2026 recruiting breakdown

[superjohn]

Dude is chiseled, lean. Not sure I'd call him a tank, lacks size in his lower half. Steph was a tank. Listed at 185 out of HS, 190 last couple years, 200 on the UConn page going into this year. If true, 10lbs of muscle is a lot of new weight, one of the benefits you get hanging onto a guy into junior/senior years. Definitely excited to see him take the next step, draw contact, get to the line, expand his game.

He has wide shoulders and he's cut. People see that or abs and they tend to think people are a lot stronger than they actually are. He has a great build for basketball but I doubt he's putting up a bunch of weight in the weight room. His legs are skinny as you point out but the 7'0 foot wingspan, 43 inch vertical/45.5 inch vertical he's been credited with to go along with his listed 6'4 height and 200 lb weight would make him one of the most freakish basketball players to come along. First of all he's nowhere near 6'4.

Castle at the combine measured 6'5.5 210 lbs 6'9 wingspan, 37 inch vertical.

 

[RuffRuff]

He has wide shoulders and he's cut. People see that or abs and they tend to think people are a lot stronger than they actually are. He has a great build for basketball but I doubt he's putting up a bunch of weight in the weight room. His legs are skinny as you point out but the 7'0 foot wingspan, 43 inch vertical/45.5 inch vertical he's been credited with to go along with his listed 6'4 height and 200 lb weight would make him one of the most freakish basketball players to come along. First of all he's nowhere near 6'4.

Castle at the combine measured 6'5.5 210 lbs 6'9 wingspan, 37 inch vertical.

Well said. If these measurables are true and the light bulb goes on, could be filthy.

The 43-45 inch vertical is honestly kinda hard to believe as we haven’t seen anything functionally that shows it. That would put him up in the top 1-2% of NBA leapers. With that reach you’d think we’d see him do something disgusting at some point.

https://www.betus.com.pa/nba/news/highest-vertical-jump-nba-jebl/

 

[dennismenace]

Well said. If these measurables are true and the light bulb goes on, could be filthy.

The 43-45 inch vertical is honestly kinda hard to believe as we haven’t seen anything functionally that shows it. That would put him up in the top 1-2% of NBA leapers. With that reach you’d think we’d see him do something disgusting at some point.

https://www.betus.com.pa/nba/news/highest-vertical-jump-nba-jebl/

Thanks for the post. Phenomenal legendary leapers. Another was David Thompson (43 " vertical) who led NC State to the National Championship in 1974. Pro career cut short by injuries. Jordan had him present him to the Hall of Fame because he was such an inspiration when he was young.

Michael Jordan ‘Shocked The Sh*t’ Out Of David Thompson When He Asked Him To Present Him Into Hall Of Fame: ‘When I Called Him And Asked Him To Stand Up For Me, I Know I Shocked The Sh*t Out Of Him’

In 2009, NBA legend Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and gave one of the best speeches of all time. Jordan finished his NBA career with averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 1,072 games with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards.

www.yardbarker.com

 

[PAHusky]

So with Toure going elsewhere and County on board, what’s next? Landrew? Mingo still a possibility? Cloer?

 

[superjohn]

So with Toure going elsewhere and County on board, what’s next? Landrew? Mingo still a possibility? Cloer?

Cloer is going to NC State.

Landrew is at UConn this wknd. Mingo seems to be very much in play but his recruitment my drag on long.

 

[Huskyforlife]

Seems like chips all in on Mingo and Landrew. Guessing Samuels is in play unless he commits before Landrew.

 

[marti3td]

Does Mingo have a list of final schools that he is considering?

 

[HooperScooper]

Does Mingo have a list of final schools that he is considering?

Not really. He doesn’t talk much about his recruitment and only releases each visit a few days before each starts. But here’s some general information.

Five-star PG Dylan Mingo visiting Baylor this weekend

Dylan Mingo, a five-star point guard in the 2026 class, is taking an official visit to Baylor this weekend.

www.on3.com

 

[RuffRuff]

Not really. He doesn’t talk much about his recruitment and only releases each visit a few days before each starts. But here’s some general information.

Five-star PG Dylan Mingo visiting Baylor this weekend

Dylan Mingo, a five-star point guard in the 2026 class, is taking an official visit to Baylor this weekend.

www.on3.com

Well, he's certainly making the most of the visits process. This feels like a recruitment that isn't Hurley-esque. I'm in the camp of this kid not being at Uconn. If you need 8 visits, with 5-6 of them coming after Uconn, I can see Hurley's patience wearing thin on whether he's a Uconn kid. If a kid like Landrew commits, I'm guessing Hurley closes up shop on the HS recruiting circuit this cycle.

