Each spring, we see a slew of prospects who enter the travel ball season with a disconnect between their ability and offer sheet. Some cases are purely due to a player not being seen by the appropriate level of coaches while others are sheer oversights. Regardless, this exercise allows us to see where we identify deserving players prior to the summer and how things unfold for each individual over the subsequent months. This concept applies to several players, so we will take a closer look at multiple groups of 2026 prospects over these next few weeks…
6’9 Julian Adigun (Greensboro Day)
There’s always been a lot of intrigue surrounding Adigun. Now with a clean bill of health, this summer will be the opportunity to set himself apart from his peers. That being said, there’s already so much to like about the 6-foot-9 forward. Adigun is long, athletic, and possesses a nice amount of skill for his size/position. He’s an excellent shot-blocker with great mobility and timing around the basket. Adigun maintains a consistent presence on the glass and runs the floor properly in transition. Offensively, he’s able to finish around the basket, score out of the post, and space the floor at a high percentage. Adigun will be a must-see prospect for college coaches.
6’4 Dacen Petty (Christ School)
Coming off a highly successful high school season as a key piece for a state champion, Petty feels likely to have a breakout summer. He’s a natural glue-guy who can do everything on the court. Petty possesses a quality amount of skill and polish, but doesn’t necessarily need the ball to be effective. He’s a reliable rebounder, switchable defender across multiple positions, and adaptable offensive threat who understands how to fill in the gaps. Petty’s blend of IQ, motor, athleticism, and overall mentality make him a real problem for opponents. His appeal as a productive, low-maintenance piece should appeal to various types of programs.
6’4 Martin Giant (Greensboro Day)
Similar to the entry above, everything seemed to come to fruition for Giant during his most recent high school season. He’s a natural utility piece whose motor, toughness, and general physicality allow him to make a consistent impact on both ends of the floor. Giant defends and rebounds much bigger than his listed height and regularly outworks opponents for loose balls or extra possessions. He moves well without the ball and finishes strong around the basket—both above the rim and through contact. Giant is capable of impacting winning while producing in various different roles. Expect him to have a variety of suitors.
6’5 Trevor Manhertz (Green Level)
Arguably the most under-recruited of this group, Manhertz’s blend of IQ, size, shooting, and visible upside should immediately appeal to next-level programs. He’s a lethal perimeter shooter and excellent spot-up threat who poses a threat with or without the ball in his hands. Manhertz is comfortable creating or attacking the basket, but is arguably at his best when finding open seams and converting off the catch. He’s still adding strength and harnessing his physical tools, but he’s clearly a prospect who will only continue to trend upward over the foreseeable future.