2026 Combo Guards to Watch
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The 2026 class may have only finished their first varsity seasons, but their potential is through the roof. The guard crop is especially one to watch as they will be ones to watch over the next couple of years. Here…
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Continue ReadingThe 2026 class may have only finished their first varsity seasons, but their potential is through the roof. The guard crop is especially one to watch as they will be ones to watch over the next couple of years. Here are the 2026 combo guards to watch.
Ikenna Alozie Ikenna Alozie 6'3" | CG Dream City Christian | 2026 State AZ , 6’2 Patrick School
Alozie is the top-ranked prospect in the 2026 class as he is one of the most dynamic prospects in the state. The 6’2 guard has a lightning quick first step, which he uses to blow by his defender and finish around the rim. Alozie has a nice release on his jumper and shoots the ball with confidence from deep. He has the ability to run the offense in a pinch and can defend both backcourt spots. Alozie is a talented guard prospect who makes plays every time he steps on the floor.
Jalen Maldonado Jalen Maldonado 6'2" | CG Roselle Catholic | 2026 State NJ , 6’2 Roselle Catholic
Maldonado has the ability to play either guard spot, making him an intriguing guard prospect to watch. The 6’2 guard has a good shooting stroke and sets his feet before he shoots. Maldonado has a nice handle, which he uses to get to the rim and can finish through contact. He moves his feet well on the defensive end and is an underrated passer. Maldonado’s ability to score inside and out is something that will help his game in a big way.
Justin Bethea Justin Bethea 5'11" | CG Paterson Eastside | 2026 State NJ , 5’11 Paterson Eastside
Bethea should get more touches on the ball, which will help his development in a big way. The 5’11 guard has a good release on his jumper and rarely takes bad shots in the half court. Bethea is more than just a shooter as he can also get to the rim off the bounce and finish. He is a tough on-ball defender and moves well without the ball in his hands. Bethea’s ability to run the offense effectively is something that will help his stock in a big way.
Tyler Hammond Tyler Hammond 6'0" | CG Trenton Catholic Academy | 2026 State NJ , 5’8 Trenton Catholic
Hammond is a guard prospect to track as he has the ability to put up points in bunches. The 5’8 guard has a quick release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Hammond knows how to get to the rim off the bounce and can finish in a number of ways around the rim. He is an underrated defender and is capable of running the offense in a pinch. Hammond is a scoring guard prospect who should light up the scoreboard over the next couple of months.
Bryce Hamilton Bryce Hamilton 6'0" | PG Loughlin | 2026 State NY , 6’0 Teaneck
Hamilton should get a bigger role in the Highwaymen’s offense, which should help his stock in a big way. The 6’0 guard is at his best attacking the basket as he is a good finisher around the basket and is unafraid of contact. Hamilton can also score in the mid-range and can make opponents pay for giving him space from behind the arc. He is a solid passer and can get deflections on the defensive end. Hamilton is a tough guard prospect whose ability to make plays at both ends of the floor will help his game nicely.