 

[Mooch82]

Well, he's certainly making the most of the visits process. This feels like a recruitment that isn't Hurley-esque. I'm in the camp of this kid not being at Uconn. If you need 8 visits, with 5-6 of them coming after Uconn, I can see Hurley's patience wearing thin on whether he's a Uconn kid. If a kid like Landrew commits, I'm guessing Hurley closes up shop on the HS recruiting circuit this cycle.

Eh - maybe yes, maybe no. Tom is quoted as saying our recruiting strategy is to go after one major blue chip kid each class, and he seems to fit the bill here (despite Landrew rising significantly lately). His game is perfect for Hurley and he could easily play with Landrew and County.

Not that he has to use 15, but he went out of his way to take the full 15 this year and id expect that to probably be the case again next year. We’re losing 5 guys for sure - and I’d be surprised if the final number of departing players isn’t at least 8. Seems like the goal would be to take 3 guys this fall and then fill out the roster in the spring with a couple transfers and roster fillers. He’s already visited - so the level of effort to stay in touch and do a home visit or two isn’t that big. I’d personally be disappointed if we threw in the towel for him at this juncture, unless he’s asking for just a ridiculous bag.

 

[RuffRuff]

Eh - maybe yes, maybe no. Tom is quoted as saying our recruiting strategy is to go after one major blue chip kid each class, and he seems to fit the bill here (despite Landrew rising significantly lately). His game is perfect for Hurley and he could easily play with Landrew and County.

Not that he has to use 15, but he went out of his way to take the full 15 this year and id expect that to probably be the case again next year. We’re losing 5 guys for sure - and I’d be surprised if the final number of departing players isn’t at least 8. Seems like the goal would be to take 3 guys this fall and then fill out the roster in the spring with a couple transfers and roster fillers. He’s already visited - so the level of effort to stay in touch and do a home visit or two isn’t that big. I’d personally be disappointed if we threw in the towel for him at this juncture, unless he’s asking for just a ridiculous bag.

I know every year is a new year, but has Hurley signed one recruit that has gone on 8 visits?

5 leavers being Reed, Karaban, Smith, Mullins & ........

I feel like he'll have at least 6 guys on this roster in the rotation next year, and will absolutely have to find a center and a backup 4 to take that to 8. Beyond that where in the world would we find the room to play 3 new freshmen guards/wings? Especially two in Mingo and Landrew that are going to want PT.

I'm sticking with 2 based on gut and logistics, unless he decides to open things up for a 4 & a 5. I don't see him taking more than 2 SG/SF. The Mingo recruitment smells a little like the Thomas recruitment last year.

 

[Mooch82]

I know every year is a new year, but has Hurley signed one recruit that has gone on 8 visits?

5 leavers being Reed, Karaban, Smith, Mullins & ........

I feel like he'll have at least 6 guys on this roster in the rotation next year, and will absolutely have to find a center and a backup 4 to take that to 8. Beyond that where in the world would we find the room to play 3 new freshmen guards/wings? Especially two in Mingo and Landrew that are going to want PT.

I'm sticking with 2 based on gut and logistics, unless he decides to open things up for a 4 & a 5. I don't see him taking more than 2 SG/SF. The Mingo recruitment smells a little like the Thomas recruitment last year.

Wasn’t counting Mullins in the 5…but yes he is in the group of likely gone which would get it up to 8 or 9. Koroma and Millender are also seniors without eligibility left.

Solo and Silas could both end up being gone. If they’re both back, Mingo could end up playing that Castle type role as a freshman. Landrew could easily be a guy who could come off the bench as a freshman and move into a starter role as a sophomore.

 

[RuffRuff]

Wasn’t counting Mullins in the 5…but yes he is in the group of likely gone which would get it up to 8 or 9. Koroma and Millender are also seniors without eligibility left.

Solo and Silas could both end up being gone. If they’re both back, Mingo could end up playing that Castle type role as a freshman. Landrew could easily be a guy who could come off the bench as a freshman and move into a starter role as a sophomore.

Demary and Ball go, it's a different ball of wax. I don't anticipate either does. IDK, nothing I'm reading here jumps out as a must start 2026 freshman. Turnover prone, bad shooting mechanics and low 3pt % don't jump out to me as a must start on a team that will have a lot of seniority.

247
Mingo is a big guard with length, versatility, natural feel for the game, and an ability to get wherever he wants with the ball in his hands. He has a tight handle, can break his defender down with combo-moves, navigate a crowded lane instinctively, make reads out of ball-screens, utilize both hands, and create for himself and others. He is also a terrific perimeter rebounder (7.6 per game), very disruptive defender (2 steals), and simultaneously capable of guarding multiple positions.

