2026 AZ EXPO: Who Impressed

I attended the 2026 PrepHoops Arizona EXPO and Freshman Showcase at Inspire Courts in Gilbert, AZ on September 5. I was only able to watch a handful of teams at the EXPO. But the ones I caught impressed, including a guard and forward who spent the afternoon feeding each other in transition. These are the guys who stood out to me.    Played with excellent poise, dominating in transition. Can do it all himself going coast-to-coast, or throwing lobs for his teammates to finish off with a jam. Terrific vision in the open floor and in the halfcourt, slinging in multiple no look passes and going cross court whenever he saw an open man. He and [player_tooltip player_id='2513390' first='Barron' last='Rygiel'] were feeding off each other on the break, scoring countless times when the duo was attacking. Effective scorer as well, doing damage on drives and in the midrange, using hesitations and quick bursts to blow by defenders before finishing at the rim or pulling into a step-back jumper.     Excellent finisher at the rim, playing really well in transition and cleaning up multiple fast break lobs. He and [player_tooltip player_id='2133646' first='Myles' last='Godfrey'] in particular had sharp link up play on the break. Attacks the glass, consistently looking for tip-in opportunities, and proved to be an effective offensive rebounder. A real communicator on the court, loud when he's running and calling for the ball when he has an open look. Had good court awareness and spacing in the halfcourt and on the run, just knowing where to be at all times. Can hit the three ball as well.     Quick guard who can do it on both ends of the court. Good on ball defense, snagging steals and even fighting for defensive rebounds. On the offensive end, he uses his speed to get into the paint and has a sharp feel for when to finish himself or kick it out to a teammate. Proved to be an effective catch-and-shoot three point shooter as well.     He just has the size and physical strength to do a lot of things well at either end. Great defender, whether in the post or closer to the perimeter. Can play well in transition, finishing off fast breaks through contact with good elevation on his way to the rack. Works it in the midrange, proving to be an effective scorer there, and has a good three point shot. A jack of all trades type of player who plays with a ton of toughness and physicality, and can body opponents in the paint.     Extremely bouncy player who can jump out of the gym, with the ability to really elevate going to the rim in the halfcourt or out in transition for a jam. Has a good feel for the court and makes the right reads, knowing when to give it up, driving well from the top of the key for layups, and mixing in midrange pulls. A vocal player too, calling out defensive rotations to help his teammates.     Strong frame, with the ability to handle and score close to the rim and beyond the arc with a quick trigger. An active player with fluid movement, constantly flying across the court and getting to his spots. Crashes in for rebounds on the offensive end, consistently hunting put-backs, and can get out in transition to finish on coast-to-coast layups.     Extreme athleticism, with the ability to get downhill in a flash. The stronger frame makes it easy for him to find his way into the paint, just out-muscling defenders to the rim. Has a good handle and can take it the length of the floor to finish off transition layups. Crisp movement in the midrange, where he scores comfortably. Strong inside drives, forcing fouls on his way up. Plays with excellent pace.

I attended the 2026 PrepHoops Arizona EXPO and Freshman Showcase at Inspire Courts in Gilbert, AZ on September 5. I was only able to watch a handful of teams at the EXPO. But the ones I caught impressed, including a guard and forward who spent the afternoon feeding each other in transition. These are the guys who stood out to me.