2026 NJ Guards to Know Ahead of May Live Period

As the 2026 recruiting class continues to take shape, a lot of eyes are on the guards in the state of New Jersey that are poised to make a statement during the upcoming AAU live period. With college coaches preparing to evaluate prospects, this is a crucial stretch for some of the state's best playmakers looking to solidify their stock. Let's dive into some guards that everyone should have their eye on as we approach the May live period.    A well around guard who's impact is often felt on both sides of the floor, [player_tooltip player_id='2342638' first='Jaden' last='Brown'] has been seen making highlight plays on both the offensive and defensive end. Defensively, [player_tooltip player_id='2342638' first='Jaden' last='Brown'] plays with good instincts, pressuring the ball at the POA and playing the passing lanes with good anticipation. Offensively, so far this spring, Brown has thrived as not only an additional ball handler for this New Heights 17U group but also a facilitator of the basketball and a guy that can knock down open shots. Heading into the May live period this weekend at 3SSB, look for Brown to continue to shine as an all around guard that does a little bit of everything on both sides of the ball.     Running the show as the primary ball handler for this 17U Epic Elite group, Patrick Sagna will look to showcase his playmaking ability this weekend at UA Rise Session I. Possessing elite quickness and excellent athleticism, Sagna can consistently get downhill off the bounce and put pressure on the rim, both in halfcourt and transition scenarios. An improving facilitator, look for Sagna to display his ability to make the right reads and keep the defense honest while also being a strong downhill attacker.     A fundamentally sound basketball player that consistently plays within himself, [player_tooltip player_id='1788762' first='Will' last='Spross'] has had a strong spring thus far and will look to continue his strong play heading into the May live period. Playing with a healthy balance between shot making and facilitating, Spross keeps the defense on its toes with his ability to dissect the defense for scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Heading into EYCL's Session II, look for Spross to continue his strong play as one of Team Final Red's lead guards.     A confident shot maker, Jordan Ghee has put up an array of strong scoring performances across his first few tournaments this spring with Marston Elite on the HGSL circuit. Ghee is fluid and efficient off the dribble and very often gets to his spots with ease, rarely ever getting too sped up. Heading into the May live period this upcoming weekend, Ghee will look to showcase what makes him an intriguing prospect that possesses a interesting combination of positional size and poised shot making ability.     Known for his perimeter shot making ability, Elijah Crispin has thrived this spring not only as dangerous shot maker from three point range but also in his ability to get in the paint and make plays for himself and for others. Possessing a quick release, Crispin is a versatile shooter that can get hot from deep at any moment. Going into the May live period look for Crispin to continue his strong play as not only a dangerous perimeter threat but also as a playmaking floor general.     A true two way guard for the [program_tooltip program_id='2078574' first='NJ' last='Bulldogs'] so far this spring, Mickell Taylor has showcased his ability to be highly effective on both sides of the floor and will look to continue much of that going into the May live period. Offensively, Taylor will look to showcase his consistent ability to knock down open shots from the perimeter, capitalize off scoring opportunities in transition, and facilitate the basketball. Defensively, Taylor will look to continue excelling at pressuring the ball and being disruptive at the POA.     A talented and aggressive scoring guard, [player_tooltip player_id='2107955' first='George' last='Boley'] has had a strong start to the spring AAU season and will look to continue that heading into the May live period. Boley has showcased his ability to score it at multiple levels— whether that be strong, aggressive attacks getting downhill and finishing with craftiness around the basket or getting to his in between game and hitting smooth mid range pull ups. Boley has also excelled from the perimeter, primarily off the catch, knocking down open shots from three point range. Capable of rattling off loud scoring performances, look for Boley to put up big scoring numbers this weekend during at 3SG in Nebraska.     A dead eye shooter with smooth and fluid mechanics, Alex Sadek will look to showcase his ability to shoot the three ball at a high clip during the live period this weekend. An intricate part of Epic Elite's offensive success, due in large part to what he provides on the court in terms of spreading the defense out, look for Sadek to be effective primarily off the ball and really space the floor for this 17U Epic Elite group this weekend during the May live period.

As the 2026 recruiting class continues to take shape, a lot of eyes are on the guards in the state of New Jersey that are poised to make a statement during the upcoming AAU live period. With college coaches preparing to evaluate prospects, this is a crucial stretch for some of the state's best playmakers looking to solidify their stock. Let's dive into some guards that everyone should have their eye on as we approach the May live period.