2026 Independent/Prep Point Guards to Track

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>May is halfway over, meaning the spring AAU circuit is in full swing. The 2026 class is looking to make its mark over the next couple of months, especially in the back court. Here are the 2026 independent/ prep school point guards to track this AAU season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595679' first='Deron' last='Rippey Jr.'], 6'2 Blair Academy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rippey Jr. is the top ranked prospect in the 2026 class and should put it on display this AAU season. The 6'2 guard explodes off the floor for dunks and can finish in a variety of ways around the basket. Rippey Jr. uses his handle to get to his spot on the floor and is able to run the offense effectively in the half court. He pushes the pace well in transition and is a tough on-ball defender. Rippey Jr. leads a talented New Heights squad that is looking to make a deep run in the Adidas 3SSB circuit over the next couple of months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2628166' first='Santonio' last='Waide'], 5'10 Patrick School</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Waide might be one of the more undersized guards in the class, but that doesn't stop him from making plays on the ball. The 5'10 guard has a tight handle, which he uses to blow by his defender and finishes craftily around the basket. Waide can also score in the mid-range and rarely forces jumpers in the half court. He has the ability to play off the ball as well and slides his feet on defense. Waide's ability to run the offense smoothly for the NY Jayhawks is something that will help his stock throughout the spring and summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1411649' first='Tobe' last='Nwobu'], 6'1 College Achieve</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nwobu has the ability to play on and off the ball, making him an intriguing prospect to track. The 6'1 guard has a smooth release on his jumper and can knock down triples in bunches. Nwobu is more than just a shooter as he can also get into the paint off the bounce and finishes nicely around the rim. He is an underrated passer and gets deflections on the defensive end. Nwobu's ability to stretch the floor and defend on the perimeter will help his name rise up recruiting boards over the next couple of weeks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2347867' first='Sage' last='Mateo'], 6'3 Hun</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mateo is an intriguing guard prospect to watch as he has the size to play either guard spot. The Cornell commit has a solid handle as he knows how to get to his spot on the floor and uses his size to see over his defender. Mateo can finish in a number of ways around the basket and wastes little motion in his jumper. He has the length to defend both guard spots and is an underrated rebounder. Mateo is a lanky guard prospect who should put his game on display during the spring and summer AAU season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588143' first='Dylan' last='Napoleon'], 6'3 Pennington</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Napoleon has a chance to rise up boards with a strong AAU season with his ability to impact the game at both ends of the floor. The 6'3 guard attacks the basket with a purpose as he finishes strong around the rim and can make shots through contact. Napoleon can also score in the mid-range and moves well without the ball in his hands. He uses his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end and is a strong rebounder. If Napoleon can consistently knock down jumpers from behind the arc, then his stock will jump up over the next couple of months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->