ends of the floor. While there are moments where he could show a bit more willingness to defer and make team-first decisions, his individual production—both on the EYBL circuit and at the high school level—speaks for itself.

Foster has proven he can thrive in competitive environments, and his skill set should translate well to the college game. He’s a capable shooter with deep range (especially when his feet are set), a smart passer with good vision, and a high-motor competitor who doesn’t take many plays off. In a structured, dynamic college offense, he could be an incredibly valuable piece—whether as a secondary scorer, a versatile wing, or a play-connector who makes the right reads. His toughness, skill versatility, and competitive fire will make him a strong addition to any program’s roster.

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]]><![CDATA[Joe Sterling Scouting Report]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/joe-sterling-scouting-reporthttps://draftstack.substack.com/p/joe-sterling-scouting-reportFri, 22 Aug 2025 00:21:47 GMT

Joe Sterling is a rising point guard from California who has developed under the close guidance of an elite trainer and the director of Team CPSA. Over the years, we've watched his game grow steadily—built on discipline, high-level fundamentals, and a relentless work ethic. He recently helped lead Team CPSA to a 17U championship on the highly competitive Pro-16 circuit, cementing his status as one of the top but overlooked guards in the 2026 class.

Sterling is a fundamentally sound floor general with a mature feel for the game. He leverages his elite footwork, sharp shooting mechanics, and high basketball IQ to score efficiently and create for others. Whether it’s in pick-and-roll action or off-ball movement, Joe consistently makes the right reads and delivers with poise.

A standout at the Puma Pro-16 events, he repeatedly closed out weekends on fire—drawing attention from college coaches and scouts across the country. Sterling continues to rise in the national rankings, and his polished, composed style of play suggests he’s only getting started. With his leadership, intelligence, and ability to perform under pressure, Joe Sterling is built for the next level.

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Weaponry

From an aesthetic point of view, Joe Sterling plays a beautiful and fundamentally sound brand of basketball. His game is a unique blend of old-school principles, modern efficiency, and a crafty bag of YMCA-style tricks that keep defenders guessing. There’s something timeless about the way he approaches the game—he doesn’t rely on overwhelming athleticism or flashy highlights, but instead leans into precision, feel, and pure skill.

What makes Sterling so effective is his ability to outthink and outmaneuver defenders on a consistent basis. His footwork is sharp, his pace is deliberate, and his understanding of spacing and timing is advanced beyond his years. Whether he’s navigating through traffic or setting up in the half court, he knows exactly how to get to his spots and create separation, even without elite speed or bounce.

His handle is tight and compact, allowing him to control the tempo and keep defenders off balance. Joe rarely wastes dribbles—every movement has a purpose. And once he gets to his preferred spots, he’s a deadly shot-maker or facilitator. His efficiency, poise, and IQ allow him to thrive against more athletic opponents because he simply plays the game at his own speed and on his own terms.

In an era where flash often overshadows substance, Joe Sterling’s game is a refreshing reminder of how far high-level fundamentals and basketball intelligence can take a player.

“Midrange is a layup if you grind” - Clint Parks

The mid-range jumper is far from dead—and Joe Sterling is living, breathing proof of that. He’s a throwback in all the best ways, operating with surgical precision from the middle of the floor. Joe doesn’t just take mid-range shots; he owns that space. He plays with such efficiency and smoothness that he makes it look effortless, consistently getting to his spots and elevating with confidence.

What separates Joe is how advanced he is in manipulating defenders. His change-of-pace dribble is elite for his age—he lulls defenders to sleep with hesitation moves, then bursts into space or stops on a dime, forcing them off balance. It’s the kind of footwork and timing that feels instinctual, but clearly comes from years of high-level training and feel for the game.

He also employs subtle, old-school tricks that veteran guards use: a well-timed shoulder bump, a controlled lean, or just enough contact to disrupt the defender’s balance without drawing a charge. These crafty moves allow him to create the sliver of space he needs to rise up and knock down shots—often over outstretched arms. int he clips below you will see how good Mr. Sterling operates in the middle of the floor.

For such a young player, Joe Sterling has already mastered the art of separation. His footwork is polished, his handle is tight, and his ability to read defenders and react in real time is well beyond his years. He doesn't need to rely on pure speed or explosiveness because his basketball IQ, body control, and touch do the work for him.

