The Expo Texas: 2026 Prospects Elevating Their Stock

The Expo: Texas was filled with energy, competition, and statement performances from prospects across the state. Whether it was dynamic guards breaking defenders down off the dribble, long wings impacting both ends, or versatile bigs showing expanded offensive tools, this event showcased the depth of Texas basketball talent heading into the season.    [player_tooltip player_id='1560922' first='Michael' last='Best'] was the embodiment of a pure shooter. The lefty sniper punished defenses all day with a high-arching, quick-trigger release that barely grazed the rim on makes. In transition, Best generated downhill momentum before kicking into his next gear with controlled strides as he either attacked the rim or flowed fluidly into rhythm jumpers from his sweet spots. Defensively, he competed with grit, refusing to be scored on while applying tight on-ball pressure, cutting off driving angles, and making opponents uncomfortable by forcing them east-west rather than downhill.     Bryant herring imposed his will in the paint by using his broad frame and power to dislodge defenders and carve out space on his way to the basket. Herring showed the polished ability to attack with shoulder bumps, allowing him to finish through contact with a violent burst off two feet, absorbing contact, maintaining balance, and exploding upward with physicality, making for tremendous power-based scoring efficiency.     Lopez put up points while displaying an uncanny knack for hitting heat-check jumpers off the dribble, even when blanketed by tight defensive pressure. His quick-twitch burst, and release allowed him to rise up instantly out of hesitation dribbles, crossovers, or step-backs, creating just enough separation to let it fly with confidence.     [player_tooltip player_id='2916642' first='Jaylun' last='Smith'] displayed natural elevation on his jumper, rising fluidly into his release to create clean looks even against tight contests. His isolation package was polished, using shoulder fakes and pace manipulation to flow into his go-to turnaround fadeaway or spin into a mid-range pull-up. His balance, footwork, and touch allowed him to convert tough shots with consistency, making him a tough cover in short-clock or one-on-one situations.     [player_tooltip player_id='2398266' first='Elijah' last='York'] showcased sharp and reactive footwork out of the triple threat, blending swim moves, step-throughs, and pivots to maneuver defenders off balance in isolation scenarios. York played unselfishly, displaying advanced passing instincts by recognizing weak-side rotations and hitting opposite-corner shooters or cutters in stride. When he gained a step downhill, he exploded baseline and finished with emphatic, high-rising dunks, displaying both elite first-step acceleration and vertical force.

The Expo: Texas was filled with energy, competition, and statement performances from prospects across the state. Whether it was dynamic guards breaking defenders down off the dribble, long wings impacting both ends, or versatile bigs showing expanded offensive tools, this event showcased the depth of Texas basketball talent heading into the season.