2026 Off Ball Guards to Watch
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The 2026 watch list is finally here with nearly 30 players taking part of the list. The group has talented players that should have a strong debut varsity season, especially in the back court. Here are the 2026 guards to…
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Continue ReadingThe 2026 watch list is finally here with nearly 30 players taking part of the list. The group has talented players that should have a strong debut varsity season, especially in the back court. Here are the 2026 guards to watch this summer.
Ikenna Alozie Ikenna Alozie 6'3" | CG Dream City Christian | 2026 State AZ , 6’2 CG Patrick School
Alozie made plays all summer for the NJ Scholars 15U team and should make an impact for the Celtics right away. The 6’2 guard attacks the basket with a purpose as he is tough to contain off the bounce and can finish through contact. Alozie has a good handle and is capable of running the offense in a pinch. He is a strong rebounder for a guard and can defend multiple positions on the floor. Alozie has the potential to play on and off the ball, which will be huge for his development.
Aiden Derkack Aiden Derkack 6'5" | SG Colonia | 2026 State NJ , 6’4 SG Colonia
Derkack played up with Team Rio University’s 15U team this summer at the UAA and will be one to watch in the GMC this winter. The lanky 6’4 guard knows how to get to his spot on the floor and rises up nicely on his jumper. Derkack has a good handle, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and can finish through contact. He moves well without the ball in his hands and slides his feet well on the defensive end. Derkack is a skilled guard prospect whose ability to score the ball in multiple ways will be crucial to Colonia this season.
Jayden Hodge Jayden Hodge 6'5" | SG St. Rose | 2026 State NJ , 6’4 SG St. Rose
Hodge will be one to watch in the Shore Conference all season long with his ability to score the ball in a variety of ways. The 6’4 guard shoots the ball with confidence from behind the arc and only needs a little bit of space to get his shot off. Hodge is more than just a shooter as he can also put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. He moves well without the ball in his hands and is an underrated defender. Hodge is a sharpshooting guard prospect whose ability to knock down jumpers along with getting to the basket will help his stock greatly in 2022-23.
Chidi Nwigwe Chidi Nwigwe 6'6" | SG St. Benedict's | 2026 State NJ , 6’5 SG Bergen Catholic
Nwigwe is an intriguing guard prospect to watch for the Crusaders as he can play either on the backcourt or on the wing. The lanky 6’5 guard has a smooth release on his jumper and rises up over smaller defenders. Nwigwe has a good handle, which he uses to get to the basket and is a solid finisher around the basket. He has a good change of direction and elevates nicely for dunks. Nwigwe is slated to have a big debut season for Bergen Catholic with his combination of length, skill and athleticism.
Mason Santiago Mason Santiago 6'3" | SG St. Peter's Prep | 2026 State NJ , 6’2 SG St. Peter’s Prep
Santiago does a little bit of everything, which will be key for him in 2022-23. The 6’2 guard has a good handle, which he uses to get into the paint to create plays. Santiago is a good finisher around the basket and has a nice shooting stroke. He makes good decisions with the ball in his hands and works hard on the defensive end. Santiago is a tough guard prospect whose versatility will help his stock in a big way this winter.