Unsigned Kansas Names You Should Know — But Who Are They?

Several notable 2026 prospects across Kansas remain unsigned — but make no mistake, they are far from unworthy of opportunity. In fact, a handful of these athletes have the talent, production, and upside to become impact players at the next level.   In this breakdown, I'll spotlight eight players who deserve far more attention in recruiting conversations. Each brings a unique skill set to the table, whether it's athleticism, versatility, high basketball IQ, or the ability to take over a game when it matters most. I'll dive into what makes their overall game stand out, where they continue to develop, and what each prospect could look like in the future.   These are names many around the state recognize — but perhaps not discussed with the same buzz as some of the higher-profile recruits. That may not last much longer.   Kristian Ryan | 6'8" Forward | Smoky Valley   Ryan is an intriguing prospect at the next level. With his size and length at the forward position, he brings a physical profile that immediately stands out. Over the course of this season, he's made noticeable strides in his overall game, showing real growth on both ends of the floor. There have been stretches where he's taken over games, impacting play offensively with his scoring and defensively with his presence and versatility.   Kristian's skill set is especially impressive for someone his size. He's comfortable operating in the open floor, handling the ball and making plays in transition, and he has the ability to step out and knock down shots with range. At the same time, he can assert himself around the basket, finishing strong and consistently dominating at the rim.   He unquestionably has a high ceiling, and if his recent success is any indication, there's plenty more growth ahead. The trajectory he's on suggests he's just beginning to tap into his full potential. That kind of upside, paired with steady improvement, should make him a very attractive option for next-level programs looking for long-term development and impact.   Quinton Rolle | 6'6" Wing | Life Prep   Quinton is a somewhat overlooked prospect who has put together a tremendous season for Life Prep. He's a true wing with legitimate size, giving him the versatility to impact the game both inside and on the perimeter. That combination alone makes him coveted, but it's the way he's developed this year that really stands out.   He's extremely comfortable as a shooter, with deep range and a smooth, repeatable stroke. When he finds his rhythm, he can heat up in a hurry and shift momentum quickly. Beyond spot-up situations, Rolle is effective in ball-screen actions, whether he's rolling hard to the rim or popping out for a jumper. His ability to read those situations and make the right play adds another layer to his offensive value.   He also brings a strong slashing element, attacking closeouts and using his length to finish through traffic. On top of that, he's a reliable rebounder who creates extra possessions with his effort and ability to track the ball. His length and motor consistently show up when he's pursuing rebounds, making him productive in ways that don't always show up in the box score.   [player_tooltip player_id='2211348' first='Kelan' last='Gruver'] | 6'2" Guard | Bonner Springs   Gruver is the driving force behind a Bonner Springs team that ranks among the best in Kansas, and he may very well have the highest basketball IQ of anyone on this list. Skill and athleticism are valuable, of course, but some players simply understand the game on a different level. Kelan is one of those players. He has a natural feel for the floor and consistently plays with a team-first mindset.   He's capable of making plays with the ball in his hands, creating opportunities for others while remaining a constant scoring threat himself. His biggest weapon is his shooting. He needs very little space to get his shot off, and he's as efficient as they come from beyond the arc. Defenders can't afford to lose him for a second.   Gruver is comfortable operating in ball-screen situations, but he's just as effective moving without the ball, reading the defense, and finding open windows. Add in his strong positional awareness on the defensive end, and he's the type of player who can seamlessly fit into a system at the next level.   Malakyah Duncan | 6'5" Wing | Topeka West   Duncan is another wing who immediately catches your attention because of the size and length he brings to the perimeter. He has the physical tools that coaches look for at the position, and he knows how to use them to his advantage.   He's comfortable handling the basketball and is at his best when attacking off the bounce. Slashing to the rim is where he really excels. Thanks to his size, he can dictate the action, absorb contact, and still find ways to finish — whether that's powering through defenders or extending around them with his length.   