2026 Superstars Who've Mastered Their Mentality

One of the most overlooked aspects of basketball is the mental side of the sport. Sure, being able to shoot, dribble, block, and dunk is nice, no doubt. However, knowing where your teammates should be on defense, understanding situational basketball, and showcasing mental strength on the court are invaluable. I have a handful of guys on my list who meet this mark. Let's talk about it.    [player_tooltip player_id='1622332' first='Jason' last='Stroope'] is an unfazed three-level scorer who doesn't change his intensity level if he misses. Stroope maintains a confident attitude throughout the entirety of a game. Being unselfish, Stroope finds ways to involve his teammates in the action and constantly pushes them to be better. Stroope wants to win badly, and he infuses that drive into everyone playing around him.     [player_tooltip player_id='2387502' first='Skyyaire' last='Russell'] makes an immediate impact on the hardwood with his impeccable court vision and patience. Russell's poise and tenacity impress me most, as he's able to consistently make the right decision with the ball. What differentiates Russell from other point guards is his involvement with his guys. He always makes sure that everyone on the five-man lineup is on the same page each possession.     [player_tooltip player_id='1496642' first='Izaiyah' last='Romero'] is the heartbeat of whatever team he's on. The raw passion for the game oozes from him, and crowds can easily tell how fired up Romero is to lace up and compete at a high level. Romero's high-paced scoring translates into static energy for his team. Every teammate of Romero's is better on the floor because of him, and that is the sign of an emerging superstar.     [player_tooltip player_id='1764298' first='Jhett' last='Wells'] has a deeper understanding of how the game operates under the surface. Showcasing his playmaking abilities, Wells has a sixth sense for pinpointing where his teammates will be during basket cuts. With a tight handle and his head up, Wells ends up with multiple assists each game, and his teammates' spirits are always lifted. The 6'2 combo guard should see a massive jump in minutes and volume, so stay tuned for Wells to shine.     [player_tooltip player_id='1903564' first='Jamal' last='Hassan'] brings all of the intangibles to basketball, such as focus, attention to detail, poise, and an incredible IQ on and off the hardwood. The 6'5 shooting guard can convert from way downtown and thrive in the mid-range. Hassan maintains a high motor and honorable discipline throughout the entirety of any game he laces up for. Expect Hassan to continue to rise in the rankings come early fall for his last rodeo.

One of the most overlooked aspects of basketball is the mental side of the sport. Sure, being able to shoot, dribble, block, and dunk is nice, no doubt. However, knowing where your teammates should be on defense, understanding situational basketball, and showcasing mental strength on the court are invaluable. I have a handful of guys on my list who meet this mark. Let's talk about it.