First up, obviously, is **Cooper Flagg**. This kid out of Montverde Academy has been anointed for a reason. He’s 6-9 with a reported 7-foot wingspan, a true two-way wing who plays with an edge few prospects possess. At the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit, he put up 16 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks, showing off his all-around game. His feel for the game is off the charts – he makes the right play, whether it’s a crisp pass out of a double or a timely rotation on defense. The jumper still needs work; he shot just 29% from three in EYBL play in 2023, and that’s the swing skill. If that becomes consistent, he’s a no-brainer. Think a more athletic, less polished Andrei Kirilenko with better offensive instincts coming out of high school. He’s committed to Duke, so get ready for a year of ACC dominance.
Then there's **AJ Dybantsa**, who some scouts actually prefer to Flagg long-term. Dybantsa is a smooth 6-9 wing, a natural scorer who can get his shot from anywhere. He averaged 21.6 points and 4.9 rebounds for Prolific Prep as a junior. His offensive arsenal is deep: pull-up jumpers, crafty finishes around the rim, and he's comfortable operating in isolation. The concern? His motor sometimes waxes and wanes on the defensive end, and he’s not the physical specimen Flagg is right now. He’ll need to add strength and consistently engage defensively. His game, with that effortless scoring, gives off some Paul George vibes, albeit a younger, less physically mature version. He's currently reclassifying for 2025 but widely considered a 2026 prospect for now.
**Cameron Boozer**, son of former NBA forward Carlos Boozer, is another name that consistently pops up. He's a 6-9 power forward with a mature post-game, soft touch, and excellent passing vision for his size. At the 2023 FIBA U16 Americas, he led Team USA to gold, averaging 16.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. He's got a strong frame already and isn't afraid of contact. The big question mark is his athleticism and defensive versatility against NBA wings and quicker bigs. He’s not going to jump out of the gym, and in today's NBA, that can be a hindrance. He reminds me a bit of a young Al Horford, a high-IQ big who does everything well, but maybe nothing exceptionally.
**Tyran Stokes** is a beast. At 6-7, 245 pounds, he’s built like an NFL strong safety and plays with that same aggression. He’s a freight train attacking the basket and excels in transition. In the 2023 EYBL season, he averaged 15.6 points and 7.8 rebounds. He's a relentless rebounder and finisher. The knock on him is his perimeter game – can he develop a consistent jump shot and handle the ball well enough to be more than just a powerful slasher? His game is raw but incredibly impactful. He's got shades of a young Zion Williamson, without the same explosive verticality, but with similar power and rim pressure.
From overseas, keep an eye on **Egor Demin**. The 6-8 Russian guard/wing is playing for Real Madrid’s youth team, which is a significant proving ground. He’s got superb passing vision, can handle the ball, and has a smooth shooting stroke. He dropped 26 points and 6 assists in the ANGT final against Overtime Elite in 2023. Demin’s defensive effort and lateral quickness are the main concerns; he’s not always locked in and can be susceptible to quicker guards. If he fills out his frame and dedicates himself on defense, he could be a top-5 pick. Think a less explosive, more cerebral Franz Wagner.
**Darius Acuff Jr.** is a pure point guard, a floor general with dazzling handle and creative passing. He averaged 21.3 points and 6.3 assists for IMG Academy in 2023. He controls the tempo, sees plays before they develop, and isn’t afraid to take big shots. At 6-3, he’s got good size for a point. His shooting consistency is key; he can be streaky, and sometimes his flash overtakes his substance. He needs to improve his decision-making under pressure. There’s a touch of Baron Davis in his game – powerful, shifty, and a scorer, but needs to reign it in sometimes.
**Caleb Wilson**, a 6-10 forward, is a long, versatile athlete with a rising perimeter game. He’s excellent in space, can put the ball on the floor, and has shown flashes of shooting touch. He averaged 16.5 points and 8.9 rebounds at the 2023 Peach Jam. He’s still raw, still growing into his frame, and needs to get stronger to finish through contact consistently. His defensive awareness also needs refinement. But the tools are there for a modern stretch four. I see a bit of Jaren Jackson Jr. in his upside – long, mobile, and can block shots and hit threes.
**Boo Buie**, the younger brother of Northwestern's Boo Buie, is a 6-2 combo guard with an incredible feel for scoring. He put up monster numbers in high school, including a 40-point game in the New Jersey state playoffs. He’s shifty, can score at all three levels, and plays with a confidence that borders on cockiness. The question is his size and ability to run an NBA offense efficiently. He’s more of a natural scorer than a pure point. He reminds me of a slightly bigger Lou Williams, a microwave scorer off the bench who can get buckets in a hurry.
**Mikel Brown Jr.** is another dynamic point guard, 6-2 with exceptional quickness and playmaking ability. He averaged 18 points and 7 assists for OTE YNG Dreamerz last season. He’s a blur in transition and can break down defenders off the dribble. Like many young guards, he needs to improve his shot selection and defensive consistency. He also needs to add strength to finish through contact. His game is reminiscent of a young De'Aaron Fox, pushing the pace and getting into the lane at will.
Finally, let's talk about **Jalen Montonati**. This 6-7 wing out of Oklahoma is a lights-out shooter. He hit 42% from three in EYBL play in 2023, showcasing deep range and a quick release. He’s more than just a shooter, though, with a solid handle and good passing vision. His athleticism and defensive impact are the biggest question marks. Can he stay in front of NBA wings? He’s going to need to get much stronger. He's got shades of Kevin Huerter, a skilled offensive player who needs to round out his game.
Look, two years is a lifetime in scouting. Guys rise, guys fall, bodies change. But this early peek? It tells you the 2026 class has star potential, especially at the top. My bold prediction: Cooper Flagg, assuming a strong freshman year at Duke, will be the most impactful rookie from this class, regardless of where he's drafted.
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