Underrated Playmakers for the 2026 Class
In this article:
The 2026 class is filled with many talented playmakers at each position which can lead to some players flying under the radar. These players all have high basketball IQ and know how to get an offense going. Here are my…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe 2026 class is filled with many talented playmakers at each position which can lead to some players flying under the radar. These players all have high basketball IQ and know how to get an offense going. Here are my underrated playmakers for the 2026 class.
Burnam is an all-around player with many dominant skill sets in his game. His most underrated skill is his playmaking as he can get his teammates open in many different ways. At 6’4″ Burnam can see over most players guarding him giving the advantage already. He can make some impressive full-court passes on the fast break. Since he draws so much attention it allows him to draw in multiple double teams allowing him to kick it out to open teammates.
Boyd will look to control the painted area with his impressive footwork and moves. However, with that comes lots of attention put on him by the defense. He has excellent awareness of when to get rid of the ball before a trap gets him. He can take the ball up and run the offense like a point guard with his 6’4″ size. His ability to weave in and out of the midrange gives him opportunities to get his teammates open on the perimeter for open three-point shots.
Smith is a player that can run the offense as well as anyone in his class pairing that along with his elite scoring ability. The 5’10” point guard is unfazed by taller players and will look to use his crafty handles to create plays for his team. He likes to work the pick-n-roll to set up his big man for easy looks at the rim. Smith is excellent in the fastbreak area as he will make very accurate full-court passes.
Young is a 6’3″ small forward who can make an impact in all levels of the game. When it comes to his playmaking Young can use his scoring ability to get his teammates open. With his quick handles and speed Young draws lots of attention from defenses allowing for him to find his open teammates in difficult situations. He knows how to run fastbreaks to perfection and can thread the needle into some windows.
Randall is an electric guard who is very quick on his feet and with the ball. The 5’11” point guard can get up and down the court in the blink of an eye. His quick handles allow him to get by almost any defender. He will hit his teammates in stride when they cut baseline and can heave the ball down the court in an accurate fashion in fastbreak situations. Randall can also fit the ball into some tight spaces making it difficult for defenders to get a hand on it.