Spring Review: Shotmaking 2026 Two-Guards

These scoring guards have steadily progressed in notable areas of development through the Spring, either as playmakers while handling the rock or from greater efficiency on shot attempts from the perimeter.    Continuing to grow, Hassan is up around 6'4 while remaining an intriguing floor spacer. Bringing in a fairly quick release off the catch, the guard is a noteworthy shotmaker from distance. Defensively, his lanky frame allows him to match up with both backcourt positions, mobile while possessing a wide reach.      A skilled downhill playmaker who brings notable size in the backcourt, Melecio continues to show his offensive impact throughout the spring. Active attacking closeouts for drives, they do well putting immediate pressure on the rim. Capable of making the extra pass should help arrive, Melecio brings quick instincts with the ball. Defensively, his wide reach and quick instincts have allowed the guard to capitalize on sloppy passes, converting a swath of transition layups. Of course, the guard's shooting gravity along the perimeter initially draws out the opposing defense, bringing in a well rounded score first perimeter skillset.      Chavez is a tall shotmaker who has adjusted well into a high usage role at Flatirons Academy. Capable of operating out of ball screens to attack the rim or step into a pull-up, the guard brings a well rounded offensive package at this stage in his career. Defensively, Chavez competes at the point of attack, bringing in active hands and constant communication.      A knockdown scorer from around the arc and in the mid-range, Stroope brings a smooth perimeter game. Effective stepping into pull-ups off of movement, the lefty guard brings good awareness while off the bounce. Another area of value is his passing vision when opportunities present themselves, willing and ready for the extra pass.      Cowans has impressed throughout the spring, proving to be a consistent threat out behind the arc. Bringing in a smooth release off the catch, the guard takes advantage of small openings in the halfcourt to convert jumpers. Additionally bringing in great awareness, the guard looks for extra passes to open shooters or forwards anchored in the paint.      Mata continues to develop his handle along the perimeter, continuing to grow as an off the dribble shotmaker. Bringing in a fairly high release complemented by his lanky frame, the guard is already a refined shotmaker off the bounce. Whether getting to pull-ups or step backs within the mid-range, he is well rounded to put it lightly.      Varney competes on both ends, highly active without the ball. Effective getting around screens to contest opposing ball handlers, he fights around opponents constantly. Another area where Varney shines is transition, getting out quickly to receive potential outlet passes.      Martinez has been a consistent perimeter shooter throughout the spring, dependable off the catch. Even through contests, the guard is dependable off the catch. Far from just a shooter, the guard competes on the defensive end, a large reason for his steady minutes last season at Denver South. His positional strength allows him to compete on the glass, active diving for loose balls or ripping it away from opposing rebounders.

These scoring guards have steadily progressed in notable areas of development through the Spring, either as playmakers while handling the rock or from greater efficiency on shot attempts from the perimeter.