-
Paul Biancardi, Basketball Recruiting
Following a fantastic summer of basketball and updated recruiting rankings for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 classes this week, it’s time to rank the top 25 players in the country regardless of class. This ranking is based on our current player evaluations, future upside and character traits.
This is not a draft board or solely a high school ranking. Factors taken under consideration include, but are not limited to, pro potential, college potential and which players could help win a game for teams right now. The criteria consists of a combination of factors for all classes, include how a prospect has produced to date combined with his future upside. There is plenty to debate, and this list will remain fluid in the coming months.
The full list of recruits as well as top risers, players on the cusp and the best shooters of the class can be found here.
Uncommitted | 2024 ESPN 100 Ranking: 1
Flagg, who reclassified to the class of 2024 on Aug. 11, ranked No. 2 in the ESPN 60 for the Class of 2025 in our June update, but ascended to No. 1 in the Class of 2024. He takes home the top spot in our composite rankings after a dominant showing this summer. He’s an elite two-way player with NBA positional size at forward and improved as a shooter and playmaker this summer. Flagg showcases great toughness and aggressiveness and his potential and productivity are coalescing as he is one of the best rising prospects we have seen in years.
0:28
Cooper Flagg forces OT with a filthy step-back 3
Cooper Flagg sends the game to overtime with a step-back triple at Rucker Park.
Uncommitted | 2026 ESPN 25 Ranking: 1
Dybantsa’s overall game and maturity has the attention of NBA scouts. He’s a skilled scorer and versatile enough to shoot, pass and drive with a true feel for the game. Dybantsa’s unique physical tools — he has great speed, length, quickness and vertical jump — allow him to dominate games and make big plays. His rare combination of game skill, athletic ability and basketball IQ make him a special prospect.
Uncommitted | 2025 ESPN 60 Ranking: 1
Boozer is another elite prospect who is comfortable both in a starring role and helping his teammates shine. His advanced fundamentals and footwork transfer to every possession. Boozier is a smart and strong defender with a greedy appetite when it comes to rebounding. He understands how to play the ball as a help-side defender and readily takes charges. Offensively, his teams can play through him because he has proficient vision, timing and accuracy. His trademark outlet pass conjures shades of Kevin Love and he scores both inside and behind the 3-point line.
Uncommitted | 2024 ESPN 100 Ranking: 2
Harper brings a balanced approach and a coachable spirit with great size as a 6-foot-5 guard. He has the flexibility to play both on and off the ball. Harper plays on balance with basketball IQ and knows exactly when to attack and when to get his teammates the ball. Kyle Lowry and Jalen Brunson come to mind when evaluating his approach. He’s one of the most dependable and consistent players in high school basketball.
Committed to Rutgers | 2024 ESPN 100 Ranking: 3
A long, lean, super quick and vertical player, Bailey has made the transformation from potential to productivity. He’s an active runner and rebounder that scores in open space, including his 3-point shot. It’s evident his processing skill is improving — the game is slowing down for him — and he’s playing with greater intensity and productivity. Bailey was named MVP of the Stephen Curry camp.
Uncommitted | 2025 ESPN 60 Ranking: 2
Peterson is a prototypical big guard that has great change of pace. His handle and scoring acumen make him a constant threat. He’s a natural playmaker, both for himself and his teammates, because of his ability to lead a fast break and his overall floor awareness. Peterson is smooth with his movements, and his long, lean frame is filling out. He’s an excellent player with a promising future.
Uncommitted | 2024 ESPN 100 Ranking: 4
Johnson went through a transition phase as he tried to play point guard while maintaining his scoring mentality. Johnson’s lethal jump shot sets up his ability to drive to the rim. He’s quick to elevate over contested shots or larger defenders in the paint. He’s more comfortable and makes a larger impact on the game right now as a straight shooting guard.
Uncommitted | 2024 ESPN 100 Ranking: 5
Edgecombe has built off his MVP campaign in the NIBC with steady growth over the last year that has been eye-popping at times. He’s a big, three-level scorer that is playing better defense. Edgecombe shows a strong usage rate when combining his assists, field goals and turnovers, according to Synergy Sports. His résumé is notable and remains unfinished.
Committed to Kansas | 2024 ESPN 100 Ranking: 6
Bidunga is ideal at the front of the rim in the dunker’s spot. His shot-blocking range is impressive, as is his willingness to seek rebounds outside of his area. Bidunga’s go-to move is a left-hand jump hook on the right block going toward the middle of the paint and he’s continues to develop his touch. He moves exceptionally well at his size both in the open floor and in tight spaces.
