2027 6’6 Ryan Wingard was a big-time standout this past weekend with our scouts at Phenom Hoops and is already being regarded as a Top 100 prospect. Many of our scouts on deck were impressed with his game and impact, and it was easy to see why schools are already coming his way. Our very own Jeff Bendel had this to say about his game from the Phenom Ish Smith Showcase this past weekend:
“At 6-foot-6, he’s a long, explosive athlete with incredible instincts as a versatile defender and two-way rebounder. Wingard is a useful offensive piece who finishes and moves well without the ball. However, the fact that he’s able to dominate a game without needing real offensive involvement makes him a special talent. He defended multiple positions, both up and down the lineup, and forced turnovers with relative ease. Wingard’s ability to anticipate, recover, and contest or block shots is fairly uncommon—particularly for his age. He appeared comfortable spacing the floor or attacking as needed, but Wingard will be a legitimate force as his offensive repertoire expands.”
After the event, we were able to catch up with Wingard to learn more about how he would best describe his game, his focus on his development, and the early success he has had with his recruitment.
Phenom: How would you best describe your game and how you like to operate on the court?
Wingard: I describe my game as like a playmaking slasher I can get my teammates involved and also get downhill in transition from anywhere on the court. I like to operate from the wing to where I can pull in help side defense to kick out to my teammates for the open shot.
Phenom: What areas are you looking to develop your game in this year?
Wingard: I’m trying to develop my ball handling and being a guard, and being able to control the pace of the game and also becoming a leader on the court.
Phenom: How has this season been for you so far?
Wingard: The season has been good so far. I have figured out my role on the team of playing more of a defensive role and rebounding at a high level.
Phenom: Know it is early but how has recruitment been going?
Wingard: My recruitment has been great so far. Some of my top offers are from schools such as LSU, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia.
Phenom: What has it been like getting those offers early on and what have the schools been liking about your game?
Wingard: It’s been great getting these offers early because it has shown me that putting that work in will always show and the main thing the schools have been talking about is my athletic ability and just being able to stretch the floor out and my finishing above the rim.
Phenom: Did any of those early offers catch your eye?
Wingard: I can’t put one in front of the other but they have caught my eyes in their own way.
Phenom: Have any other schools been showing interest?
Wingard: Clemson and Cincinnati.
Phenom: Have any plans of visiting or have you already visited some schools?
Wingard: I have visited Clemson already. Some schools I want to visit are Houston and Kentucky.
Phenom: What was that visit like to Clemson? What stood out and what did you get to see?
Wingard: The visit was in September, and I got to watch their practice, also their coach treated me like I was family when I got there so that really stood out to me. They have a nice facility with a decent-sized weight room, and they practice hard everything was game speed and everyone was communicating.
Phenom: Any dream schools you may have?
Wingard: Yes, my dream schools are either Kentucky or North Carolina.