Summer/Spring Stock risers in the Class of 2026

During this past spring and summer, there have been a host of names in the 2026 class that have seriously improved their recruitment with their play throughout the AAU season and live periods.   There are far more than 5 players in the 2026 class who had great AAU and summer showcase seasons, but these are just some of the names that stood out to me.    You could make a strong argument that Costello was the most significant stock riser in New England and one of the biggest risers nationally. The 6-foot-10 forward had a wonderful AAU season with the Middlesex Magic and has picked up over a dozen high major offers as a result. The shooting was always there, but an improved physical frame has allowed him to more effectively guard opposing centers, and a jump in his athleticism has really turned the eyes of college coaches. Shooting, athleticism and size? High major D1 coaches will continue to be all over him this season at Newman.     I've always been a huge fan of Hailey's game, but he wasn't known on the national stage until his point guard play led Expressions Elite to the final 4 of the Peach Jam this summer. The 5-foot-11 guard is obviously undersized -- which is likely to blame for his lack of recruitment leading up to this summer -- but his performances against other high major guards has culminated in a massive boost to his recruitment (he got an Arizona State offer this month). He's one of the best point guards in New England and is going to RUN THE SHOW for a Worcester Academy team that's looking to repeat as NEPSAC champions. More high major offers should come.     Geremia has always been known as a shooter, but the BABC guard had an awesome AAU season for one of the best teams in the country. He shot 46.8% from three on 126 attempts during the 3SSB season, but he also showcased an improved ability to attack closeouts and make plays for himself or others inside the arc. Furthermore, he held his own on the defensive end and racked up 1.1 steals and 4.7 rebounds per game. He isn't just a shooter, and an increased role on Newman this season will further allow him to show that. Big time player who mid major coaches should be all over.     Baptiste had an awesome season on the UA Rise Circuit for Team Sims and was inarguably their best player. He averaged 17.9 points per game but also led the entire team in effective field goal percentage at 56.4%. He has gotten a lot more controlled and consistent with his outside shot, but he has also continued to get stronger and is well known for bullying opposing wings (and even bigs) in the paint. For a Tabor squad that's rebuilding after the loss of their star player, Baptiste should be a go-to option and is certainly on the radar of tons of D1 coaches this coming season.     Most coaches and evaluators I had talked to pegged Freeman as a D3 guy before this AAU season started. But after a massive year with BCRI and big performances at the NEPSAC showcases and All Academic Camp, he's now on the radar of scholarship schools (he got two division 2 offers within the past month). He can stroke it from outside but also attack closeouts and finish at the rim with some craft. He should be a key player for Middlesex School this coming season and I wouldn't be surprised to see the offers continue to roll in for the 6-foot-5 wing.

During this past spring and summer, there have been a host of names in the 2026 class that have seriously improved their recruitment with their play throughout the AAU season and live periods.