5 Things I learned about Florida’s 2026 class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The new kids on the block earned their spot this season. They developed in front of our eyes and hit the ground running. Let's look at a few things we've learned from top prospects this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1660030"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fd8b2a3ec80"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Early looks point to Brutus as a high-ceiling prospect. He's already 6'6 and showcases lead ball handler traits. As a long, athletic 6'6 guard, he has excellent passing vision and accuracy even in the face of a defense intent on stopping him. He guards multiple positions, is one of the best-shot blockers in the state, and gets in passing lanes. His overall game shows he can be productive in several ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1659511"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fd8b2a3ecd6"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hartman came into the season as a 6'3 guard and left at 6'5. He missed most of the season with an injury but showed he could play off and on the ball. While playing for The Rock, he showcased deep three point shooting range and a high passing IQ. He's part of a guard group that could be special.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1658582"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fd8b2a3ed37"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pope Jr. is a premier scorer for his age and class. He's a quick guard that lives at the rim. He creates space with his shifty handle and gets by his man by attacking angles. The 6 foot guard improved his three point shooting from last season by a wide margin. He gets to the free throw line at a promising rate and converts them at a 75% clip. Pope rebounds well for his size and a solid playmaker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1612163"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fd8b2a3ed7d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Triplett is a high flying 6'7 forward that plays hard. His toughness and length help him rebound despite having a slight frame. He scores above the rim in transition, blocks shots, and has a soft touch around the rim. His ball handling and midrange shotmaking flashes could elevate his game. He could play on the perimeter if he continues to work on those skill sets. At this stage in the game, he's a near double-double contributor that protects the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1633093"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fd8b2a3edc0"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lambert gives Southwest Florida a perimeter player with a ton of upside. His broad shoulders and 6'4 frame help him play physicality. As a big guard with next-level athleticism, he's constantly in attack mode. He plays above the rim, gets downhill in space, and can score from the midrange and beyond the arc. It's his handle on the move and intensity that makes him one of the best perimeter options at this time. He'll continue to make waves in the state if his work ethic is anything like his effort level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->