The Future Stars: Top Basketball Recruits for 2026 Across All Positions

Summary of ESPN College Basketball Recruiting Report – 2026 Class

This text excerpt from ESPN details top prospects in the 2026 college basketball recruiting class, focusing on small Forwards. Here’s a breakdown of the key players and information:

Key Players & Analysis:

* Jalen Stokes (No. 1 Prospect/SF): Considered the best overall player and Small Forward. He’s a dominant force with a blend of size, explosiveness, and skill, averaging 22.7 points, 10.5 rebounds,1.9 blocks, and nearly 4 assists. Areas for betterment include decision-making and consistent energy.His 3-point shooting is currently at 42%.
* Recruitment: Kansas, Louisville, Kentucky, USC.
* Billy Holt (Strong Contender/SF): Possesses a skill set versatile enough to potentially play shooting guard. A relentless competitor who excels in transition, defense (2.5 steals/game), and rebounding (7.4 boards/game). He creates opportunities in the half-court. His 3-point shooting has been efficient in recent camps.
* Recruitment: Arkansas, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Alabama
* Kellen Goosby (Off-Ball Guard): A 6-5 guard with a 6-9 wingspan, notable for his length, defensive ability, and scoring. He’s strong moving without the ball and has a high basketball IQ. developing his 3-point shot.
* Recruitment: Duke, Texas, Miami, BYU, Baylor, SMU.
* Jasiah Jervis (To Watch/SG): Ranked No. 50 overall and No. 6 at the shooting guard position.

Key Takeaways:

* The Small forward position is particularly strong in the 2026 class.
* Jalen Stokes is currently the top-ranked player, but Billy Holt is seen as a legitimate challenger.
* Duke is involved in the recruitment of Kellen Goosby, with a game against Florida being mentioned as a potential viewing chance.

What are the key skills college coaches prioritize when evaluating point guards in the 2026 recruiting class?

Point Guards: Orchestrators of the Offense

The point guard position demands exceptional ball-handling, court vision, and leadership. Several 2026 recruits are already showcasing these qualities.

* Jamal “J-Mac” McMurray (IMG Academy, FL): A true floor general, McMurray excels at creating opportunities for teammates. Known for his high basketball IQ and consistent three-point shooting. Scouts are comparing him to a young Tyrese Haliburton.

* Kai Green (Prolific Prep, CA): Green is a dynamic playmaker with elite athleticism. His ability to penetrate the defense and finish at the rim is remarkable. He’s a high-volume scorer who also demonstrates improving passing skills.

* Derrick Washington (Our Lady of Mount Carmel, NY): washington is a crafty ball-handler with a knack for making tough shots. He’s a fearless competitor who thrives under pressure.

Key Skills to Watch For: Assist-to-turnover ratio,three-point percentage,defensive tenacity,and leadership qualities. College coaches prioritize point guards who can immediately run an offense and make smart decisions.

Shooting Guards: Scoring Threats and offensive Weapons

Shooting guards need to be reliable scorers, capable of creating their own shot and knocking down perimeter jumpers. The 2026 class is loaded with potential offensive stars.

* Elijah Fisher (Grand Rapids christian, MI): Fisher is a polished scorer with a smooth shooting stroke. He’s cozy shooting off the dribble or spotting up from beyond the arc. His size and strength allow him to finish through contact.

* Marcus Lewis (Liberty Heights,MD): Lewis is a versatile scorer who can attack the basket or shoot from deep. He possesses a high motor and a relentless work ethic.

* Brandon McCoy (Centennial, NV): McCoy is a pure shooter with exceptional range. He’s a threat to score from anywhere on the court.

developing Your Shooting Game: Consistent practise, proper form, and shot selection are crucial for aspiring shooting guards. Focus on drills that improve your range, accuracy, and ability to shoot off the dribble.

Small Forwards: Versatility and All-Around Impact

Small forwards are often the most versatile players on the court,capable of scoring,rebounding,and defending multiple positions.

* Kalen Ellis (Bishop Gorman, NV): Ellis is a dynamic athlete with a well-rounded skillset. he can score in a variety of ways,rebound effectively,and defend multiple positions.

* Jaxon Johnson (Link Academy, MO): Johnson is a long and athletic forward with a developing offensive game. He’s a disruptive defender who can block shots and create turnovers.

* Chase Harvin (Pine Crest, FL): Harvin is a skilled forward with a high basketball IQ. He’s a capable shooter, passer, and rebounder.

The Importance of Defensive Versatility: College coaches value small forwards who can guard multiple positions effectively. Developing your lateral quickness, strength, and understanding of defensive principles is essential.

Power Forwards: Rebounding, Defense, and Interior Scoring

Power forwards are typically the team’s primary rebounders and interior defenders. They also need to be able to score around the basket and contribute offensively.

* david “DJ” Jones (Montverde Academy, FL): Jones is a dominant rebounder and shot-blocker. he’s a physical presence in the paint who can also score with his back to the basket.

* Isaiah Abraham (Our Lady of Mount Carmel, NY): Abraham is a skilled big man with a soft touch around the rim. He’s a capable passer and rebounder.

* Wyatt Tyson (Carmel Christian, NC): Tyson is a versatile forward who can stretch the floor with his shooting ability. He’s also a strong rebounder and defender.

Rebounding Techniques: Mastering proper boxing-out technique, anticipating where the ball will come off the rim, and aggressively pursuing rebounds are crucial for power forwards.

Centers: Anchors in the Paint and Defensive Stalwarts

Centers are the anchors of the defense, protecting the rim and controlling the paint. They also need to be able to score inside and contribute on the offensive end.

* Gavin Griffiths (Kingswood Oxford, CT): Griffiths is a skilled big man with a developing offensive game. He’s a capable shooter, passer, and rebounder.

* Jeremiah “Jerm” king (Scotland Campus, PA): King is a physical and athletic center with a dominant presence in the paint. He’s a strong rebounder and shot-blocker.

* Daniel Jacobsen (Sunrise christian Academy, KS): Jacobsen is a customary post player with a strong back-to-the-basket game. He’s a reliable scorer and rebounder.

Post Moves and Footwork: Developing a variety of post moves,such