Rivals Rankings Week: Five-Star Countdown for 2026 class

It’s a Rivals Rankings Week for the 2026 class and we start things off today with Rob Cassidy counting down our five-stars, from No. 13 to No. 1.

2025 Rankings: Rivals150 | Position | Team

2027 Rankings: Top 60

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4. ALIJAH ARENAS

Cassidy’s Take: The son of longtime NBA player Gilbert Arenas, who became a star at Arizona, Alijah Arenas is already considering his father’s alma mater. The California-based guard is all of 6-foot-5 and has a quick-trigger jumper that has shown itself to be lethal from the mid-range as well as the 3-point line. His pull-up seemingly materializes out of nowhere and it’s clear he’s been well coached for the entirety of his life. Arenas has added some mass to his upper body this year but still has work to do on that front. Alabama, Texas and UCLA join Arizona on his early list of suitors.

5. SG JORDAN SMITH

Cassidy’s Take: A newcomer to the top five, Smith continues to be one of the most productive players on the floor in every possible setting. From all-star camps, to high-level high school hoops to the grassroots circuit there is not stage on which the skilled, hard-nosed guard has not shined brightly.

Not only is he a skilled prospect with a smooth jumper but his motor and broad shoulder-build allow him to play even bigger than his 6-foot-2 build on both the glass and the defensive end.

The Virginia-based Smith is considering colleges such as Duke, Louisville, Syracuse, Miami, North Carolina, Kansas State and Florida State.

6. PF MIKKA MUURRINEN

Cassidy’s Take: One of the biggest risers in this update, Miikka Muurinen shot up from No. 39 to No. 6 based on a summer that saw him take American grassroots hoops by storm. The 6-foot-10, Finnish-born forward is the prototype for a modern 4, as he’s a floor-spacing dream that is able to fill it up from deep in addition to being comfortable putting the ball on the floor.

He still needs to add muscle and polish when it comes to…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rivals-rankings-week-five-star-142719795.html

Author : Rivals Basketball Recruiting

Publish date : 2024-10-22 15:31:00

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