While he has very good size and length at over 6-foot-4 with a better than 6-foot-10 wingspan, he’s a bit bow-legged and thus doesn’t always cover the court with a smooth gate. He can occasionally be nonchalant with the ball, which contributes to a relatively high turnover rate (2.8 assists vs. 2.5 turnovers), but the biggest swing skill is his shooting. He made just 23% of his threes in 13 EYBL games and has somewhat unorthodox mechanics, beginning with his catch and load into the shot.

Mingo has been a well-known prospect since he was younger but has continued to ascend with each passing year. That rate of improvement, as well as his young age (he won’t turn 17 until October of his senior year) suggests that there could still be significant untapped potential as he continues to climb the ranks in the national class.

 

[HW611]

Wasn’t counting Mullins in the 5…but yes he is in the group of likely gone which would get it up to 8 or 9. Koroma and Millender are also seniors without eligibility left.

Solo and Silas could both end up being gone. If they’re both back, Mingo could end up playing that Castle type role as a freshman. Landrew could easily be a guy who could come off the bench as a freshman and move into a starter role as a sophomore.

Im just not sure if Mingo would willingly sign up to be in the Castle role if that’s the plan.

Don’t even think Castle would’ve signed up for that role if he knew that was what he was going to be doing ahead of time. Don’t think that should be something we should plan to expect.

 

[Mooch82]

Im just not sure if Mingo would willingly sign up to be in the Castle role if that’s the plan.

Don’t even think Castle would’ve signed up for that role if he knew that was what he was going to be doing ahead of time. Don’t think that should be something we should plan to expect.

I hear you - but it’s a lot easier to sell now than it would have been to Steph at the time.

 

[HooperScooper]

Not sure this adds anything to the conversation but here it is anyway.

5-star PG Dylan Mingo​

Dylan Mingo has official visits with Washington, Miami, UConn, Alabama, Penn State, and Baylor so far. There are conversations about programs like Oklahoma, Virginia, UNC, and some others in the mix as well. Some of the early buzz around Mingo’s recruitment involved Alabama and UConn. Both programs have received recent commitments from other guards, with more guards/wings set to come on visits. Mingo’s brother is a freshman at Penn State, and his former teammate, VJ Edgecome, went to Baylor. The word from sources around the recruitment is that the plan is to sign during the early period, but wait until close to signing day to announce. Continue to pay attention to any further visits he takes and if a commitment date starts to emerge.
Prediction: Baylor
Confidence Level: 20%
Biggest Threat: UConn, Alabama, Penn State, etc.

Calling My Shot: Predicting where top prospects in the 2026 Rivals 150 will land

Rivals’ Jamie Shaw lays out all the latest recruiting intel as he calls his shot where top 2026 prospects will land.

www.on3.com

The RuffRuff Alternate Access™:

Calling My Shot: Predicting where top prospects in the 2026 Rivals 150 will land​

 

[RuffRuff]

Not sure this adds anything to the conversation but here it is anyway.

5-star PG Dylan Mingo​

Dylan Mingo has official visits with Washington, Miami, UConn, Alabama, Penn State, and Baylor so far. There are conversations about programs like Oklahoma, Virginia, UNC, and some others in the mix as well. Some of the early buzz around Mingo’s recruitment involved Alabama and UConn. Both programs have received recent commitments from other guards, with more guards/wings set to come on visits. Mingo’s brother is a freshman at Penn State, and his former teammate, VJ Edgecome, went to Baylor. The word from sources around the recruitment is that the plan is to sign during the early period, but wait until close to signing day to announce. Continue to pay attention to any further visits he takes and if a commitment date starts to emerge.
Prediction: Baylor
Confidence Level: 20%
Biggest Threat: UConn, Alabama, Penn State, etc.

Calling My Shot: Predicting where top prospects in the 2026 Rivals 150 will land

Rivals’ Jamie Shaw lays out all the latest recruiting intel as he calls his shot where top 2026 prospects will land.

www.on3.com

The RuffRuff Alternate Access™:

Calling My Shot: Predicting where top prospects in the 2026 Rivals 150 will land​

Next

 

[HW611]

The more I think about it the more this 26 class may be important to maintaining some sort of continuity.

The players we have in house outside of the Fab 5 as it stands are

County
Furphy
Mullins
Reibe

Mullins may be gone next year as well. We really need some scorers, high level forwards, and athleticism.

