Top new names from 2026 Rankings Update

Our 2026 Rankings Update saw over 30 players make their debut in our rankings, in this article we'll break down the top 5 debuts from the latest update.    An under the radar prospect coming from France, other national rankings websites haven't gotten the opportunity to see Rinaldo-Komlan in person yet and I expect him to appear on other national rankings lists before the end of Spire's season that include trips to various Nike Scholastic events, Flyin' To The Hoop, Hoophall and more. Rinaldo-Komlan was not under the radar with high major college programs and decided on Iowa State recently. With impressive physical tools and soft touch as a shooter, the lefty forward screams long term upside. I expect Rinaldo-Komlan to continue to improve as he adjusts to the American game and should be a valuable developmental piece for the Cyclones program.     One of the more talented lead guards in Ohio, Hailey simply produces on the offensive end of the court against top talent at a consistent basis. Checking a lot of boxes offensively, Hailey is quick, can make perimeter shots, sets the table and can get to the lane and finish with layups or floaters. Not going to blow you away by playing above the rim, Hailey is a savvy lead guard who recently had 18 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals last weekend for Western Reserve Academy in Elite Prep League action. Hailey will have a chance to play immediately for UMASS next winter.     One of the more unique prospects in Ohio, Omed has elite touch for a big man and has an advanced offensive skillset for a prospect his size and age. Arkansas State fell in love with his skillset and secured a commitment early into his post grad year. While he's fought injuries early in the post grad year, Omed had some bright moments with OTP coached by his post grad head coach Jay Slone, so I expect him to hit the ground running when he's back at 100%.     Many times OHSAA programs lack size so with the emergence of a few powerhouse prep programs in the state, the amount of big talent has gone up significantly in Ohio. Trandafir is a stretch big who can also protect the rim. That combination of skills on both ends of the court will make him intriguing to Division I programs as he had an impressive summer on Puma's NXTPRO circuit. At a program with so much college talent, Trandafir could be slipping through the cracks this winter but I would bet on him figuring it out down the line.     A recent move to Ohio, Fadel Mula was originally listed as a 2027 prospect in Florida but since he's listed as a senior on the McNicholas roster, he'll slot in our 2026 rankings with the option to take a post grad year after this season with McNicholas. Fadel Mula has elite positional size for a lead guard and makes good decisions with the basketball. The lefty could be a bit of a mismatch in the mid post when he adds weight due to his size and gives you defensive options with his height from the point guard position. Not yet a finished product but I like the long-term upside of Fadel Mula and the addition of him to McNicholas roster should allow them to compete for a GCL-Co Ed title.

Our 2026 Rankings Update saw over 30 players make their debut in our rankings, in this article we'll break down the top 5 debuts from the latest update.