The WingMan Report: 2026 Prospects in the Top 20 to Watch
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The 2026 class in the state is a talented bunch! Take a look at some prospects inside the Top 20 for college programs to get early eyes on as another high school season approaches. There’s no better time to sign…
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Continue ReadingThe 2026 class in the state is a talented bunch! Take a look at some prospects inside the Top 20 for college programs to get early eyes on as another high school season approaches.
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Chaise Smith Chaise Smith 6’2″ | PG Washington | 2026 State NC is a name that college programs at the D1 level need to get to know this season. He had a productive grassroots season on the UAA scene with Team Curry as he improved his ability to defend high level guards of his caliber. He’s a crafty lead guard that’s shown he can put constant pressure on opponents with his ability to attack the basket. As he shows he can knock down shots with consistency and keep his composure when things get close, he’ll be a national name to know in no time out of the state of North Carolina.
252 invitational full highlights on instagram pic.twitter.com/DGXRSldtnW
— Chaise Smith (@hollywoodchaise) June 11, 2023
Highlights
Aiden Smalls Aiden Smalls 6’1″ | PG Cardinal Gibbons | 2026 State NC is a two-sport athlete that’s slowly finding his way on the hardwood and gridiron at Cardinal Gibbons High. He suffered an injury late in the high school season but has rehabbed himself back to full health as he looks to make more noise on the varsity basketball scene in 2023-24. He put up 15.6 ppg, 4.7 apg, 4.6 rpg and 2.0 spg on 40 percent shooting from the floor as a freshman in 2022-23.
Check out my 2nd half of the season highlights! Great season!! Learned a lot, gonna miss my Senior teammates. @Coach_Rick57 @colbylewis20 @HereGoJayAgain @MBball_cghsnc @UNC_Basketball @Cujo1974 @TeamLoadedBBall @NCStateRivals @TLfoundation_ pic.twitter.com/k60I5Fl5x5
— Aiden Smalls (@AidenSmalls2026) February 27, 2023
Bradley Floyd Bradley Floyd 6’5″ | CG Kings Mountain | 2026 State NC is a name that performed well on the EYBL stage this past season with Team United. He was the leading name at Kings Mountain High on the varsity stage this past season with 15.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.6 apg and 1.8 spg and showed his growth as an downhill driver on the wing on the grassroots stage in the spring/summer. As he continues to develop and show off his abilities in the halfcourt, he’s another name set to grow on the national scene in no time.
Elhadji Diallo Elhadji Diallo 6’7″ | PF Combine Academy | 2026 State NC is an emerging athletic forward to keep an eye on after developing in the Team Curry frontcourt this past grassroots cycle. He’ll be a name to keep an eye on this season on the OTE stage with Combine Academy following a productive grassroots campaign as a rim-runner and protector in the painted area. He’s been playing organized basketball for just a short time so far, but as he continues to learn to play the right way, he’s a prospect with tremendous upside to keep an eye on in the 2026 class.
AAU HIGHLIGHTS ‼️‼️@CombineMbb
@AJJones_Combine @CoachWrightMike pic.twitter.com/Jvh5ohECaA— ELHADJI DIALLO (@DIALLOMAR26) August 11, 2023
Jyi Dawkins Jyi Dawkins 6’3″ | SG Southern Guilford | 2026 State NC is an impressive guard prospect to get to know out of the 336 area following his performance with Garner Road 3SSB on the 15U scene. He’s an athletic presence in the backcourt that applies pressure defensively and can finish with authority at the rim when needed. He’s a terror in isolation that can knock down shot after shot in the halfcourt game. He’s set to have a strong sophomore campaign alongside two other top 2024 names in Jamais Ferere and Jucquarie Love in the Southern Guilford High rotation this upcoming season.
Raw highlights of 2026 6’3” G, Jyi Dawkins 37 point outing vs. Arkansas Hawks 3SSB!#TheStandard /// pic.twitter.com/UBgBkWpWRH
— Kasey Bryant (@BryantKasey3) April 26, 2023
Highlights
Kohi Strickland Kohi Strickland 6’5″ | SF Greensboro Day | 2026 State NC hit the ground running as a new face in the 2026 class and never looked back as he starred on the EYBL stage with Team CP3 this past season. It all culminated in their 15U squad taking home a Peach Jam title to conclude the EYBL season. He’s an athletic prospect that’s shown he can operate on the wing and on the interior given his length and athleticism on the floor. As he shows off what he can do this season at Greensboro Day School, look for his stock to grow on the national stage very soon.
I went into this aau season (15u) not knowing what to expect but knowing exactly what i wanted to accomplish. Myself and my team worked extremely hard to earn the level of respect that we have earned. Thank you to the staff and parents for the support! Cant wait to run it back! pic.twitter.com/CMHxuX42Z0
— Kohi Strickland (@KohiStrickland) July 27, 2023
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