Hopefully we land Landrews. He’s big for the scoring piece of the puzzle. Would love to also land some athleticism at the wing spot and a 4.

The Ratliff twins have been mentioned and honestly, would love for the staff to zero in there. 6’11” with their skillset would be amazing at the 4 and also be able to handle the 5.

Not a lot of highlights available but here’s some short film

 

[HW611]

Was kind of shocked to see how little of the 50-100 wings were uncommitted. But this one caught my eye.

6’7 with a 6’10 wingspan and a good shooting stroke. His highlights showcase athleticism, a lot of defensive plays, and a knack for being a willing passer to go along with shooting. Wouldn’t mind taking him as a multi year development project. Have no idea how a Miami kid would feel about coming to CT though. We need to inject some necessary wing athleticism into these classes.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

The second highlight is older but for some reason he looks more developed in that one than in the first clip. He showcases his athleticism a lot more there too.

 

[auror]

The more I think about it the more this 26 class may be important to maintaining some sort of continuity.

The players we have in house outside of the Fab 5 as it stands are

County
Furphy
Mullins
Reibe

Mullins may be gone next year as well. We really need some scorers, high level forwards, and athleticism.

Hopefully we land Landrews. He’s big for the scoring piece of the puzzle. Would love to also land some athleticism at the wing spot and a 4.

It's pretty difficult to project 3 years out (the fabs + demary still have eligibility for the year after this). The thing to remember is that the staff often prioritizes transfers with multiple years of eligibility (Newton/Mahaney/Demary/Reed/Alleyne/etc.) I'd guess they will bring in another 1AD wing/guard to replace Landrew or Mingo and maybe another high end center freshman in the Reibe mold to back him up in 27 and start in 28. A 2 year transfer at the 4 next year and maybe a guard as well depending on how County looks next year as backup point.

 

[HW611]

It's pretty difficult to project 3 years out (the fabs + demary still have eligibility for the year after this). The thing to remember is that the staff often prioritizes transfers with multiple years of eligibility (Newton/Mahaney/Demary/Reed/Alleyne/etc.) I'd guess they will bring in another 1AD wing/guard to replace Landrew or Mingo and maybe another high end center freshman in the Reibe mold to back him up in 27 and start in 28. A 2 year transfer at the 4 next year and maybe a guard as well depending on how County looks next year as backup point.

Yeah I’m thinking about the 27-28 roster. If we lose out on Landrew it may be a sign that we should shoot a little lower rating wise if we aren’t going to play the bag game.

It’s just going to be so hard to convince a top 50 guy to take a pay cut to come here while also saying there’s a chance he may not play. But I’d be happy to have that recruitment and Mingo work out. Landrew especially would be a huge piece for multiple years.

There’s going to be a few centers with good frames in areas our staff does well in/close to home.





Here’s a floor spacer who is right up the road.

Nicolas Mitrovic, Cambridge Arts, Technology and Science , Center

These picks aren’t flashy. But with the budget we seemingly have in mind along with wanting continuity and not 1 and dones, they can be good fits. I trust our staffs ability to get the most out of centers too. Looking forward to seeing how Reibe comes out this year.

 

[HW611]

This kid is another 2027 originally from Mass.



He and Theo actually faced off here.



Found it hilarious he could do an in between the legs fadeaway jumper, but has no idea how to choke a basketball and keep it high after a rebound or how not to foul. Priorities lol

Kid reminds me of Amida Brimah all the way.

 

[HooperScooper]

Out with Samuels. Not surprising.

The 6-foot-5 forward hasn't officially cut his list but after visits to Alabama and Georgetown, the product of District Heights (Md.) Bishop McNamara said at the USA Basketball Fall Minicamp that the Tide and the Hoyas are the two that he'll likely focus on the most as he hones in on a decision.

USAB Fall Minicamp: Top-20 senior Qayden Samuels feeling two programs as he nears a decision

One of the most prolific scorers in the class of 2026 is nearing his college decision.

247sports.com

 

[Son of Robert]

Too bad, he's really a very good player as we shall see.

 

[Mooch82]

Out with Samuels. Not surprising.

The 6-foot-5 forward hasn't officially cut his list but after visits to Alabama and Georgetown, the product of District Heights (Md.) Bishop McNamara said at the USA Basketball Fall Minicamp that the Tide and the Hoyas are the two that he'll likely focus on the most as he hones in on a decision.

USAB Fall Minicamp: Top-20 senior Qayden Samuels feeling two programs as he nears a decision

One of the most prolific scorers in the class of 2026 is nearing his college decision.

247sports.com

Never seemed like a UConn fit. Was surprised he visited.