2026 Combo Guards to Watch
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The 2026 class may have only played two varsity seasons, but they have made their impact on the hardwood. The backcourt is filled with talent and should put it on display this spring and summer. Here are the 2026 combo…
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Continue ReadingThe 2026 class may have only played two varsity seasons, but they have made their impact on the hardwood. The backcourt is filled with talent and should put it on display this spring and summer. Here are the 2026 combo guards to watch.
Tyrease Hunter Tyrease Hunter 6'3" | CG Roselle Catholic | 2026 State NJ , 6’3 Roselle Catholic
Hunter is the top-ranked combo guard from the update and should have a big AAU season. The 6’3 guard has a good first step, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and finish around the basket. Hunter can also score in the mid-range and sets his feet before he shoots. He finds his open teammates in the halfcourt and gets deflections on the defensive end. Hunter’s ability to play on and off the ball is something that will help his development in a big way.
Jalen Maldonado Jalen Maldonado 6'2" | CG Roselle Catholic | 2026 State NJ , 6’2 Roselle Catholic
Maldonado has the potential to breakout with his ability to make plays with the ball in his hands. The 6’2 guard has a tight handle, which he uses to blow by his defender and can finish in a variety of ways around the basket. Maldonado has a good release on his jumper as he wastes little motion. He is an underrated passer and slides his feet on the defensive end. Maldonado is a crafty guard prospect who should make plays over the spring and summer.
Tyler Hammond Tyler Hammond 6'0" | CG Trenton Catholic Academy | 2026 State NJ , 5’11 Trenton Catholic
Hammond ended his sophomore season on a high note as he finished with four straight double-digit scoring games. The 5’11 guard has a clean shooting stroke and can knock down triples in bunches. Hammond is more than just a shooter as he can also get to the rim off the bounce and finish nicely around the basket. He moves well without the ball in his hands and is an underrated defender. Hammond has the ability to get hot from distance in a hurry, which should help his game in a big way over the next couple of months.
Justin Bethea Justin Bethea 5'11" | CG Paterson Eastside | 2026 State NJ , 5’11 Paterson Eastside
Bethea shouldered a bigger offensive load for the Ghosts this season and helped lead them to an 18-9 record in 2023-24. The 5’11 guard has a nice handle, which he uses to get into the lane and make plays. Bethea has a good release on his jumper and does not mind drawing contact. He can thread passes to open teammates and plays tough on-ball defense. Bethea is a gritty guard prospect who should continue to make plays at both ends of the floor during the AAU season.
Gabe Moore Gabe Moore 6'0" | CG Life Center Academy | 2026 State NJ , 6’0 Life Center
Moore has the ability to have a big spring and summer with his ability to shoot the ball from distance. The 6’0 guard has a nice shooting stroke and rarely forces jumpers in the half court. Moore moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open layups and jumpers in the halfcourt. He has a solid handle and works hard on the defensive end. Moore is a sharpshooting guard prospect who should torch the nets over the next couple of months.
Other Prospects to Watch:
Charlie Marcoullier Charlie Marcoullier 6'0" | CG CBA | 2026 State NJ , 5’10 CBA
Tyler Cameron Tyler Cameron 6'0" | CG St. Rose | 2026 State NJ , 6’0 St. Rose
Caleb Williams Caleb Williams 6'0" | CG Paterson Eastside | 2026 State NJ , 6’0 Paterson Eastside
Jacob Edgecomb Jacob Edgecomb CG Point Pleasant Beach | 2026 State NJ , Point Pleasant Beach
Chris Yevchak Chris Yevchak 6'0" | CG Don Bosco Prep | 2026 State NJ , 6’0 Don Bosco Prep