NEXT National Championship: Guard Prospect Standouts

The Prep Hoops Next National Championship featured teams from across the country gathering to compete in Kansas City. I was in the gym all weekend and these are some of the guards who impressed in the games I saw!

Lamont “Doodie” Hamilton (2026 PG, Wisconsin Elite National)- Lamont is a force at the 14u level. His high level skillset combined with impressive athleticism makes him so hard to stop, but it’s his competitive drive that stands out most. He’s a relentless competitor who’s willing to pick up full court all game long, is going to hustle for every loose ball, and his motor never lets up on both ends. Offensively he’s nearly impossible to keep out of the paint where he can finish in a variety of ways or drop a dime to one of his forwards. Flashed a solid outside shot while also having the ability to get to his spots and score in the mid-range. Really impressive player who can score or facilitate at a high level.

Tian Chatman (6’2 2026 G, Team FSA)- Tian has continued to improve since the last time I saw him at the 14u level. After competing with his varsity team in some summer competitions last month, he looked even more confident against his own age group. Tian has excellent positional size and spent time playing on and off the ball. Showed good passing vision in the open floor to toss the ball ahead and get easy lay-ups for his teammates. In the half-court he changes directions really well to get an edge and explode to the rim. Has some bounce in the open floor but also has the body control to finish through contact. Really impressive defender who can guard most spots at the 14u level, pressuring the ball on the perimeter while also doubling as a shot blocking threat.

Jaeden Udean (2027 G, D1 Minnesota)- Jaeden was instant offense for D1 Minnesota. He can take a game over in an instant while putting points on the board in a variety of ways. His range already extends to well beyond the arc, with the ability to hit shots off the catch or dribble. Has a deep bag of moves he can hit you with to create space off the bounce, but also showed he can play through contact around the rim. With his long frame and explosive athleticism, he was able to block a few shots in the two games I saw while also using his long arms to force some turnovers on the perimeter.

Matthew Ferguson (6’1 2026 G, Legendary Athletes)- Matthew has a mature feel to his game, as he can make some advanced moves look easy while producing with efficiency. Ferguson has a strong frame with some size at 6’1, and he mixes that with a smooth handle that allows him to work his way into the paint and makes plays. He’s a crafty finisher at the rim but also knocked down a smooth turnaround jumper with a hand right in his face in the game I saw. Willing passer in transition who seemed to always make the right reads with the ball in his hands. One to keep an eye on out of the Little Rock area.

Evan Gunn (5’7 2026 PG, ODE)- Evan was lightning in a bottle for ODE. He’s so quick with the ball in his hands, able to beat his initial defender with ease off the dribble. Tough as nails around the rim with the ability to absorb some contact and convert, but also has a nice pull-up jumper that he elevates off the floor to get off against taller defenders. Evan just made gritty plays on the defensive end to try to keep his team in it against a tough opponent. Was getting under his man to pressure the ball but was also good at getting up in passing lanes and getting a hand on lazy passes.

Ayden Ambrose (5’8 2026 PG, BBD)- Ayden Ambrose was big time in the 14u title game. Not the biggest or most impressive athlete on the floor, but he has such a high basketball IQ. Always in the right place at the right time, Ayden was effortlessly finding ways to get good looks. Because he takes such high percentage looks, Ayden rarely missed a shot as he was getting to the rim to score while also hitting floaters in the lane. Does a good job of utilizing a quick shot fake to get taller defenders in the air before finishing. He also remained calm under heavy ball pressure which allowed his team to break the press with ease and get the numbers advantage moving forward.

Jacob Hibner (2026 SG, Wisconsin Academy)- Hibner is an absolute sniper for Wisconsin Academy. He has such a smooth release from beyond the arc, and just knows how to put himself into position to get open shots. Against D1 Minnesota it seemed like every time his team needed a bucket, Hibner was there knocking down another jumper. He reads the defense so well and is always active off the ball findings gaps in the defense and providing angles for his teammates to get him the ball. High level shooter in Wisconsin’s 2026 class.