2026 Prospects Who Caught My Eye (Part II)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the course of the next several weeks heading into Fall Leagues and showcases, Prep Hoops is taking a deeper dive at the Class of 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027 prospects who caught our eyes this summer. This week, we will be starting with the rising sophomores. If you have a player who deserves to be recognized, please send @RossVDG14 on X (Formerly known as Twitter) a direct message.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1612163"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The 6-8 rising sophomore wing is a dominant forward who can score in a variety of ways. Triplett has a smooth touch for finishing around the rim and uses his length to an advantage whether it's off put backs or as a lob threat. On the defensive side, Triplett is a solid rim protector and shot blocker. On the offensive end, he runs the floor in transition exceptionally well and has a great handle for his size.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1660041"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"The 6-1 rising sophomore guard is quick and elusive when it comes to guarding on the ball. Kirk has good footwork and doesn't get rattled when the pressure is on. On the offensive end, Kirk can score off the catch as well as off the bounce and has a smooth mid-range game. On the defensive side, he is considered to be an underrated rebounder for his size and uses every dose of his athleticism to battle for the basketball. Kirk is also very active in the passing lanes who can turn defense into offense in a hurry.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["2134650"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"The 6-2 rising sophomore guard has high potential to be one of the top ranked prospects in the Class of 2026. Joseph is quick, athletic and displays a high basketball IQ. On the offensive end, Joseph has a smooth attack for the basket and can score off the bounce at a high level. On the defensive end, he is very active in the passing lanes and does a great job staying in front of opposing ball-handlers.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1640847"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"The 6-5 rising sophomore combo guard plays with a combination of size and speed using his versatility in a lot of ways. Jones can play the guard as well as play the wing who has a smooth touch on the interior. On the defensive end, Jones plays with a ton of length and rebounds exceptionally well as well as block shots limiting the opposition from second chance points. On the offensive end, Jones plays with a ton of confidence and has improved his perimeter shooting although he shoots a limited amount from the outside.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1660035"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"The 6-5 rising sophomore shooting guard is the true definition of a modern-day guard. Russell is quick, long and athletic for his size and displays a great amount of court vision. Russell can score on all three levels and has continued to gain more confidence shooting from the perimeter. His ability to finish at the front of the rim while absorbing contact has continued to improve as well. On the defensive end, Russell plays with a ton of versatility where he can guard multiple positions as well as jump the passing lanes at a high level.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1582446"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"The 6-4 rising sophomore guard is one of the finest prospects in the Class of 2026. Cummings is an elite shooter who can score on all three levels whether it's off the catch or off the bounce. His handles are super strong and has a high IQ displaying great confidence in his all-around game. On the defensive end, He also has the ability to crash the glass and grabbing rebounds with bigger players using his athleticism. Last week, Cummings received his first offer from Kent State and won't be his last offer either.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":6,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64ee0741e84a0"} /-->