By: Hoop Connect Staff | August 6th, 2026

The Connect Player List features prospects from across the country who have displayed the talent, production and long-term potential to warrant additional evaluation. This is not a ranking. It is a national scouting resource designed to help college coaches identify players they should continue to monitor. Here is the Link to top 100

Here are 11 prospects who made a strong impression during the 2026 Connect Basketball season.

Armani Byrd | 6’7” Wing | 2027 | AGNS (KY)

Byrd delivered a superb performance at the CBL Summer Championships and established himself as one of the most versatile prospects in the field. At 6’7”, he possesses the size and skill to affect the game in several ways. Byrd can step outside and knock down three-point shots, attack the rim and defend multiple positions. His combination of length, versatility and two-way potential makes him an intriguing prospect for college programs to monitor.

Paul Ridgway | 6’6” Wing | 2027 | DistinXion (IN)

Ridgway possesses many of the qualities college coaches look for in a versatile wing. He is poised, physically strong, intelligent and capable of consistently knocking down shots from beyond the arc. His athleticism can catch defenders by surprise, and he rarely appears rushed with the ball. We evaluated Ridgway twice this season and watched him produce several 40-point performances along with multiple games of more than 10 rebounds. His production, basketball IQ and physical tools make him a highly intriguing prospect prospect.

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Montez Crutchfield | 6’9” Forward | 2026 | CBE (OH)

Crutchfield immediately stands out because of his combination of size, length and mobility. Although he is 6’9”, he moves comfortably like a perimeter player player player player and covers a significant amount of space with his long wingspan. Crutchfield plays with toughness, finishes high around the rim and has the physical tools to to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His movement and versatility separate him from many traditional frontcourt players.

R’Mello Watson | 6’1” Combo Guard | 2026 | Indiana Jazz

Watson is a smooth and complete combo guard who can contribute in nearly every area of the game. He can create his own offense, facilitate for teammates, knock down three-point shots and apply pressure defensively. Watson is also comfortable running an offense and making decisions with the ball in his hands. His versatility allows him to play either guard position and gives a coaching staff several ways to utilize him.

Duke Suggs | 6’6” Wing | 2028 | AZ Mambas

Suggs made an immediate impression when we evaluated him in Utah. At 6’6”, he already possesses excellent size and a versatile skill set for a young wing. What separates Suggs is the intensity with which he approaches both ends of the court. He competes defensively, plays through contact and does not take possessions off. His motor, size and developing perimeter game give him considerable long long-term upside in the Class of 2028.

Braylon “Deuce” Anderson | 5’10” Point Guard | 2027 | Kentucky Vision

Confident. Competitive. Intelligent. Those words accurately describe Anderson’s approach to the game. He is a game-changing perimeter shooter who can quickly change the momentum of a contest when he gets into rhythm. Anderson plays with a high basketball IQ, understands how to manage an offense and takes pride in defending the opposing team’s best guards. His leadership, shooting ability and competitive edge make him an important player to follow.

James Wallace | 6’8” Forward | 2027 | Green Tops (VT)

Wallace is a wiry but strong forward who can produce from both the interior and perimeter. He uses his length effectively around the basket while also possessing enough skill to step outside and score. Wallace is a better athlete than opponents may initially expect and competes with noticeable toughness. His combination of size, athleticism and inside-out ability gives him the foundation to become a valuable frontcourt prospect.

Jaxson Alcorn | 6’5” Wing | 2027 | Tennessee Run

Alcorn has excellent size for a wing and a wide range of offensive tools. He creates difficult matchups because he can attack perimeter defenders off the dribble while also using his size to post up smaller opponents. His ability to score from multiple areas of the floor makes him challenging to defend with one type of player. As his perimeter consistency and overall decision-making continue to develop, Alcorn has the tools to attract increased college interest.

Marcus Benford | 6’9” Post | 2028 | MS Panthers

Benford is a powerful interior prospect who plays with strength and physicality around the basket. At 6’9”, he can establish deep post position, finish through contact and create problems on on on the glass. What makes Benford particularly intriguing is that he is still a member of the Class of 2028. His ceiling remains high, and his development over the next several seasons will be important to follow. Remember the name as he continues to progress.

Keelan Day | 6’2” Guard

Day is an aggressive scorer who understands how to put the ball in the basket… He plays hard, attacks with confidence and has a natural ability to score in traffic. Day does not shy away from contact and can create offense when possessions begin to break down. His combination of toughness, scoring instincts and competitive energy makes him a guard worth monitoring.

Jacob Jenc | 6’8” Forward | 2027 | 210 Hoops (MN)

Jenc produced an excellent tournament at the Best Classic, where he consistently controlled the paint and the glass. At 6’8”, he uses his size effectively to establish position, secure rebounds and finish around the basket. His physical presence created problems for opponents throughout the event. Jenc’s rebounding production and ability to impact the interior make him a valuable prospect for college programs seeking size and toughness in the frontcourt.

The Connect scouting staff will continue evaluating prospects from the Connect Player List throughout the upcoming season. Additional scouting reports and player features from our Top 100 varsity list will be released soon.