Arkansas Athletes See ESPN Rankings
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These 6 prospects were recently placed in ESPN’s Top 100 class of 2025 and 2026 rankings. See who made the list and where they landed! Who got snubbed? Who will we see soon? Over the weekend 6 of Arkansas’ top…
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Continue ReadingThese 6 prospects were recently placed in ESPN’s Top 100 class of 2025 and 2026 rankings. See who made the list and where they landed! Who got snubbed? Who will we see soon?
Over the weekend 6 of Arkansas’ top players were named to the Top 100 Rankings by ESPN. These prospects are legitimately, high level athletes that strive to display their full skillset every game. There were 3 players selected from the graduating class of 2025 and 3 more from the extremely loaded class of 2026. The highest ranked player touched just inside of 20th while the lowest was 95th, still a majorly prestigious placement. Below we highlight some of their essential qualities that earned them their spot.
Andrews is an explosive, agile all-purpose player. He plays swift with decisiveness and determination. A 6’7 combo guard that can attack defenders relentlessly with agility and finish under pressure effortlessly. He has great core strength and balance taking contact while dribbling through pressuring defenders. He gets above the rim so easily, going vertical from a power dribble or in stride off the catch. A consistent shooter from mid-range, who likes to follow shots to the rim for rebounds and put back lay ups. He is an instinctive defender that has top tier lateral speed sliding in front of ball handlers then uses his long arms to poke balls free and harass opposing players. His transition game is so smooth weaving through multiple defenders in route to fast break buckets or dimes, using nice IQ to create and not force. The 2x State Champ and 2024 State Champ MVP, JJ Andrews JJ Andrews 6’5″ | SG Little Rock Christian | 2026 State AR was ranked 13th in the nation in latest update for the class of 2026.
Lanier is a mature, poised guard that has solidified himself amongst the class of 2026. He plays to his strengths, looking to find gaps and seams to get defenders shifting out of position. He can fill multiple roles in the offense between facilitating, slashing, or going off ball to space the floor with his shooting. Sticking to a fundamental game works well for him, playing off two feet to keep plays alive, uses ball fakes and pump fakes well to lure in defenders. He finishes well around the rim with the ability to get up quickly with force but also has a pure smooth jump shot that matches that. He sees the floor well and is coordinated at taking full responsibility of the offense. He graced the court in early spring with the USA Basketball Junior National Team at their minicamp session where he was named a standout player. Jacob Lanier Jacob Lanier 6’6″ | SG Maumelle | 2026 State AR was listed at the 33rd spot for class of 2026.
Sealy is an efficient, fluid scoring guard that can shoot the ball lights out. A 6’7 pick and roll ball handling threat with an accurate quick release from deep is what makes him very difficult to guard. Loves to hunt for shots with good selection, extending his range to 20 feet+ often. He can also create tons of space using step backs, making off balance shots look easy. He controls his change of pace well with the access to stop on a dime in transition for shots when the lane is clogged. When defenders start looking to run him off the 3-point line, he’s adept at handling the pressure while looking to find teammates in space. He plays good transition defense looking ahead to play the lane for steals and has good speed with some athleticism to track down chase down blocks. Sealy is highly regarded as one of the best shooters in the state, if not the best. Isaiah Sealy Isaiah Sealy 6’7″ | PG Springdale | 2025 State #34 Nation AR was the highest ranked in the class of 2025 at 54th.
Aidan is an aggressive, versatile, three level scorer. He loves to get out in the open court and dominate. He controls the ball with intent to get to the rim where he shows great touch and athleticism. A patient player looking for his spots around the perimeter that flashes his agility to get there and get quality shots off. He can step out for range and make consistent catch and shoot looks. He has a great handle for closing defenders with a good hesi dribble and quick bursts out of triple threats. When playing off ball he is a perfect fit to space the floor with the ability the score from all three levels. He plays well in isolation where he can get to the rim at will using his 6’7 frame to bump off defenders and create space. He was recently announced as a Gatorade Player of The Year candidate. Aidan Chronister made the ESPN Top 100 rankings at number 60 in the class of 2026.rn
Burgess is a dynamic, gifted shooter that possesses the ability to hit contested shots over defenders. He loves to find his spots on the floor and receive the ball for polished turn around, fadeaway, and pull up jumpers. Standing at a slim 6’9 with the ability to turn and face up also, he’s a threat from every angle. He can contort his body to get by smaller defenders without drawing offensive fouls and score with touch on floaters inside. He likes to roam the perimeter, to draw bigs out of the paint, where he can hunt for outside shots over opponents. He has an efficient touch in the mid-range, looking to create a shot off the dribble in those situations. He is also fond of the high post setting up to distribute when seeing multiple defenders. On defense he shows good IQ and instincts when timing blocks and deflections, showcasing his lengthy wingspan. He switches on the wing or through the lane well defending multiple positions, 3-5. Terrion was invited to the USA Basketball Junior National Team camp this spring, as well. Terrion Burgess Terrion Burgess 6’9″ | SF Benton | 2025 State #42 Nation AR placed 71st on the ESPN Top 100 class of 2025 rankings.
Kellen is an up-tempo, shot creating playmaker. A conditioned attacker always pressing defenders as he sees the floor. He looks to stress opposing guards and wear them down through the course of an offensive possession, controlling the movement on the court. He has great proficiency when handling the ball under pressure, he stays low and controls or cradles the ball to create opportunities instead of turnovers. Loves to get defenders on their heels with speedy crossovers and crisp in and out moves before dashing by in route to the rim. He has a pure stroke from deep and can hit shots from 24 feet out with ease but is not one to seek too many. He has good tendencies and discipline when attacking not to over dribble. He plays with precision on soft touch jump shots, that he shoots from a springing high release. Good shot IQ when sensing imposing paint protection to stop and pull up in open space. An acrobatic, aggressive finisher seeking contact but still able to finish some toughly contested attempts in the paint. The 2,500-point scorer and 6A Central Player of the Year was ranked 95th in the class of 2025 by ESPN.