2026 Watch List: Wings

Prep Hoops Illinois released our first look at the 2026 class with our Watch List.  It is EXTREMELY EARLY in the process.  Some players are playing major varsity minutes, some barely play, and others are on the sophomore team.  These are prospects that we have come across in the last year that have caught our eye who are worth monitoring going forward.  Here is our Watch List 2026 Wing Prospects in ALPHABETICAL ORDER.  This is not a ranking!  Got it?

Josh Abushanab (Glenbard North)

This 6’4” small forward has everything you look for in a young prospect with his frame, length, and plus athleticism.  Above average perimeter defender and on the offensive end he can stretch the floor with his shooting and finish with fluidity around the hoop.

Charles Barnes (De La Salle)

Long and rangy small forward with an angular frame at about 6’4”.  Really like his game off the bounce as a driver, running the floor, and is explosive on the offensive glass.

Simereon Carter (Waukegan)

Carter was a consistent scoring presence for Waukegan as a freshman.  He might not quite be the next Jereme Richmond, but one to watch for sure moving forward!

Jamson Coulter (Rich Township)

Coulter has a strong case to be the top prospect in the class when we debut the actual rankings.  He has size and a big time scoring skill set.  Not a freak athlete, but he is so skilled and knows how to use his strength.  Creates with plus handles being able to get his shot off from anywhere on the floor.

Oliver Gray (Barrington)

Gray is one to watch in the 2026 class.  He might be one of the best pure shot makers from distance in this class with the way he can shoot it from deep.

Mickeis Johnson Mickeis Johnson 6'2" | SF Romeoville | 2026 IL (Romeoville)

Johnson is a powerfully built 6’2” small forward that loves to play bully ball getting downhill and to the rim.  Uses his strength on straight line takes for scores.  Rebounds well for a wing.

Gage Peterson Gage Peterson 6'5" | SF Waltonville | 2026 IL (Waltonville)

Peterson is the top prospect early in the process that we have seen from the 618!  The 6’4” small forward averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds as a freshman.  Legit inside/outside threat that can score from all over the floor with a post up game and smooth jumper.

Jocahana Pullum (Hyde Park)

A lot to like here as the 6’4” small forward is a freak athlete that rebounds, defends all over the floor, and plays above the rim on both ends.

Nasir Rankin Nasir Rankin 6'1" | SG Whitney Young | 2026 IL (Whitney Young)

Rankin is a two guard that can play some on the ball as well.  What we like about him is his innate ability to make shots from all over the floor with his perimeter jumper.  Rises up with ease.  Can also get in the lane where he can finish absorbing contact or creating for others.

Synceare Simons Synceare Simons 6'2" | SG United Township | 2026 IL (United Township)

The 6’2” shooting guard is a smooth scoring guard that can change gears and get his shot off.  Rebounds well from his guard spot.

Gabriel Sularski Gabriel Sularski 6'6" | SF Benet | 2026 IL (Benet)

This is the next star at Benet!  Sularski has legit size on the perimeter with the ability to put it on the deck scoring in the paint where he can finish with either hand.  Very skilled all-around game that can score inside/outside.

Andre Tyler Andre Tyler 6'4" | SG St. Rita | 2026 IL (St. Rita)

Tyler is an early contender for the top spot in the class despite barely playing varsity as a freshman.  His physical tools and athleticism jump off the floor to you.  Long and lanky two guard that has a feathery perimeter game, plays above the rim in transition, and has a chance to be a plus defender.