2026 Rankings: The Sky is the Limit
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Which prospects currently outside the top 10 have some of the higher ceilings in the Class of 2026? This exciting group of athletes run the gambit of skillsets, but one thing is certain among them. The upside is very real.…
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Continue ReadingWhich prospects currently outside the top 10 have some of the higher ceilings in the Class of 2026? This exciting group of athletes run the gambit of skillsets, but one thing is certain among them. The upside is very real.
Payne is a rising sophomore prospect and it looks like his basketball education has been kick started over the last six months. He was always interesting as a high motor, wing prospect. But now he looks that he could be turning into more of an off guard, or even a combo with some of the flashes of playmaking abilities and improved handling. If he continues this progression, he’s going to be a handful as with a tighter handle and his size he’ll be a player capable of getting to just about any spot he wants to on the court. As is, Payne remains a tenacious rebounder and potentially big time finisher at the rim with his leaping ability and big wingspan. Which is still a great foundation for a college prospect.
After a strong summer gaining experience against older competition, a sophomore year jump was always expected to be made for Antwi-Donkor. December was a quality start with transition dunks, and a high activity level around the rim. He closed out January with a loud performance in a big rivalry game where he was automatic from long range, while also keeping his blue collar ability and athleticism around the basket. If the shooting is a sign of things to come, there’s not many prospects in this class with his combination of size, bounce and shooting ability. With Westmoore angling to make a run to the Class 6A State Tournament, it could be an exciting time to see Antwi-Donkor’s game fully take off on the big stage of playoff games.
Alsup currently embraces his role as a “Blue Collar” undersized forward prospect. His plus wingspan and intensity allows him to play bigger than his size around the rim. And he’s starting to develop a strong back to basket game that makes him an efficient finisher and post up threat. Along with his post scoring, Alsup has range on his jumper that occasionally reaches beyond the arc. He still looks most comfortable in the mid-range. On the defensive end, he’s an equal hard worker, who is more than willing to compete and move his feet when matched up with guards. That’s a good long term sign, especially if he can continue to improve his footspeed. If he’s quicker and more nimbler to his movements, he could be one of the more versatile defenders in the class.
Highlights
Shooting and positional size. They’re two things that college coaches are always looking for and Valentine has both. Even though he received limited run for the Yellowjackets last year, the sophomore has slotted in perfectly into the experienced squad. He knocks down big shots from the perimeter and is a key part of their versatile and tall front court. Right now, he looks to be at his best as a “3 and D” player, but there’s flashes that there is more to his game with transition takes and the occasional off the dribble jumper.
Highlights
In a class that is heavy with guards and more perimeter based players, the Lawton Mac’s imposing presence around the basket makes him stand out even more. His huge wingspan generates blocks and deflections, while also giving him an outstanding rebounding radius. He has good timing to pin shots off the glass as a helpside defender along with the agility to stay with driving guard and either block or alter their shots. A big wingspan, athleticism and motor on the defensive end will always give prospects look from collegiate coaches.
The sophomore recently recorded his first in game dunk and remains a raw but intriguing long term prospect. Williams is in the “baby Giraffe” stage of his development. He’s still growing into his lanky frame and some of his movements remain a bit awkward at times. Then other times, seemingly out of nowhere he’ll explode for an ally oop, or grab a rebound out of his area. Those are the signs of what’s to come as Williams continues to grow into his body. Once he does, there’s a chance he’ll be among the high flyers in the class, or turns into a mobile wing prospect who can cover multiple position. Right now, he’s still carving a niche on a young Sabercats squad with the occasional heady charge or big time energy play on both ends of the court. Potential mixed with a healthy dash of varsity production is always a strong starting point for any prospect.
At first glance, Garrett would come off as a disruptive wing defender and hustle player. But he’s actually sneaky capable on the ball, as a drive and creator for his teammates. He’s has a gliding driving style that often allows him to play at his own pace with drives, that either absorb contact or avoid it at the rim. There’s flashes of big time athleticism, a recent two handed monstrous slam in transition is proof of that. He’s still finding his footing at the variety level, but his athletic profile and style of play does seem to fit in the middle of player profiles of a couple names from the past at Tulsa Memorial. Garrett compares favorable to a mixture of Brayshawn Finch (2020) and Keylan Boone (2019). Both were athletic wings with defensive calling cards, but were sneaky in their abilities on the ball. Of course, Boone also shot it very well at the high school level, and it remains to be seen if Garrett can match that.