2026 Shooting Guards to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023-24 season is creeping closer as October is less than a month away. The 2026 class is filled with talent, especially in the backcourt. Here are the top shooting guards in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595669' first='Chidi' last='Nwigwe'], 6'5 St. Benedict's</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nwigwe is one of the top prospects in the 2026 class and should his skillset on full display this season. The lanky 6'5 wing has a smooth release on his jumper and can shoot either off the catch or bounce. Nwigwe is more than just a shooter as he can also get to the rim off the bounce and finish around the basket. He has the length to defend multiple positions on the floor and is an underrated passer. Nwigwe is a talented guard prospect, who should put up big scoring numbers this season for the Gray Bees.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580578' first='Jayden' last='Hodge'], 6'4 St. Rose</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hodge is one of the most interesting prospects in the class with his ability to impact the game at both ends of the floor. The 6'4 guard has a good handle, which he uses to get past his defender off the bounce and finish around the basket. Hodge knows how to get to his spot on the floor and rises up with confidence on his jumper. He slides his feet on the defensive end and moves well without the ball in his hands. Hodge's versatility will help his stock throughout the 2023-24 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595674' first='Aiden' last='Derkack'], 6'5 Colonia</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Derkack's stock has been on the rise throughout the summer and should continue to rise this winter. The 6'5 guard attacks the basket strong as he finishes with authority above the rim and is unafraid of drawing contact. Derkack uses his handle to get to his spot on the floor and rises up with confidence on his jumper. He gets his teammates involved in the halfcourt and uses his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end. Derkack is a skilled guard prospect who will make plays with the ball in his hands for Colonia throughout the winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595680' first='Mason' last='Santiago'], 6'2 St. Peter's Prep</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Santiago had a solid debut season for the Marauders and should take a big step up in his second season. The 6'2 guard has a good release on his jumper as he wastes little motion and sets his feet before he shoots. Santiago moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open jumpers and layups in the half court. He is a tough on-ball defender and is a strong rebounder for a guard his size. Santiago is a gritty, guard prospect whose ability to stretch the floor and defend the perimeter will help his game in a big way this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1874042' first='Micah' last='Pierce'], 6'3 Paterson Kennedy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pierce has the potential to have a breakout 2023-24 season as he has the ability to put up points in bunches. The 6'3 guard has a smooth shooting stroke and can knock down jumpers in bunches. Pierce can also put the ball on the floor and finishes in a number of ways around the rim. He uses his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end and moves well without the ball in his hands. Pierce is a sharp-shooting guard prospect who will be torching the nets from distance for the Knights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595684' first='Saad' last='Mitchell'], 6'2 Hudson Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1919211' first='Dorsett' last='Mulcahy'], 6'4 Gill St. Bernard's</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1943569' first='Donnie' last='Gregory'], 6'2 Pingry</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1790208' first='Woo' last='Cannon'], 6'3 Hamilton West</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2107955' first='George' last='Boley'], 6'2 College Achieve</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->