2026 Wings And Forwards Trending Up After July Live Periods

The July live period of the 2025 NCAA recruiting calendar came to a close earlier this month—and it didn't disappoint. Throughout New Jersey, several Class of 2026 prospects turned heads with standout performances, particularly at the wing and forward positions, boosting their stock and distinguishing themselves from the competition. With the July evaluation window now behind us, it's time to spotlight some of the 2026 wings and forwards who made a lasting impact over the past few weeks.    An athletic and versatile forward that impacts the game in a variety of ways, [player_tooltip player_id='1948974' first='Andrew' last='Adegbite'] picked up right where he left off in the spring and carried on his strong play into the July live period. Adegbite continued to demonstrate his ability to put the ball on the floor, attack off the bounce and finish with athleticism, rebound the basketball at an effective rate on both the offensive and defensive end, and use his length and athleticism to be a versatile defender. Adegbite also showed more and more flashes of his ability to be a threat from the perimeter and knock down open outside shots.   After picking up offers from a handful of Division II programs earlier this spring, Adegbite could see some more programs get involved in his recruitment the rest of the summer.     An intricate piece for this 17U [program_tooltip program_id='2078566' first='East' last='Coast Cyclones'] group, Isaiah Thomas continued his strong play from the spring into the summer— getting to the basket off the bounce and knocking down open shots from the perimeter. Thomas has also continued to show more and more flashes of his versatility as a scorer, demonstrating his growth as a multi level scorer thus far this summer.   Thomas picked up an offer from Manhattan at the end of June's scholastic live period and could see a few more LM schools get involved in his recruitment.     An interesting combination between lethal perimeter shot making and intimidating rim protection, Brett Carter continued to showcase what he consistently provides at his size. Carter demonstrated his ability to be a threat from three point range particularly off the catch and knock down outside shots on the offensive end. On the defensive end, Carter demonstrated his ability to use his length to alter and block shot attempts in the paint.     A dangerous threat from three point range, Nico Esposito had an impressive live period that saw him consistently knock down outside shots. Seen consistently hunting his shot, Esposito showcased his smooth shooting stroke both off the catch and off the move, coming off different types of screens and pin downs in the flow of Marston Elite's offense.     [player_tooltip player_id='2205839' first='Luke' last='Cruz'] had strong showings over both July live periods that demonstrated what makes him an intriguing prospect at his size. Cruz showcased his ability to knock down outside shots off the catch, attack closeouts off the bounce and finish at the rim, crash the glass and rebound the basketball on both the offensive and defensive glass, his ability to switch out on to and guard ball handlers out on the perimeter, and use his length to alter and block shot attempts at the rim.   Cruz recently decided to open up his recruitment after decommitting from Penn. It'll be interesting to see what programs get involved following his decision to reopen his recruitment.     Continuing his strong play from the NEPSAC Showcase into the July live period, Jakub Lomicka continued to demonstrate his unique skillset at his size. An interesting combination of fluidity and guard skills at his size, Lomicka showcased he's more than capable of consistently shooting it from the perimeter, putting the ball on the floor, and making the right decisions and being a willing passer.   With a number of high academic D1 programs having showed interest in Lomicka's versatility, it's no question we'll soon start to see the offers roll in.

The July live period of the 2025 NCAA recruiting calendar came to a close earlier this month—and it didn't disappoint. Throughout New Jersey, several Class of 2026 prospects turned heads with standout performances, particularly at the wing and forward positions, boosting their stock and distinguishing themselves from the competition. With the July evaluation window now behind us, it's time to spotlight some of the 2026 wings and forwards who made a lasting impact over the past few weeks.