7 2026 Prospects I Have To See Next Season
Nationally, the class of 2026 looks promising. Florida’s incoming freshman are a big part of its appeal. Between the influx of talent at IMG, the international imports, and prospects played varsity before their 14th birthday, there’s plenty of young talent…
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Continue ReadingNationally, the class of 2026 looks promising. Florida’s incoming freshman are a big part of its appeal. Between the influx of talent at IMG, the international imports, and prospects played varsity before their 14th birthday, there’s plenty of young talent to watch next season. Below are just 7 freshman that will be must watches for me.
Christopher Washington Jr.
The highly athletic 6’7 wing is a social media darling before suiting you for varsity. He played on a stacked Tre Mann Elite team with another high-level 2026 wing, Kymani Weathers. They’ll play for The Villages Charter, making this a double selection. Washington shoots well off the dribble and has the handle and athleticism to get by his man. We’re looking at a high-level iso scorer with length to defend multiple positions. I expect Washington and Weathers to help Sam Walters Sam Walters 6'9" | PF The Villages | 2023 State #96 Nation FL compete for the 4A state title the minute they hit the floor. With a talented team around him, Washington may use this season to show he can do a bit of everything rather than fill up the bucket.
Jojo Philon Jr.
Philon already has a year of a varsity ball under his belt. The now 6’7 wing is a high-level passer and rebounder. Like most young prospects, the key to unlocking his offensive game will come when his body fills out. Despite that, he plays with physicality. He’s a solid finisher around the basket, uses his massive wingspan to make defensive plays, and flashes touch from the perimeter. As far as long-term prospects go in the state, he’ll constantly be in the mix at the top of his class.
Felipe Quinones
The 6’4 CG has international experience under his belt with the Puerto Rican national U15 team. He’s a crafty transition scorer, flashes shot creation off the dribble, and is a consistent mid-range scorer. When playing more point guard, he’s showcased the vision to make passes over the top of the defense.
Dallas Lambert
Lambert has the early athleticism and potential to be the next face of southwest Florida prospects. The 6’3 guard prospect impressed with tenacity and transition finishing. He should step in to replace the leading scorer Alex Perry’s role last season. Port Charlotte will be a very young team, so he may often be called, giving him the reps he’ll need to elevate his game against older competition. He played up an age group this summer, so he may acclimate to the game’s speed and physicality better than expected.
Louis O’Keefe
Shooting runs in the blood of the O’Keefe family. Older brother Gerard was identified as a D1 prospect early, and Louis will bring many of the same skills to the high school game. He’s an incredibly heady shooter that has moves on the drive. We’ll find out which IMG team he suits up for soon, but whichever level gets him to know, they’re getting a scorer with a pure stroke. Expect him to sprinkle flashes of playmaking throughout his freshman season.
Timothy Winkler
Winkler will challenge for the number 1 spot in the state every year he attends IMG academy. The 6’9 forward has handles for the position and finishes well in the paint. Blessed with dancer’s feet and good touch, Winkler’s potential is sky high. He could be part of one of the youngest IMG national teams in a long time. Expect him to be a mismatch nightmare from day 1 with how he slashes against bigs.
Shiva Atwal
Atwal will begin his high school career with the size his brother left with. The 6’5 incoming freshman shoots it well from deep. Shooting runs in the family, but I’m interested in his upside. He already has slid ball skills and played a good deal on the ball in middle school. He’ll suit up for a retooled Windermere Prep squad. We could see him significantly impact after the mass exodus of talent from graduation and transfers.