2026 Rankings Roundtable

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Florida's freshman class had a major impact on the 2022-23 season. The leading shot blocker and 2 of the top 45 scorers in the state came from the 2026 class. The young guys didn't make it easy on our scouts. We've got answers to burning questions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who has the highest ceiling?<br>This may be the most challenging question to answer. Thanks to his length, strength, and versatility, Kaleb Gaskins has a chance to be one of the best perimeter defenders in his class. [player_tooltip player_id='1660032' first='Alexander' last='Constanza'] has the best feel for the game, and with his size and skillset, he could blossom into five-star status. [player_tooltip player_id='1660043' first='Timothy' last='Winkler'] can do anything you ask him to do as a 6'9 combo forward. Yet, for my money, the highest ceiling belongs to [player_tooltip player_id='1658584' first='Toni' last='Bryant']. He's only played basketball for three years, is a natural shot blocker, has the range to the college three, and is naturally productive. When Bryant learns the game, his talent could be on par with the nation's best. Florida State University is the most recent to buy into his stock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Which prospect from your area is ranked too low?<br>The easiest answer is 6'11 [player_tooltip player_id='1633067' first='Marcis' last='Ponder']. He didn't get much run during his freshman, but you can teach size. Big men usually take longer to develop, and if all goes right, he'll stay in the top 30 with a chance to move up. When he's playing against his class, he's a standout with flashes of good footwork, rebounding out of his area, and soft touch around the rim. As he gets in better shape and rounds out his feel for the game, the near 7-footer should be all upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who has the potential to outplay their ranking this summer?<br>Travis Tripplett comes in a 23 with a shot to break into the top 20. His motor at 6'7 makes him a good rebounder and shot blocker. At this point, his physical tools and energy a buoying his ranking, but there's nothing like using the summer to expand your offensive game. It may be enough to push him higher if he can finish the season with a go-to move or expand his range with consistency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anyone you think will play their way onto this list?<br>There are plenty of options for this answer. [player_tooltip player_id='1660037' first='Willie' last='Piggot Jr.'], Louis O'Keefe, and [player_tooltip player_id='1891196' first='Kareem' last='Preston'] were all on a short list of next-up guys. All three have a chance to break through with string summer. Piggot already has the physical tools. It's just about the feel and establishing go-to half-court scoring. For O'Keefe, shooting runs in the family, and proving his athleticism on the EYBL stage, will be his test. Preston's combination of scoring and playmaking thrives in high school. He just needs to continue to build his resume for accolades to follow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->