2026 Rankings: Top Post Prospects
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Our very first edition of the Illinois Class of 2026 Rankings has been released. We have evaluated these players in the fall prior to their freshman season at numerous camps, the high school season, the grassroots season, along with the…
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Continue ReadingOur very first edition of the Illinois Class of 2026 Rankings has been released. We have evaluated these players in the fall prior to their freshman season at numerous camps, the high school season, the grassroots season, along with the June high school live periods. It is worth reminding that this is EXTREMELY early in the process. There will be players not on this list in the final top 10 and players in the top 10 that will end up significantly lower as they don’t develop. This is an initial feel for the class with our top 50 prospects.
These are the top 2026 post prospects in the state of Illinois!
Stephen Brown Stephen Brown 6'7" | PF Marist | 2026 State IL (Marist)
Overall Ranking: #2
Brown emerged as the top post in the class after the way be played in June with his high school team. We always knew he was a freak athlete which was shown throwing down big dunks on the regular and swatting shots. It was the development of his face up game that secured him the #2 overall slot. Shot it at a very high clip from three all month as a pick/pop threat. Elite level rebounder and shot blocker. How much he grows will be a big factor in his long term level, but right now he is the top post in the class.
Jaali Love Jaali Love 6'7" | PF Waukegan | 2026 State IL (Manley)
Overall Ranking: #6
There were definitely moments in the spring where I would have said Love could be at the top of this board and had a strong case for #1 overall. Love his long term upside as a long and rangy post that can really protect the rim at a high level, rebound in bunches, and finish with authority. The skill started to show flashes in the spring including a hook shot and improved footwork.
Rashaun Porter Rashaun Porter 6'6" | PF DePaul Prep | 2026 State IL (DePaul Prep)
Overall Ranking: #10
Porter had a strong June with DePaul Prep. With one of their other posts out he stepped right in as a physical presence on the interior. Porter plays with a ton of physicality, but also excellent footwork and touch as a scorer. Rebounds very well and is a good positional defender.
Jacob Thompson Jacob Thompson 6'5" | PF Homewood Flossmoor | 2026 State IL (Homewood Flossmoor)
Overall Ranking: #12
Thompson broke out in July with Vikings United 15U as a potential star player. The long and lanky 6’6” power forward has the “prospect” look written all over him. He was productive as well which made him even more intriguing to us. High level shot blocker, rebounded well in traffic high-pointing them, and was good finishing in the paint both with dunks along with touch. Even flashed a mid-range shot and would stretch to three every now and then.
Colin Stack Colin Stack 6'9" | C Benet | 2026 State IL (Benet)
Overall Ranking: #19
Stack is one of the only true five men on this list at about 6’9” already he is a good rebounder that plays with toughness in the paint. Plus shot blocker that defends the paint and can switch a little too. Converts out of the dunker spot and is an adequate pick/pop threat. Long term upside will depend on how much his athleticism improves.
Rico D’Alessandro Rico D’Alessandro 6'4" | PF Maine South | 2026 State IL (Whitney Young)
Overall Ranking: #20
D’Alessandro is a productive four man that can slide over to play some three as well. Very skilled player with a strong frame that can score posting up weaker defenders, deck it from the high-post, and is a solid shooter. Skilled passer and connector on the offensive end. Rebounds well for his position.