Players to Watch 2026

Photo: Lyle Sutton Sutton Media

Prep Hoops Next Staff

July 20, 2022 @ 12:47 PM

When it comes to talented players that are ready to make that jump to the high school level the Class of 2026 has some players all over that you might need to put on your big board as they are…

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When it comes to talented players that are ready to make that jump to the high school level the Class of 2026 has some players all over that you might need to put on your big board as they are going ot be good. Here are a few 2026 prospect that you should start watching.

Dean Rueckert || Utah Prospects Adidas 3SSB || 2026 ||

Dean has really been a bright stock riser this Spring and he is sealing the deal this Summer. Dean is a quality player that is a stat stuffer and his ability to do a little bit of everything comes from him progressing playing up on the Adidas Circuit. Besides his baby face his game has not suffered playing up a year. Dean has been rebounding, pushing the tempo and using movement off the ball to create offense. Dean has really honed in on his shooting which is leading to bad closeouts that he catches and rips to the rim and he is starting to dunk on dudes. Dean is likely the best young player in the Class of 2026 out in the Mountain West.

Mike Jones || Team Loaded NC Adidas 3SSB || 2026 ||

The motor is off the charts as he has that motor at high gear but he does shift when he needs to. as he is lightning quick heading downhill. Handles pressure very well as he can turn any opportunity into a fast break. Recently received his first Division 1 offer. Mike is stellar on defense as he anticipates in the passing lanes and reads eyes and jumps the lanes to get steals. The most impressive aspect of his defense is that he can beat people to spots and cause major havoc from one end to another.

Tyran Stokes || Team Why Not EYBL ||2026 ||

Tyran has been on the radar for awhile but he blew up this Spring as he was just doing some unreal things on both ends of the floor. Defensively he can defend 1-5 which makes switching all positions a reality on whatever team he is playing on. He moves his feet , he has quick hands and he can leap and time block shots and rebounds. An absolute monster pushing the ball up the floor and with elite vision he can find people on the break, but he can also finish above the rim and with no fear he can posterize someone at any time. Attacks the O-Boards and gets a few put back dunks here and there. Regardless what high school he ends up at he is going to be an instant playmaker. Holds an offer from Xavier University.

Scoop Smith || All-Ohio Sumner || 2026 ||

Shity guard that vcan be a lead guard or off the ball he has a fluid and quick cross right to left and left to right. Very strong right hand and he can get into the lane and find others. He is an ideal PG that can get in the lane and create for others. He can finish in traffic and through contact as he uses soft touch shots and push layups to finish full-speed. Can create space away from defenders and uses a nice pull-up as well. Picked up an offer from Lincoln Memorial University.

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Prep Hoops Next prospect rankings have been compiled by our staff with input from high school and club coaches from across the country. Players are ranked formulaically based on their current production as well as their long-term potential as collegiate prospects. We aim to expand and update our prospects rankings several times per year to continue to maintain the most comprehensive, accurate prospect rankings in the country. Feel like we are missing someone? Let us know here and get on our radar by submitting your profile!