2026 Two Guardians: Coaches Should Be Recruiting

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every great team needs <strong>elite wing scorers</strong>—players who can take over a game with their <strong>shot-making, athleticism, and defensive presence</strong>. In Texas, the <strong>"Two Guardians"</strong> of the 2026 class are proving to be just that. Much like the fearless heroes of <em>Guardians of the Galaxy</em>, these top shooting guard prospects bring <strong>versatility, firepower, and star potential</strong> to the court. Whether it's <strong>knocking down deep threes, attacking the rim with authority, or locking down opponents on defense</strong>, these standout guards are must-recruit talents for college programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a closer look at the <strong>top shooting guards from the Lone Star State</strong> who are destined to make an impact at the next level. 🚀🔥</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1593831"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ac2d27e9c77"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1593831' first='Christian' last='Gibson'] is an <strong>elite scoring guard</strong> with a complete offensive package. His <strong>mid-range and three-point shooting</strong> are polished, making him a deadly weapon from anywhere on the court. He finishes strong at the rim, showing <strong>great body control and touch</strong> on layups. Defensively, his size and athleticism allow him to be a disruptive perimeter defender. His ability to score at all levels and play both ends makes him a high-major prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ 3PT Shooting<br>✅ Shot Creation<br>✅ Perimeter Defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560901"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ac2d27e9d04"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1560901' first='Dakari' last='Spear'] is a <strong>high-energy, two-way guard</strong> with a strong mix of scoring and defensive ability. His <strong>athleticism and motor</strong> allow him to play at a high pace, finishing well in transition and knocking down perimeter shots. His <strong>ball-handling and passing</strong> give him secondary playmaker potential, adding versatility to his game. Defensively, he competes hard and is an <strong>active rebounder</strong> for his position. His ability to impact multiple areas of the game makes him a strong prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Athleticism &amp; Motor<br>✅ Scoring Versatility<br>✅ Defensive Activity</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560944"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ac2d27e9d50"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1560944' first='Bo' last='Ogden'] is a <strong>tall, smooth-scoring wing</strong> who thrives in catch-and-shoot situations. His <strong>three-point shooting</strong> is elite, and he has the size to rise over defenders. He's an <strong>underrated playmaker</strong>, making smart reads and keeping the offense flowing. His <strong>defensive awareness and rebounding</strong> make him a complete player on both ends. His <strong>blend of shooting, size, and basketball IQ</strong> make him a valuable prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ 3PT Shooting<br>✅ Basketball IQ<br>✅ Rebounding</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1590879"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ac2d27e9d97"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1590879' first='Bryce' last='Dixon'] is an <strong>explosive scoring guard</strong> with great finishing ability. He has <strong>strong footwork in the mid-range</strong> and can create off the dribble with ease. His <strong>defensive intensity</strong> allows him to disrupt passing lanes and apply pressure on ball handlers. His <strong>athleticism, skill, and motor</strong> make him a well-rounded, <strong>high-upside</strong> prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Mid-Range Scoring<br>✅ Shot Creation<br>✅ Defensive Intensity</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1778923"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ac2d27e9ddc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1778923' first='J'Den' last='Shields'] is a <strong>physical, attacking wing</strong> who thrives in downhill situations. His ability to <strong>absorb contact and finish at the rim</strong> is elite. He has a <strong>consistent shooting stroke</strong>, making him a dual-threat scorer. Defensively, he has great size and instincts, making plays in the paint and on the perimeter. His <strong>physicality and scoring</strong> make him a strong next-level guard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Finishing at the Rim<br>✅ Physicality &amp; Strength<br>✅ Perimeter Defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1583467"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ac2d27e9e3e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1583467' first='Aziz' last='Olajuwon'] is a <strong>long, athletic guard</strong> with a <strong>high ceiling</strong> on both ends. He has <strong>great range</strong> as a shooter and can knock down shots off movement. His <strong>defensive versatility</strong> stands out, as he has the foot speed to guard smaller players and the length to contest bigger wings. His <strong>combination of size, shooting, and defense</strong> makes him a promising prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ 3PT Shooting<br>✅ Defensive Versatility<br>✅ Length &amp; Athleticism</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1593892"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ac2d27e9e87"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1593892' first='Donovan' last='Criss'] is a <strong>smooth, high-IQ guard</strong> with a polished offensive game. He's an elite <strong>catch-and-shoot threat</strong> and has a <strong>quick release</strong> from deep. His ability to <strong>read defenses</strong> and make smart plays makes him a reliable decision-maker. His length and <strong>defensive awareness</strong> allow him to impact the game on both ends. His <strong>shooting and IQ</strong> make him a next-level guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Catch &amp; Shoot<br>✅ Basketball IQ<br>✅ Defensive Awareness</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1592889"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ac2d27e9ecc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1592889' first='Trae' last='Nunn'] is an <strong>athletic and well-rounded</strong> guard who excels at <strong>scoring inside and out</strong>. He has a <strong>strong first step</strong>, allowing him to get into the lane and finish efficiently. His <strong>defensive instincts</strong> help him create turnovers and transition plays. With his <strong>blend of scoring and defense</strong>, Nunn projects as a <strong>strong two-way guard</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Finishing at the Rim<br>✅ Defensive Instincts<br>✅ Playmaking</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2241520"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ac2d27e9f10"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2241520' first='S.J.' last='Young'] is a <strong>high-energy, do-it-all guard</strong> who thrives in multiple roles. His <strong>defensive effort</strong> and willingness to rebound set him apart. He has a <strong>consistent shooting stroke</strong>, especially in catch-and-shoot situations. His <strong>off-the-ball movement</strong> makes him an efficient scorer who fits well in structured offenses. His <strong>hustle and well-rounded skill set</strong> make him a valuable prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Perimeter Defense<br>✅ Catch &amp; Shoot<br>✅ Hustle &amp; Rebounding</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2453368"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67ac2d27e9f55"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2453368' first='Jirehn' last='Mitchell'] is a <strong>tough, physical guard</strong> who brings <strong>versatility on both ends</strong>. He can <strong>score in multiple ways</strong>, including hitting shots from deep and finishing through contact. His <strong>defensive toughness</strong> allows him to match up against different types of players. His ability to <strong>shoot, defend, and rebound</strong> makes him a strong addition to any college program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Translatable Skills:</strong><br>✅ Shooting Consistency<br>✅ Defensive Toughness<br>✅ Rebounding</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->