2026 class: Coaches can’t go wrong (Part 3)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 class has a lot of talent in the state of Tennessee. The top players have yet to commit to a program. There's even more talent outside of the top 30.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This class is filled with solid guard play, size and skill on the perimeter and in the front court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's part three of notable prospects college coaches can't go wrong with recruiting:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2797237' first='Carey' last='McClain Jr.'], Kirby: McClain was one of the best guards in the TSSAA Division 1 Class 3A last season. He was the Cougars' best player in 2024, leading the team with 24.5 points per game. At 6-foot-1, McClain is twitchy and shifty. He knows how to use his upper body strength to create separation between himself and the defender. McClain can make shots from the perimeter and finish strong at the rim. He plays hard on each possession. McClain should be on a college roster in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1580652' first='Tyshaun' last='Dewayne Poore'], Cane Ridge: Poore is starting to see his hard work pay off. He has an official visit setup to Johnson University on Nov. 19. Poore is a hardworking prospect. That's the best way to describe him. He's not a pushover. Poore is a pest on defense. He's athletic, with a quick, first step. Poore thrives in the open court. He knows when to get off the basketball and when to take a shot. Poore can be a glue guy for a program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1911257' first='Hudson' last='McKnight'], Brentwood: McKnight is a 6-2 point guard that's effective on and off the ball. Having good size is one thing, but having good instincts on offense and knowing the difference between a good shot and a bad shot goes a long way for college coaches. McKnight plays with a good pace, sees the floor well, and always makes the right basketball play. He will be a solid four year player for a program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2364080' first='Will' last='McCrary'], Jackson County: McCrary just gets the job done. Let's call him “Mr. Handyman.” He's active on the glass. McCrary is willing to box out multiple guys to get the rebound. He has really good touch around the rim. He can make shots from 17-feet out. McCrary was one of the best players in Class 2A last season and should be again in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2307628' first='Sydney' last='Thompson'], Bartlett: Thompson is more-than-deserving of being recruited. He saw a spike in his recruitment in the spring and summer with offers from Pellissippi State, LeMoyne-Owen College, and Pittsburg State. More programs should get in now before spring gets here. Thompson is a tough guard who's a pest on defense and can provide a spark offensively. A coach can count on Thompson being mentally ready to play, and he's going to give it his all each time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->