2026 Guards With Extra Motivation After Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All summer long, these guards have been putting in the work and delivering big performances. Now, with the latest rankings update shaking things up, they're stepping into the season with something to prove. Expect fireworks from these players who are hungry to show why they belong at the top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1622213"],"_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-68826d9fabe75"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Balistreri heads into the season looking every bit like a complete player after a summer of standout performances. He's shown he can impact the game on both ends of the floor, but what truly sets him apart is his unselfishness. As a true distributor, Balistreri consistently makes the right reads and knows where his teammates will be, creating easy scoring opportunities. When he chooses to score, he does so with confidence and versatility. His quick crossover and ability to attack off the dribble make him a tough cover, while his smooth finishes at the rim showcase his strength and control. His jumper has become a major weapon from mid range and beyond the arc with consistency. With his well rounded offensive game and high basketball IQ, Balistreri is poised for a breakout season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1622235"],"_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-68826d9fabedd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brunton enters the season fresh off a summer where he showcased his dominance on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he was a force in the paint, using his size and length to disrupt everything around the rim. Opponents struggled to get clean looks, often settling for outside shots rather than challenging him inside. His timing and presence make him a true interior anchor for any defense. On the offensive end, Brunton displayed confidence and versatility. He attacked the rim aggressively, finishing through contact, while also showing touch with a reliable jumper that stayed consistent all summer. His ability to impact the game inside and out makes him a valuable two way player and a tough matchup for anyone. With his size, skill, and energy, Brunton is primed for a big season and is the cornerstone piece for his team</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1874429"],"_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-68826d9fabf2f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Walker has been showing all summer that he's one of the most dangerous perimeter threats you'll find. His three point shot is pure and effortless, whether he's shooting in rhythm or with a hand in his face. He has shown the confidence and mechanics to knock it down from anywhere. His offensive versatility has made him a nightmare to guard. He attacks off the dribble with ease, comes off screens like a pro, and knows how to get to his spots. With a quick release, defenders have little time to adjust once he's set. Defensively he has lightning quick hands to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers, giving his team easy transition opportunities. He's also not afraid to battle on the glass, showing he can mix it up with bigger players. With his combination of elite shooting, strong slashing ability, and defensive tenacity, Walker is set to be a complete two way player and one of the most impactful guards this season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2698837"],"_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-68826d9fabf7c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wilson enters the season after a summer that's showcased his physicality, versatility, and two way impact. Offensively, he's been a dominant presence inside, combining strong ball handling skills with power to attack the lane. Once there, his touch stands out where he finishes with acrobatic layups, smooth floaters, and a developing mid range game that keeps defenders guessing. On the defensive end he uses quick feet, sharp anticipation, and active hands to allow him to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers. Add in his toughness and willingness to do the dirty work, and Wilson is poised to be one of the most impactful and versatile players on the floor this upcoming year</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2410486"],"_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-68826d9fabfc7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cowans has had a great summer that has showcased his confidence and scoring versatility. He plays with a fearless mindset, never hesitating to take the shot when he sees an opportunity. From deep when Cowans is locked he can knock down threes with consistency and makes the long range shooting look effortless. What makes him even more dangerous is his adaptability. When defenses close out hard he adjusts seamlessly and attacks the lane with mid range pull ups and smooth floaters that keep opponents guessing. His ability to score at all three levels gives him the tools to be a reliable offensive weapon for his team. With his scoring instincts and unwavering confidence, expect Cowans to take on a bigger role and become a key contributor this season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->