Simply put, Joe Sterling is a mid-range maestro—calculated, composed, and deadly from the in-between game. And as the game trends more toward threes and layups, players like Joe remind us that there's still beauty—and value—in the art of the mid-range. Hesitation, a controlled step-back, or a crafty spin, Joe knows exactly how to manipulate defenders and get to his spots.

What truly sets him apart is his ability to hit shots under pressure. He’s incredibly poised, even with a hand in his face or a defender draped over him. His shot-making ability in tough situations is elite—he doesn’t need much space to get a clean look, and he has an uncanny knack for knocking down contested jumpers. That skill, combined with his natural touch and balance, makes him a nightmare for defenders who can’t afford to relax for even a second.

3-point Shooting

One of the most common themes that surfaces when discussing Joe Sterling is his shooting—and for good reason. He’s an elite-level shooter, arguably one of the most efficient and fundamentally sound high school shooters I’ve seen in all my years of watching and covering basketball. What separates Joe isn’t just his ability to make shots—it’s the way he shoots. His process, footwork, mechanics, and timing are all textbook, and he approaches each shot with intention and discipline.

Sterling doesn’t rush his form or rely solely on rhythm or confidence; he’s methodical. Every rep looks practiced. He understands how to create the space he needs, how to use defenders’ momentum against them, and how to get square to the basket regardless of the angle or situation. He’s a player who truly leverages his shot as a primary offensive weapon—not just as a last resort or spot-up option. Whether he’s coming off a screen, relocating off-ball, or pulling up off the bounce, his mechanics remain compact and consistent.

A big part of what makes Joe so lethal is his footwork. He’s extremely disciplined in setting up his shot the right way. You’ll often see him lead with his inside foot when coming off movement, allowing him to quickly square his shoulders and rise into his jumper with balance and lift. He meets the ball with his feet ready, uses subtle tempo changes to create rhythm, and generates power from the ground up. The result is a high-percentage look almost every time he pulls the trigger.

Simply put, Joe Sterling is one of the most efficient and intentional shooters in high school basketball. His understanding of mechanics, his feel for timing, and his ability to stay consistent under pressure make him a standout in a class full of talent. He’s not just a shooter—he’s a shot-maker, and he’s only getting better.

Post Game From The Guard Position

Standing at 6’3”, Joe Sterling brings a unique and refreshing approach to the game—one that sets him apart from many of today’s young guards. While the modern game is often dominated by explosive speed and above-the-rim athleticism, Sterling breaks the mold. He doesn’t rely on blowing by defenders or using quick-twitch athleticism to score. Instead, he leans into skill, footwork, and basketball IQ, using a rare weapon for a guard: an elite post-up game.

Sterling has become a master at punishing defenders on the block, regardless of their size. Whether he’s matched up against smaller, quicker guards or longer, more physical ones, he consistently finds ways to create high-quality scoring opportunities with his back to the basket. His ability to seal his man, read the help defense, and execute a variety of post moves—fadeaways, turnarounds, drop steps, and up-and-unders—makes him nearly unguardable in that space.

What makes this aspect of his game so special is how he uses angles, leverage, and timing to gain an advantage. He’s incredibly patient with the ball in the post, never rushing the shot, always probing for the right opening. He understands how to use his frame to initiate contact, create space, and elevate into a soft, balanced release. It’s not just effective—it’s efficient. And in an era where perimeter-oriented play and isolation drives dominate, Sterling’s ability to score with such precision from the post adds a rare layer to his offensive arsenal.

His post game doesn’t just help him score—it also opens up the floor for teammates. When double teams come, he doesn’t force the issue. Instead, he reads the floor calmly and kicks out to shooters or cutters, showing advanced decision-making for his age.

In short, Joe Sterling is redefining what it means to be a scoring guard in today’s game. He proves you don’t need to be the fastest or most explosive player on the floor to dominate—you just need footwork, feel, and a deep bag of moves. And he has all three.

Defense

At the next level, coaches want a point guard who can defend at the point of attack—someone who can keep the ball in front, apply pressure, and disrupt rhythm. Joe Sterling checks that box. While some may question whether he's a high-level defender due to his lack of elite length or flashy physical tools, those concerns quickly fade once you watch him play. He is far from a liability on defense.

Sterling makes up for what he may lack in raw measurables with high-level intangibles. His basketball IQ, sharp instincts, and strong understanding of angles allow him to stay in front of his man and impact plays without gambling. He’s an intelligent on-ball defender who sees actions unfold before they happen and puts himself in the right spots consistently.

