Top Shooting Guards for the 2026 Class
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The 2026 class at the shooting guard position is very talented and will look to take big leaps this year in their overall games. These players can do multiple things throughout a game that leave you in awe after watching…
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Continue ReadingThe 2026 class at the shooting guard position is very talented and will look to take big leaps this year in their overall games. These players can do multiple things throughout a game that leave you in awe after watching this class play. Here are my top shooting guards for the 2026 class.
Nwigwe is a shot-maker and can do many different creative things with the basketball to get his points. At 6’5″ he can use his versatility to play and guard multiple positions. He has a smooth and quick shot release from downtown with deep range. Nwigwe can get to the basket whenever he wants with his tight handles allowing him to break down multiple defenders throughout a possession. He finishes strong with both hands around the rim and likes to slither his way around contact to find any way to get the shot up.
Hodge is an excellent combo guard who loves to get up and down the court at full speed. He is always in constant attack mode looking to create havoc in the paint. He can challenge multiple defenders around the rim and will force officials to call the foul for him to go to the line. Hodge thrives in fastbreak situations with his elite speed and quickness. He works the midrange and three-point game well with how he looks for his shots within an offense. On defense, he will pressure you throughout an entire game giving you very little breathing room to do anything with the ball.
Derkack is a rim-running machine as he looks quicker than everyone else around him. Derkack is his team’s Swiss army knife and he can control everything for his team in all aspects of the game. He makes great passing reads to his teammates and can rebound as well as a center. When attacking the rim Derkack can hang in the air longer than most players allowing him to get some athletic finishes around the rim. He works the midrange game well and has an unstoppable pull-up shot.
Santiago is a player who likes to take good shots almost every time and does not look to force anything he can’t make. He will get his shots within the flow of an offense allowing him more time to set everything up for him to have the most success once the ball gets to him. He can have a high and quick release that makes it difficult to get a contest on it. Santiago is excellent off the catch-and-shoot three and also has an eye-fake move he uses to get defenders jumping in the air. He will not be denied when attacking the rim as he uses his strong upper body to throw his way around in the paint.
Pierce is a quick and elusive player who can get points in a hurry with his electric playstyle. Pierce can get to the rim whenever he can and likes to seek contact on his way to the rim. He can go up with both hands confidently. His three-point shooting ability makes him nearly impossible to stop as his range extends well beyond the arc. He has great vision when drawing double teams in the paint and can be a disruptor on defense with his elite speed and lateral movement.