We’ve loved what we’ve seen from Daniel after making his decision to go prep. It just makes sense for him. He fits in seamlessly with that group that has allowed him to showcase his elite athleticism, pushed him to become a more active and involved defender, and allow him to take over with other capable prospects around him. We’ve seen more dunks, finishes around the baskets, and him using his size to his advantage since making the switch and that doesn’t feel by coincidence. He’s a prospect that has always had a high ceiling, but now it feels as if he’s best suited to reaching his full potential. He rounds out the Top-10 prospects with a summer of growth, and it was on display at the few events we saw him including a recent showcase. 

Daniel has made massive improvements, and that was already while being a Top-15 player in the class. He continues to get better, and this was a setting where he just looked polished. Being able to put the ball on the floor at 6’9, handling the ball and pressure, and getting to the rim is what stood out. He was getting to his spots and finishing with dunk after dunk. He played in transition, had a few steals and blocks that turned into business decisions on the other end, and even knocked down a couple of 3-pointers. He looks like a man amongst boys right now, and that physicality has him thriving. 

Daniel Mbadinga Daniel Mbadinga 6'8" | PF Colorado Prep | 2026 CO is one of the most explosive forwards in the state of Colorado. Elevating above the rim is his specialty, although Mbadinga stretches the floor efficiently and can capitalize on deep looks. The 6’8 superstar keeps his head up throughout the entire game and constantly plays with high energy. Mbadinga’s journey is just beginning, and it’ll be scary how good he can get.

Mbadinga already leverages his size, length, and frame well to establish position down low and score inside. The Expo is the perfect chance to show his expanded game by showcasing polished footwork and touch around the rim making him more efficient in traffic. Combining that with his already reliable mid range jumper and face up move would show the layers of his offense and force defenders to guard him beyond the paint. If he continues to anchor inside while showing flashes of versatility on the perimeter, he’ll continue to quickly draw attention as a big with massive upside

Daniel Mbadinga Daniel Mbadinga 6'8" | PF Colorado Prep | 2026 CO electrified the crowd left and right during his dominating performances throughout The Tune Up. Mbadinga was found cutting to the rim and making the most of his size at 6’8 to plow through defenders. Mbadinga constantly crashes the glass for rebounds and provides his teammates plenty of opportunities to score.

Mbadinga has shown notable growth as a perimeter shooter, getting the shot off quickly from the catch. An athletic forward, he brings about as much two-way upside as anyone in this class, providing immense value on both ends of the floor. Up to 16.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, Rocky Mountain will be one of the more formidable up and coming programs in the Northern end of the state thanks to his production. 

Mbadinga looks set for a highly productive season on both ends of the floor, bringing length and bounce to be arguably the best two-way name out of the Northern end of the state. Driven through his relentless motor on the glass, the forward threw down multiple putback dunks over ball watching opponents. Bringing a fluid release to contribute a steady rate of free throws or face-up in the mid-range, he will be a fascinating name to follow over the next two seasons. 

Mbadinga impressed due to his well rounded scoring abilities inside the arc, comfortable getting to hooks or elevating for quick finishes above the rim. The forward’s handle continues to make steady improvements, as he gets more comfortable creating looks one on one.  At roughly 6’8, he is a versatile defender, comfortable out on the perimeter and while anchoring the paint. Among the better defensive prospects in the state, Mbadinga provided nonstop rim protection, most active through his weak side rotations. 

Mbadinga remains a high upside prospect given the length, athleticism, and progressing face-up game. Continuing to show flashes as a floor spacer, the lefty is as difficult to get a hand up as anyone in the class. Defensively, the forward is still a formidable option around the rim, capable of meeting opponents at the rim to swat away shots. Alongside the notable mobility, Mbadinga brings  a high motor to clean the glass on either end. Mbadinga follows a productive season, 11.8 points plus a team high of 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.