NorCal 2026 Under the Radar Guards

It's not too late for college programs to find real value in Northern California. The 2026 guard class still has multiple players available who we've seen in person that have been very impressive this season. Below are handful of players that can help winning programs right away. These are guards who play with pace, toughness, and are well coached—guys who understand how to impact the game beyond just scoring. Schools willing to do the work can still find real talent here in NorCal.    [player_tooltip player_id='2613094' first='Tey' last='Carter'] | 6'0 PG | Sheldon | 2026   [player_tooltip player_id='2613094' first='Tey' last='Carter'] plays with a big heart and an edge that shows up every possession. He's tough, competitive, and consistently makes winning plays. Carter is a blur with the ball, especially in transition, where he finishes well around the rim with either hand. His work ethic is evident in his shooting—he can really shoot it and you can see the improvement year over year. Carter is also a natural playmaker who's comfortable pushing the tempo and leading a locker room.      [player_tooltip player_id='2089557' first='Saddiq' last='Alarbesh'] | 6'4 G | Oakland Tech | 2026   [player_tooltip player_id='2089557' first='Saddiq' last='Alarbesh'] is one of the best shooters in the entire class of 2026. His quick release and confidence from deep make him a constant threat. What's often overlooked is his athleticism—he's gotten stronger and more physical, allowing him to impact the game beyond shooting. Due to his shooting ability, he's that much quicker when defender overplay him. He's well coached and plays with structure, showing the skill set of a combo guard who can handle lead guard responsibilities at the next level. Coach Heart has also turn Saddiq into an above average rebounder for his position.     [player_tooltip player_id='1988349' first='Tyler' last='Bailey'] | 6'5 G | Serra | 2026   Recently committed To CSU Madera [player_tooltip player_id='1988349' first='Tyler' last='Bailey'] is a long, athletic guard who checks multiple boxes. He can shoot it, especially off the dribble into the mid-range, and he brings real value on the defensive end. Bailey is a terrific defender and an excellent rebounder for his position, consistently helping finish possessions. His size and versatility allow him to impact the game in several ways. He may not play D2 more than a year or two.     [player_tooltip player_id='2089540' first='Jaiden' last='Jones'] | 6'3 CG | California | 2026   [player_tooltip player_id='2089540' first='Jaiden' last='Jones'] is an electric scorer with the ability to create offense at all three levels. A true combo guard, he has good size and athleticism, and he's comfortable making tough, contested shots while staying efficient. Jones can create off the bounce and take over the games when needed. He's a guard defenses have to account for at all times. Jones can also run a team effectively and distribute the ball at a high level.      [player_tooltip player_id='1711480' first='Ibrahim' last='Monawar'] | 6'2 PG | De La Salle | 2026   [player_tooltip player_id='1711480' first='Ibrahim' last='Monawar'] is a poised point guard who rarely gets rattled. He plays with patience and has a great feel for the game. He's shown a variety of crafty finishes in the lanes while also showing the ability to knock down perimeter shots off the dribble. Monawar is a solid playmaker who understands pace and decision-making, making him a steady lead guard option for a college program.     [player_tooltip player_id='2059746' first='Lucas' last='Lau'] | 6'1 PG | University | 2026   [player_tooltip player_id='2059746' first='Lucas' last='Lau'] plays bigger than his listed size and brings next-level skill to the hardwood. He has an above-average off hand and a deep bag offensively. Lau can score in a variety of ways—floaters, attacking the rim, and pulling-up— consistently keeps defenders guessing. His creativity and confidence make him a guard who can generate offense when things break down. He's a willing shooter from deep but doesn't over index in that area.      [player_tooltip player_id='2509666' first='Naasir' last='Griffin'] | 6'5 G | Bishop O'Dowd | 2026   [player_tooltip player_id='2509666' first='Naasir' last='Griffin'] is one of the best athletes in the state. He's electric in transition, a true high flyer who can change momentum with one play. Griffin is also a good three-point shooter and an elite on-ball defender, with the ability to guard three to four positions at the next level. He's comes from a great program, well coached and adaptable, he's the type of guard who can fit into almost any system and raise a team's ceiling.    The NorCal 2026 guard class still has serious value. These players can fit into a variety of systems. They bring skill, toughness and basketball iQ to the game. Programs willing to do thorough evaluations can still find guards here who can help them win.

It's not too late for college programs to find real value in Northern California. The 2026 guard class still has multiple players available who we've seen in person that have been very impressive this season. Below are handful of players that can help winning programs right away. These are guards who play with pace, toughness, and are well coached—guys who understand how to impact the game beyond just scoring. Schools willing to do the work can still find real talent here in NorCal.