2026 Point Guards to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 watch list was recently released with a little over 30 players making up the list. The point guard group is filled with intrigue as they look to make an impact in their first varsity season. Here are the 2026 point guards to watch this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595681' first='Jaron' last='Barnett'], 5'8 Montclair Immaculate</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barnett is an intriguing floor general prospect to watch this season as he will most likely play on and off the ball in 2022-23. The 5'8 guard has a lightning quick first step, which he uses to blow by his defender and get to the rim. Barnett is a crafty finisher around the basket and is capable of drawing contact in the paint. He has a good handle and can make opponents pay for giving him space on the perimeter. Barnett's ability to get to the paint and make plays is something that will help his stock in a big way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595673' first='Jalen' last='Grant'], 6'0 Roselle Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grant joins a talented Lions' backcourt, but he should still make an impact on the floor this season. The 6'0 guard has a smooth release on his jumper and shoots the ball with confidence from behind the arc. Grant is more than just a shooter as he has a tight handle and a good finisher around the basket. He does not get rattled easily by on-ball pressure and can run the offense effectively. Grant is a skilled lead guard prospect who will be looking to make an impact for the defending Non-Public B champions this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595682' first='Jayden' last='Holman'], 5'11 Arts</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holman will play a key role for the Jaguars as he should get major minutes early in his varsity career. The 5'11 guard has a good first step, which he uses to get into the paint to make plays. Holman knows how to get downhill and can finish in a variety of ways around the basket. He plays with good court vision and makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. Holman is a crafty lead guard prospect who should make an impact for Arts this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595679' first='Deron' last='Rippey Jr.'], 5'11 Blair</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rippey Jr. will compete in the tough MAPL Conference in his debut varsity season, which should help his game in a big way. The 5'11 guard attacks the basket with a purpose as he goes to the basket strong and can finish through contact. Rippey Jr. has a solid handle, which he uses to create space from him defender and plays with poise on the ball. He is capable of playing off the ball and slides his feet on the defensive end. Rippey Jr. is a tough lead guard prospect whose ability to make plays at both ends of the floor will help him get early playing time in his varsity career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595672' first='Richie' last='Rosa'], 6'0 St. Peter's Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rosa joins a St. Peter's Prep team that has the potential to make noise in the state this season. The 6'0 guard has a good handle, which he uses to get to the basket and can finish through contact. Rosa plays with confidence when the ball is in his hands as he does not rattled by pressure and has no hesitation shooting off the dribble. He knows how to get to his spot on the floor and is an underrated defender. Rosa is a scoring lead guard prospect who should make an impact for the Marauders in 2022-23.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->