2026 Rankings Update: Top Newcomers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 rankings update is here with 285 prospects taking part of the update. Every update comes with new prospects to the update and this one is no different. Here are the top newcomers in the 2026 rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1880464' first='Dior' last='Anderson'], 6'2 CG Patrick School</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anderson is the top ranked newcomer in the update, checking in at number 19. The 6'2 guard uses his tight handle to blow by his defender off the bounce and can finish in a variety of ways around the rim. Anderson can also score in the mid-range and sets his feet before he shoots. He has the athleticism to defend both guard spots and is an underrated passer. Anderson is a talented guard prospect who should make plays at both ends of the floor throughout the winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2336724' first='Deng' last='Deng'], 6'10 C Linden</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Deng is primed to have a big 2025-26 season with his ability to control the paint. The 6'10 post uses his strong frame to get position in the paint and has a nice touch at the rim. Deng sets strong screens in the half court and runs the floor, creating open dunks and layups for himself in transition. He is a force on the boards and uses his size to influence shots around the rim. Deng is a physical post prospect who is looking to help Linden take home its first sectional title since 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1875481' first='Isaiah' last='Smith'], 6'6 CG/SF Cliffside Park</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is one of the more intriguing prospects in the class with his ability to play either spot on the perimeter. The 6'6 wing uses his handle to get to his spot on the floor and rises up for dunks in the half court. Smith isn more than just a slasher as he has a good release on his jumper and can knock down open jumpers from behind the arc. He uses his length to get deflections on the defensive end and can push the pace in transition. Smith's ability to score inside and out is something that will help his stock throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1788755' first='Jaden' last='Mason'], 6'1 PG Hudson Catholic</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mason returns from the rankings as he joins a talented Hawks' backcourt. The 6'1 guard plays with composure on the ball as he rarely gets sped up by on-ball pressure and finds his open teammates in the half court. Mason rises up nicely on his jumper as he rarely wastes motion and can get hot from distance. He uses his hands to get steals on the defensive end and can also play off the ball. Mason's ability to play on and off the ball is something that will help his development throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3143809' first='Andrew' last='Barry'], 6'7 PF Ridgewood</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barry is one of the more underrated forward prospects in the state and should put it on display this season. The Stevens commit has a solid face-up game as he can get to the rim off the bounce and can draw contact in the paint. Barry has a high release on his free throws and moves well without the ball in his hands. He is an underrated rebounder and uses his length to influence shots around the rim. Barry has the potential to breakout this season as he should get more touches in the half court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Prospects to Track:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Daniel Jennings, Jr. 6'2 PG/CG St. Thomas Aquinas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3026213' first='Caleb' last='Polanco'], 6'2 PG Pingry</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2829458' first='Noah' last='Shaw'], SG Bayonne</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2980759' first='AJ' last='Farrell'], 6'2 CG Teaneck</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2967862' first='Myles' last='Hopson'], 6'3 CG/SF Dickinson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->