What really sets Joe apart is his competitive fire. He takes pride in defending, embraces tough assignments, and doesn’t shy away from physicality. He’s always locked in and brings a relentless motor, staying engaged while others begin to fade. His top-tier conditioning allows him to maintain that intensity deep into games, which is a major asset at the college level.

Joe Sterling makes life tough for opposing guards. He proves that elite defense isn’t always about having the longest arms or the quickest feet—it’s about effort, toughness, and the will to compete. Simply put, Joe Sterling defends. Period.

Recruiting Outlook

I truly believe Joe Sterling is one of the most underrated and overlooked prospects in the 2026 class. It seems like some coaches are overthinking their evaluations—maybe he doesn’t pass the traditional “eye test” for everyone—but that should be irrelevant. This kid consistently competes against elite talent and delivers. Night in and night out, he shows up, puts in real work, and more often than not, comes out on top.

His production, toughness, and impact speak far louder than any preconceived notions or hesitation. Wherever he lands, that program is getting a real one—a killer on the court, a natural leader, and a player who gives you everything he’s got. He’s coachable, locked in, and absorbs instruction at a high level, processing it and applying it on the court in a surgical, highly efficient way. Joe Sterling is the type of guard every winning culture needs.

His list of offers already includes three Pac-12 programs—Washington, Washington State, and USC—each drawn to his ability to make an early impact at the next level. These Power Five schools are impressed by his polished offensive game, court vision, and leadership intangibles.

In addition to the high majors, several respected mid-major programs have joined the race, including Colorado State, Portland, San Francisco, New Mexico, and St. Bonaventure. These programs are known for developing skilled, high-character guards and view Sterling as a cornerstone prospect who can anchor their backcourt for years. Sterling’s momentum hit another level after leading Team CPSA to the 17U Pro-16 Championship, a run that showcased his ability to shine under pressure and elevate his teammates on the big stage.

Summary

With his rare blend of scoring efficiency, IQ, and on-court leadership, Joe Sterling has firmly cemented his status as one of the elite shooters in the 2026 recruiting class. Whether he’s knocking down contested jumpers, using his frame to create space, or setting the tone for his team with vocal leadership, Sterling continues to elevate his game on both ends of the floor. While his recruitment process is still unfolding, one thing has become increasingly clear—college coaches, scouts, and basketball insiders alike are beginning to take serious notice of his rising stock and undeniable talent.

]]><![CDATA[Josh Irving Scouting Report]]>https://draftstack.substack.com/p/josh-irving-scouting-reporthttps://draftstack.substack.com/p/josh-irving-scouting-reportFri, 08 Aug 2025 15:08:13 GMT

After an impressive run on the PRO16 circuit—capped by a 17U championship—Josh Irving’s stock has skyrocketed. His dominant performances not only powered Team CPSA to the title, but also drew the attention of college basketball’s elite. Already holding an offer from Kansas, the 6’11” big man has now added a scholarship offer from the University of Kentucky to his growing list. It’s a major milestone for Irving, who has poured countless hours into refining his game and elevating his national profile.

On the court, Irving’s athleticism is nothing short of elite. He’s earned a reputation for making jaw-dropping, high-flying plays on both ends, showcasing the kind of explosive ability that demands attention. This season, he cemented himself as one of the most intriguing frontcourt prospects in the country. His impact was felt night in and night out—anchoring the defense with elite rim protection, finishing above the rim with ease on offense, and affecting the game without needing plays run for him. With a relentless motor, exceptional length, sharp timing, and complete buy-in on the defensive end, he’s exactly the kind of defensive stalwart college programs covet. Offensively, his improved footwork, expanding jumper, soft hands, and constant energy have made him a reliable lob target and an emerging low-post presence. Irving has faced his fair share of challenges on the court, particularly when it came to adapting to high-level coaching. He plays under two of the most respected basketball minds on the grassroots scene—Coach Cartier French-Toney and Team CPSA director Clint Parks—both known for their demanding standards and no-nonsense approach. Hailing from SoCal and Seattle respectively, French-Toney and Parks are relentless in holding players accountable, pushing them to reach their full potential. Josh’s development played a pivotal role in Team CPSA’s run to the PRO16 championship in Bryan, Texas.

