Some college basketball analysts are calling the 2026 NBA Draft class one of the weakest in recent memory. While most prospects struggle to prove they belong on professional radars, one name stands above the chaos: Tyran Stokes.
The Notre Dame Prep senior has become the consensus top pick for his class, but after him, scouts are scrambling to find legitimate NBA talent.
Why Is the 2026 Recruiting Class Considered So Weak?
Following Tyran Stokes’ dominant performance at the 2025 FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Switzerland, where he helped Team USA capture another gold medal, the talented forward moved to the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL).
That’s where college basketball analyst Samuel Lance delivered his brutal assessment.
At Session 4 of the EYBL, Stokes represented the Oakland Soldiers with authority. He opened with a 31-point performance while shooting 64.2% from the field. Across four games, Stokes totaled 70 points, 39 rebounds, and 15 assists, reinforcing why he sits atop every scout’s board.
However, beyond Stokes, the talent pool thins dramatically. That’s where Lance made his pointed observation.
Nike EYBL Session IV: 17U All-Circuit Awards, pres. by @athleteaiapp 🏆
MVP 👑
Offensive MVP 💰Tyran Stokes | Oakland Soldiers (CA)
25.3 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.0 APG
Full Awards ⤵️https://t.co/SZZLH6IwuD @tyran_stokes @Soldiers_Salute 🎥 @SLAM_HS pic.twitter.com/6E5DPnRoZe
— The Circuit (@TheCircuit) July 17, 2025
Lance had no choice but to say, “This class is so weak.” According to Lance, only “three standouts” possess genuine NBA potential: Jordan Smith Jr., Brandon McCoy Jr., and Jasiah Jervis.
Who Are the Three Players With NBA Potential Besides Tyran Stokes?
Smith Jr., a guard from Paul VI Catholic, didn’t make the Peach Jam bracket but caught scouts’ attention anyway. He led Team Takeover to a 14-1 regular season record while playing with elite-level energy on both ends of the court.
Meanwhile, McCoy Jr. presents an intriguing case. The 6’4″ player from Arizona Unity missed most of the AAU season but made his limited time count. McCoy averaged 22 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting 58% from the field. His standout moment came when he dropped 38 points in a single game.
Interesting comments from 5⭐️ CG Brandon McCoy Jr. (#6 BBGT) on his recruitment:
“Nobody is over anybody right now, everybody is just even right now.”
Honestly haven’t heard his name much with Kentucky, but they do have an offer out to him.
Brandon is teammates with fellow… pic.twitter.com/nZBkK9T3CY
— Dylan (@BigBlueDylan) July 16, 2025
Then there’s Jervis, who transformed from being a shooter to becoming the shooter. The NY Rens guard led his squad to the Peach Jam title game, averaging 17 points while putting on a shot creation clinic. His stock continues rising, but the class still feels incomplete even with these three names joining Stokes.
Analyst Jeff Goodman captured the sentiment perfectly, tweeting, “Here’s the one overwhelming sentiment from college coaches on the high school Class of 2026: It’s underwhelming – not a lot of elite players.” This explains why college coaches are scouting harder than ever, searching for hidden gems in what appears to be a barren landscape.
Are There Any Sleeper Prospects Worth Watching?
Despite the grim outlook, some hope remains. Lance identified several late risers who caught attention during recent showcases.
Quentin Coleman emerged as a surprise standout with his versatile play for Bradley Beal Elite, particularly during their championship run. Coleman wasn’t on anyone’s radar before Peach Jam, making his emergence all the more notable.
JASIAH JERVIS BEHIND-THE-BACK DIME TO ICE IT 🧊
NY Rens get the win in the @NikeEYB Peach Jam Quarterfinals! pic.twitter.com/GdVQuyIBjv
— NBA Future Starts Now (@nbafuturenow) July 19, 2025
Lance praised Coleman’s complete skill set, saying, “He’s a do-it-all combo guard and does all of the little things, including rebounding offensively. Coleman helped himself more than any prospect at Peach.” He currently holds offers from Arizona State, Kent State, Duquesne, and others. His EYBL performance should attract additional programs.
Kaiden Bailey also deserves mention. The combo guard from Santa Margarita, California, delivered a clutch 20-point performance that helped his team reach the Final Four. West Coast programs are now monitoring his development closely.
Still, the overall assessment remains unchanged: this class lacks the depth and elite talent typically expected from a strong draft crop.
While Stokes continues to set the gold standard for the class, everyone else faces an uphill battle to prove they belong at the next level. Fortunately for these prospects, time remains on their side, and opportunities to impress scouts continue to present themselves. The doors to professional basketball haven’t closed yet.
