2026 Under the Radar SEC Prospects to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The SEC is one of the toughest conferences in the Garden State with multiple teams having the opportunity to make a deep postseason run. The 2026 class has started to make a name for themselves this season and should continue to do so in 2024. Here are the 2026 under the radar SEC prospects to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595681' first='Jaron' last='Barnett'], 5'8 PG Immaculate Conception</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Classmate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1788751' first='Kole' last='Grandison']</strong> has been the go-to guy for the Lions, but Barnett has shown the ability to run the offense effectively. The 5'8 guard has a tight handle, which he uses to get into the lane and make plays in the paint. Barnett threads passes to teammates in the halfcourt and makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. He has the ability to play off the ball as well and moves his feet on the defensive end. Barnett is a true point guard prospect whose ability to run the offense will help his game in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1919206' first='Maji' last='Dixon'], 5'10 PG Newark Central</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dixon has taken a step up offensively as he currently leads the Blue Devils in scoring. The 5'10 guard has a nice release on his jumper and sets his feet before he shoots. Dixon is more than just a shooter as he can also get to the rim off the bounce and finish around the basket. He also has the ability to play off the ball and gets deflections on the defensive end. Dixon is a gritty, guard prospect whose ability to play off the ball will be key tohis development this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1919208' first='Gerald' last='Elwell'], 6'4 PF Payne Tech</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elwell has established himself as the main post player for the Lions this season, which should continue over the next couple of months. The 6'4 forward uses his body to get position down low and finishes nicely around the basket. Elwell doesn't mind drawing contact down low and sets strong screens in the halfcourt. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and holds his ground on the defensive end. Elwell is a physical forward prospect who already has three double-doubles so far this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342650' first='Cliff' last='Deguerre'], 6'2 SG Arts</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Deguerre has established himself as the top shooter for the Jaguars as he leads the team in threes made. The 6'2 guard has a clean release on his jumper and sets his feet before he shoots. Deguerre moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open jumpers and layups in the halfcourt. He slides his feet on the defensive end and is an underrated rebounder. Deguerre is a sharpshooting guard prospect whose ability to stretch the floor will help his stock in a big way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Chase Plotkin, G/F Millburn</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Plotkin has started the season off strong as he has established himself as a viable option on the perimeter. He has a good shooting stroke and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Plotkin rarely forces shots in the halfcourt and can also finish around the basket. He is an underrated passer and works for rebounds on both ends. Plotkin drilled seven three-pointers in a game against Governor Livingston and has the potential to do something like that again later this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->