Zaahir Muhammad-Gray
Zaahir Muhammad-Gray
About Zaahir
Expert Analysis
Colby Giacubeno | Prep Hoops Scout
Epitome of a work horse who continues to add more skill into his game as the years have past. Brute of a frame at 6-foot-7 that has the look of a sophomore or junior in college and he knows how to use it with force. Like some others on this list, there isn’t much nonsense to his approach. It was good to see him evolve more as a threat from catches on the perimeter than in my last viewing (last summer), and he showed some playmaking chops throughout the weekend, but when he’s at his best is when he’s getting downhill attacking the rim. He can bounce defenders off his path with ease and is no stranger to finishing emphatically if he has room for takeoff. When he has playmaking guards around him, he’s a major factor off the ball as a cutter and can be used as a pick-and-roll/pop threat at any point in the possession. His defensive versatility shines bright given his size, athleticism and power.
Muhammad-Gray finished averaging 15.5PPG, 4 stocks (steals + blocks) and 3.5APG.
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Read EvaluationAri Rosenfeld | Prep Hoops Scout
Leading the way for a balanced Imhotep group that overcame injury and internal turmoil for another run to the state title game, Muhammad-Gray was as consistent a matchup problem as there was in the entire 6A bracket. His ability to thrive both inside and out, operating as a perimeter creator or a hub out of the post, proved to be almost impossible to handle as the Panthers came up just short of their 11th state title in a 52-49 championship loss. He’s able to operate on the wing, playing off the dribble and making plays out of ball screens or spacing the floor as a shooter. With the season on the line against city rival Father Judge, he showed his versatility by taking over the game from the post, scoring at times himself but really changing the game with his vision as a passer out of double teams. Muhammad-Gray’s rugged approach and two-way versatility should continue attracting attention from a wide range of D1 programs over the next year.
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Read EvaluationAri Rosenfeld | Prep Hoops Scout
Staring the end of his season in the face after a slow start and a nearly double-digit deficit, Muhammad-Gray flipped a switch and simply refused to allow Imhotep to lose. Having played more of a wing role throughout the year, the Panthers made an adjustment to feature their junior swingman in the post, where he went to work in punishing a less physical Judge rotation. Muhammad-Gray showed great patience while making reads as both a scorer and as a smart passer out of double teams, setting teammates up for a handful of easy looks off slick interior passes. He would finish with a team-high 13 points to clinch a state championship appearance.
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Read EvaluationAri Rosenfeld | Prep Hoops Scout
Technically the highest-ranked newcomer in this update, Muhammad-Gray slots right into the top 10 after reclassing back from his original 2026 class following the ACL tear which cost him his original junior year. Now healthy and continuing to work off the rust from the time on the sidelines, he’s impressed under a heavy workload as Imhotep’s consistent focal point in an otherwise injury-riddled rotation. He’s shown growth as a consistent perimeter shooter while continuing to develop as a scorer and facilitator off the dribble. Muhammad-Gray’s blend of power, skill, and motor at his size have generated steady attention at the mid and high-major levels.
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Read EvaluationChad Graham | Prep Hoops Scout
Muhammad-Gray plays with an attitude that shows up most when he’s fighting for rebounds and guarding players bigger than he is. Far from just a hustle player, he’s dangerous offensively from the elbow and short corner. His teams are able to play through him from those spots and have him knock down spot-up threes too.
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