A Closer Look: Elite 2026 Glue Guys Expanding Their Role

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The hooper that holds the team together, the hooper who gels the team chemistry game in and game out, is called the glue guy. Each team has a glue guy who contributes more to the game than just the box score. There are a select few players in the class of 2026 who fit this role and then some... Let's talk about it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1874657"],"_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-687943e692427"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1874657' first='Nolan' last='Vandermeer'] is outstanding at minimizing his dribbles and maximizing his moves coming out of the triple-threat. Able to accelerate to the rim and keep the ball, Vandermeer finds himself earning multiple trips to the free throw line and giving his squad a massive spark of energy. When Nolan isn't on the floor, you can find him cheering on his teammates and motivating them to be at their best. The 6'0 combo guard is everything a coach wants in a player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2387502"],"_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-687943e6924a5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2387502' first='Skyyaire' last='Russell'] is a true point guard who always has his head up, dribbling the ball. A lethal threat on offense, Russell has a pure jumpshot that allows him to operate from anywhere on the hardwood. Russell's confidence oozes to his teammates, making everyone around him better. A leader on and off the floor, Russell sets an example for other players while paving his path to stardom. The 5'10 guard from Green Valley continues to wow crowds and dominate. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2401863"],"_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-687943e69250d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2401863' first='Ben' last='Blankenship'] is a crucial role player who remains unfazed by pressure and comes up huge in big moments. The 5'10 shooting guard makes defenses pay from the three-point line and has developed a consistent mid-range game to add to his offensive firepower. Blankenship implements his energy and personality into the game, and when he gets hot, it's nearly impossible to cool him down. A reliable guard, Blankenship is always ready to make plays and give his team wins. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1887060"],"_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-687943e6925b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1887060' first='Drake' last='Bebout'] has carried his momentum from last season into this summer, elevating his game with the Flyers. Bebout has seen a more prominent role this summer, but his mentality has always stayed the same: capitalize on as many opportunities as possible. The 6'3 forward can absorb contact down low and earn multiple trips to the free throw line each game. Coaches will continue to love Bebout on and off the hardwood. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1799816"],"_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-687943e69261a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1799816' first='George' last='West'] is a multi-sport star who carries a spark and positive attitude on the field or the court. The 5'9 guard shows his love for the game by involving his teammates on big-time plays while dropping jaws in the crowd. West floats in the air when he attacks the rim, and whether it's a fast break jam or a 180-degree, crowds are sure to erupt when West is on the floor. With a handle on a string and a fine-tuned jumpshot, it's scary how good West will be in his senior year finale, kicking off this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->