Uncommitted | 2024 ESPN 100 Ranking: 7
When it comes to scoring and shooting, Bethea has been both explosive and consistent. He plays with great offensive confidence and is one of the best at scoring in team flow or from a one-on-one scenario as seen over his impressive spring and summer.
Uncommitted | 2025 ESPN 60 Ranking: 3
Peat is physically imposing. He uses his skill and natural strength to gain an advantage scoring, rebounding and defending. His skill is simple and effective on the perimeter and he makes open shots with solid range. He can drive past less mobile defenders and his toughness allows him to be productive and draw fouls.
Uncommitted | 2026 ESPN 25 Ranking: 2
Stokes is one of the younger players on the list at 15 years old, but he’s loaded with natural talent and a physical presence. He’s a forceful driver, rebounder and finisher and combines great skill and passing ability. His outside shot continues to make progress and he’s at his best when he doesn’t settle.
Uncommitted | 2025 ESPN 60 Ranking: 4
Wilson brings enormous length and a blossoming skillset. His mobility, coordination and quick-twice bounce is evident as he’s developing rapidly. Wilson is starting to demonstrate upper-level production while being full of upside. Finding consistency is key.
Committed to Duke | 2024 ESPN 100 Ranking: 8
Evans is a long, rangy athlete and a high-level 3-point shooter. His mid-range jumper is smooth and fluid. Evans has steadily improved and his look and frame is reminiscent of a young Brandon Ingram. The next step is adding overall body strength.
Uncommitted | 2026 ESPN 25 Ranking: 3
Holt is a dynamic athlete who scores best in transition. He’s a capable jump shooter and could end up being a defensive stopper. Holt attacks the rim and deftly finds the open pocket of space for his jump shot. The best part? He has tools and time on his side.
Uncommitted | 2024 ESPN 100 Ranking: 9
Reid brings a wealth of versatility to his game. He shot over 55% from the field and 40% on 3-pointers in the EYBL regular season. He can be an outside threat or lob catcher. He also provides ball-handling, assists and stickability on defense. He is considering Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma and Florida State.
Committed: Arizona | 2024 ESPN 100 Ranking: 10
Bryant shows his upside each contest and has ball skills with a feel for the game. He has a quick and fluid first step to the basket, is electric in transition and his long frame, footwork and lateral quickness allow him to switch on defense. Improving his rebounding and fine-tuning his jumper is next.
Uncommitted | 2024 ESPN 100 Ranking: 11
Newell’s game took a big jump as he improved at finishing through contact with more determination close to the basket. That led to an increase in free throw attempts. Newell has been identified as a prospect with high upside and the offseason work is evident.
Uncommitted | 2025 ESPN 60 Ranking: 5
Tiller is a physical specimen who makes his presence felt inside of 15 feet. He’ll battle for position and finish through contact. He has the footwork and touch to make short jumpers and can also take defenders off the dribble from the shorter corner or the pinch post. Tiller is a standout because he plays within his capabilities.
Committed: North Carolina | 2024 ESPN 100 Ranking: 12
Powell is one of the best defenders in the country both on the ball and on the wing. He can also chase shooters around screens and contest shots with his length. His scoring game came on at Peach Jam, averaging 16.6 points and 10 rebounds per game while shooting 50% from beyond the arc and 87.5% on free throws.
Uncommitted | 2026 ESPN 25 Ranking: 4
Williams’ body and IQ are advanced. He understands how to get open using screens and scores best from the wing. Many of his makes come from behind the arc and he can also power up inside by working to get position and find the advantage.
Uncommitted | 2026 ESPN 25 Ranking: 5
The son of three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, Alijah has many tools as a high-scoring guard. He’s silky and decisive when attacking the basket and pulling up for jumpers. Arenas looks comfortable and confident playing up and has terrific room to grow and become more consistent. The talent is undeniable.
Uncommitted | 2026 ESPN 25 Ranking: 6
McCoy is a top-level point guard who already boasts excellent positional size. Only a rising sophomore, he makes terrific reads and decisions. He had a strong summer and was comfortable playing up against older and stronger talent. He won a gold medal with USA basketball and is receiving offers from many West Coast power programs such as Oregon, UCLA, Washington and Arizona State.
Uncommitted | 2024 ESPN 100 Ranking: 13
The 6-7 McNeeley is one of the better shot-makers in the senior class — he’s a 40% 3-point shooter. He doesn’t allow his jumper to dictate his effort, which is important. McNeeley’s next step is becoming a great shooter from many different actions while also stepping it up defensively. Kansas, Indiana and Texas are all involved.
Uncommitted | 2024 ESPN 100 Ranking: 14
Quaintance reclassified in July and his physical size, strength and energy stood out all summer. He’s a worker and his offensive game is coming around at the right time. He’s being heavily recruited by Kentucky, Missouri and many others.