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Last season, there were moments where Irving appeared to struggle with being coached hard—his body language and response to criticism occasionally reflected the growing pains of a young player adjusting to elite expectations. But this season marked a complete turnaround. He embraced the tough coaching, responded to accountability, and not only handled it—but thrived in it. That shift in mindset has become one of the most appealing traits in his profile.

College coaches at the highest level are constantly seeking talent that can be molded, coached, and trusted in high-pressure situations. Irving has shown he’s not just physically gifted—he’s coachable, resilient, and now welcomes the kind of structure and discipline that wins games at the next level. He’s grown from being reactive to criticism into a player who seeks it out—knowing it’s key to unlocking his ceiling.

Offense

Josh Irving still has a lot of room to grow, but his rapidly improving offensive game is a major reason why he's so highly coveted at the next level—with the potential to one day reach the pro ranks. Last season, he stood around 6’7” or 6’8”; now he’s stretched to a legit 6’11”—a massive growth spurt that’s completely changed his on-court presence. Not only has he gotten taller, but he also looks noticeably stronger. His upper body has filled out some, and his lower body base has added much-needed strength, allowing him to hold position and absorb contact more effectively. With continued physical development, especially after a collegiate strength and conditioning program, we can expect to see a completely transformed Josh Irving take another jump—stronger, more explosive, and ready to dominate at the next level.

Irving is a very mobile big who runs the floor with purpose—something that separates him from many frontcourt players his size. He has massive hands and now catches just about everything thrown his way, which wasn’t always the case. Last season, he struggled at times with catching passes on the move and finishing through contact, mostly due to a lack of strength. But he’s clearly addressed those issues, and the improvement is obvious.

With those physical tools and development in place, let’s dive into what makes Josh Irving so effective on the offensive end.

Pick and Roll/Pick and Pop Play

Irving has developed into a legitimate pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop threat. With an improved jumper, he’s now able to stretch the floor and has even extended his range out beyond the three-point line—an evolution that significantly boosts his stock.

Josh sets fundamentally sound screens: he’s balanced, maintains a strong, wide base with his feet at least shoulder-width apart, stays stationary, and positions himself to split the defender cleanly. He doesn’t just go through the motions—he truly sets the screen, holds it, then quickly gets his head around and actively looks for the pass, making him a dangerous option whether rolling to the rim or popping out for a shot.

Shooting

One of the most noticeable areas of growth in Josh Irving’s game has been his shooting. Compared to last season, he’s made significant strides in both confidence and consistency. His form has become more fluid, and he’s now capable of knocking down shots from mid-range and beyond the arc, making him a legitimate stretch option in the frontcourt.

What’s especially impressive is how well he shoots despite having massive hands—a physical trait that often makes it difficult for bigs to get clean, controlled releases. For Josh, it’s quite the opposite. He generates smooth rotation and a soft touch, with solid arc and follow-through on his shot. His mechanics have clearly improved, and he's worked to develop a repeatable shooting motion that translates in both catch-and-shoot and pick-and-pop situations.

Whether it's spacing the floor in the half court or stepping into trail threes in transition, Josh is becoming a true offensive weapon. His growing shooting ability not only keeps defenses honest but also opens up driving lanes for guards and creates more opportunities within the offense.

Finishing at the Rim

Josh Irving has become a highly efficient finisher around the basket, using his combination of size, athleticism, and touch to convert at a high rate in the paint. Standing at 6’11” with long arms and excellent vertical pop, he’s a constant lob threat and a powerful presence on rolls to the rim. Whether it’s off a pick-and-roll, a dump-off pass, or an offensive rebound, Irving knows how to finish strong.

One of the most impressive parts of his development is his ability to finish through contact. Last season, he sometimes struggled to absorb bumps and maintain control. But with added strength in his upper body and a more solid base, he’s now finishing through defenders with much more confidence. He plays above the rim consistently, whether it’s a one-handed flush, a put-back dunk, or a quick second-jump finish.

Josh also shows improving touch when finesse is needed—he’s not just a dunker. He’s capable of using either hand, has shown soft touch on short hooks and floaters, and is developing solid footwork to maneuver in tight spaces. His massive hands allow him to catch tough passes in traffic and still go up strong, something that was a challenge for him earlier in his career.

With his combination of strength, bounce, touch, and growing patience around the rim, Irving is evolving into a complete finisher—one who can capitalize in both transition and half-court situations, and punish defenders who leave him unchecked near the basket.

