2025 Combo Guards to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The backcourt is vital for team's success as good guard play can help teams win games. The 2025 class is filled with guards who can make plays with the ball in their hands. Here are the 2025 combo guards to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1389143' first='Griffin' last='Linstra'], 6'3 Manasquan</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Linstra is a hard-working guard prospect who rarely takes a play off at both ends of the floor. The 6'3 guard is a tough on-ball defender as he makes it hard for his man to get their spot on the floor. Linstra moves well without the ball, freeing himself for open layups and shots in the half court. He has an underrated handle and makes good decisions with the ball. Linstra is a tough guard prospect who does whatever it takes to help his team win games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213545' first='Kordell' last='Philemon'], 6'4 Irvington</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Philemon had a strong spring and it should carry over into the summer. The 6'4 guard is at his best attacking the basket as he is a solid finisher around the basket and can make layups through contact. Philemon can also score in the mid-range and knock down open jumpers on the perimeter. He is a good rebounder and uses his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end. Philemon is an athletic guard prospect whose ability to get into the lane and finish will help his stock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1775123' first='Nalim' last='Parrish'], 5'11 Bergen Catholic</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parrish's collegiate future is one the gridiron, but he makes plays on the hardwood as well. The 5'11 guard has a good handle, which he uses to beat his defender and finish around the basket. Parrish plays well off the ball as he moves within the flow of the offense and rarely forces shots in the half court. He is a solid on-ball defender and is unafraid of going after rebounds against bigger opponents. Parrish is a gritty guard prospect who makes plays at both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1949287' first='Kenny' last='Smith'], 5'11 Hammonton</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is an intriguing guard prospect to watch as he is capable of putting up points in bunches. The 5'11 guard is killer off the bounce as he uses his handle to break his defender down and finish around the rim. Smith has a good touch on his floater and can make opponents pay for giving him space on the perimeter. He is comfortable pushing the tempo on offense and is an underrated defender. Smith is a physical guard prospect who poured in at least 30 points on three different occasions in 2022-23.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1456863' first='Justin' last='Hanson'], 6'0 Morris Knolls</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hanson has the potential to have a big summer as he gets to showcase his all-around game. The 6'0 guard uses his handle effectively as he's able to get into the lane and finish around the basket. Hanson is unselfish with the ball in his hands and sets his feet before he shoots. He plays with good instincts on the defensive end to get steals and is comfortable playing off the ball. Hanson's ability to play on and off the ball is something that will help his game nicely over the next couple of months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1859529' first='Tyshawn' last='Pearson'], 6'0 Westfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1773150' first='Paul' last='Coty IV'], 6'1 Peddie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1466450' first='Kaleb' last='Johnson'], 6'0 Union City</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1413215' first='Tyler' last='Nesland'], 6'1 Ridgewood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1943558' first='Asa' last='Wharton'], 6'1 Timber Creek</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->