That same length makes a major impact on the defensive end. He covers a tremendous amount of ground, disrupts passing lanes, and gets his hands on plenty of loose balls. Those deflections often spark transition opportunities, where he's especially comfortable pushing the pace and finishing in space.   [player_tooltip player_id='2328074' first='Hudson' last='Weikal'] | 6'1" Guard | Olathe East   Hudson is a player who has clearly benefited from a strong senior season. He looks noticeably bigger and stronger, and more importantly, he plays with that added strength and confidence. His physical development has translated directly to his performance on the floor.   As a guard, he's capable of attacking off the bounce, but what stands out is how controlled and deliberate he is in picking his spots. He doesn't force the action — he reads the defense and strikes at the right moments. While he can certainly get all the way to the rim, his pull-up game in the mid-range has been especially impressive. He rises with good elevation and is comfortable shooting over the top of defenders.   Hudson has also embraced finishing off two feet, which has made him more balanced and under control in traffic. That approach allows him to absorb contact and still convert at the rim, adding another layer of reliability to his offensive game.   [player_tooltip player_id='2209780' first='Sebastian' last='Hines-Turner'] | 6'4" Wing | Wichita Collegiate   Injuries are always a critical factor in a player's development, and when they happen at the wrong time, they can significantly impact both momentum and next-level opportunities. Hines-Turner experienced that firsthand, as an untimely injury last season prevented him from continuing to build his name and expand his game on the court.   To his credit, he attacked his rehab process with determination and put in the work to return stronger. This season, he's showing that he belongs at the next level, offering coaches a well-built wing who combines physical tools with skill and versatility. He looks confident, healthy, and impactful.   Hines-Turner has been a major piece for Collegiate this year, contributing on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he's capable of putting points on the board in a variety of ways, while defensively he uses his length and quickness to disrupt opposing players. He may be most effective in transition, where his athleticism and ability to cover ground allow him to change the game quickly, whether he's finishing at the rim or creating momentum plays for his team.   [player_tooltip player_id='2039558' first='Simon' last='Rowley'] | 6'1" Guard | Washburn Rural   Rowley has put together an impressive high school career, showing steady improvement year after year. Even though he missed some time in the middle of this season, there's little doubt about his ability or long-term potential. His body of work speaks for itself.   He's a methodical guard with solid size who plays at his own pace. What makes him particularly tough to defend is his unorthodox style, largely shaped by his dominant left hand. He uses it well to create angles, keep defenders off balance, and get to his spots. Around the rim, he's more explosive than you might expect, capable of finishing with strength and craft.   Rowley is also comfortable shooting off the bounce, whether it's pulling up in the mid-range or stepping back from well beyond the arc. At the next level, he likely projects as a smaller combo guard, but he has the confidence, skill set, and scoring ability to make that transition successfully.   [player_tooltip player_id='2327569' first='Jamari' last='Williams'] | 6'3" Guard | Washington   Williams has been a well-known name around Kansas City for several years, and it's easy to see why. His blend of size and explosiveness at the guard position is rare, which has consistently made him a highly sought-after prospect. He brings a physical presence that stands out immediately, but it's how he pairs that with skill that makes him especially intriguing.   With a quick, controlled handle and the ability to change speeds and accelerate in a flash, he's at his best in transition and when attacking downhill. He puts constant pressure on the defense, getting into the paint and forcing rotations. Jamari is also comfortable shooting off the bounce, often preferring pull-up jumpers over catch-and-shoot opportunities. When he gets to his spots, he can rise confidently and knock down tough shots.   Athletically, he plays well above the rim. He has the ability to hang in the air and finish with authority, delivering momentum-swinging dunks that energize his team. As impressive as his scoring tools are, though, his passing and court vision may be his greatest strengths. He genuinely looks to involve his teammates, reading the floor well and creating opportunities that open up the offense for everyone around him.

Several notable 2026 prospects across Kansas remain unsigned — but make no mistake, they are far from unworthy of opportunity. In fact, a handful of these athletes have the talent, production, and upside to become impact players at the next level.