Defense

On the defensive end, Josh Irving has had stretches where he completely dominates the paint and controls the airspace around the rim. He’s not just a shot blocker—he’s a true rim protector. His presence alone alters game plans. Opposing guards often think twice before attacking the lane when he’s on the floor. With his elite timing, massive wingspan, and huge hands, Irving has the tools to contest or block shots without fouling, and more importantly, to deter would-be scorers from even attempting to challenge him.

What truly separates him, though, is the growth in his defensive discipline. Earlier in his career, he could be prone to chasing blocks out of position or biting on fakes, but that’s changed significantly. Thanks to the structured, demanding environment instilled by his coaches, Irving has matured into a much more reliable backline defender. He now understands when to contest and when to stay grounded, how to wall up vertically, and how to use his body without overextending.

This progression in defensive IQ and patience has made him even more dangerous. He doesn’t hunt highlights—he plays winning defense. He anchors the backline, communicates with teammates, and takes pride in protecting the paint. His defensive discipline, combined with his physical tools, gives him a ceiling as a potential defensive anchor at the next level—exactly the kind of presence college coaches crave in a modern big.

As outlined above, here are some of the elite intangibles that set him apartas a prospect

  • Elite Rim Protection: Irving is a natural shot-blocker with excellent timing. He alters shots without fouling and anchors the paint at a high level.

  • Length & Mobility: His frame and mobility allow him to switch onto smaller players in spurts, hedge hard on ball screens, and recover well in help defense.

  • Rebounding: Strong instincts and soft hands make him a consistent double-double threat. He controls the glass on both ends and shows great second-jump ability.

  • Touch Around the Rim: Finishes well with both hands. Comfortable with hooks, drop steps, and short floaters. Developing touch from 10–15 feet.

  • Upside as a Vertical Threat: With his size and leaping ability, he’s a strong lob target and a rim-running threat in transition.

  • High Motor: Plays with energy and effort. Always engaged defensively and rarely takes possessions off.

  • Coachability: Known as a hard worker with a willingness to be molded. Responds well to feedback and has steadily improved over the past year.

Areas of Improvement

  • Strength and Physicality Irving is still growing into his frame and has made noticeable strides physically, but there’s room to add more strength. As he continues to fill out, adding muscle will be key to consistently battling and holding his own against stronger, more physical bigs at the high-major level.

  • Offensive Range

    He’s shown promising flashes as a shooter, both from mid-range and beyond the arc, which adds intrigue to his offensive potential. However, to truly stretch the floor and become a reliable pick-and-pop threat, he’ll need to knock down those shots with greater consistency and in higher volume.

  • Balance and Post Scoring

    While Irving has solid touch around the rim, further development in his footwork, balance, and back-to-the-basket moves will elevate his effectiveness as a low-post scorer. Adding more polished counters and learning to maintain control through contact will make him far more dangerous in isolation situations on the block.

  • Passing Out of Double Teams: Irving has shown the ability to recognize and pass out of double teams effectively, often making the right read and finding open teammates. However, at times he can rush his decision-making under pressure, which occasionally leads to careless turnovers. As his poise and patience continue to develop, this is an area where he has the potential to become a true asset, especially as defenses begin to key in on him more at the next level.

Projection

Josh Irving is an elite rim protector with the kind of length, mobility, and natural instincts that college coaches covet in a modern big. His defensive presence is game-changing—he alters shots, controls the paint, and can switch out in space when needed. Combine that with his ability to run the floor, catch lobs, and finish above the rim, and it’s clear he possesses rare upside as a true two-way big man.

What makes Irving even more intriguing is how much room he still has to grow. His physical tools suggest a high-major ceiling, and if his frame continues to fill out and his offensive game keeps progressing—particularly with his shooting touch and passing ability—he has the potential to evolve into a long-term pro prospect. He’s already shown flashes of pick-and-pop range, improved touch around the basket, and a willingness to be coached hard—all traits that elevate his projection.

As he gains strength and continues to refine his skill set, Irving has the potential to be a cornerstone piece at the next level. Programs like Kentucky, Kansas, or USC, Texas A&M—who value rim-running bigs with defensive versatility and a high motor—would benefit from his presence on both ends of the floor. If he continues on this upward trajectory, he could be one of the most impactful bigs in his class, with the tools to make a name for himself far beyond the college level.

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