Class of 2026: Top High School Seniors With One-and-Done Potential

Samad Hines
Apr 20
6 min read

The high school class of 2025 has emerged as one of the most loaded groups in recent NBA Draft memory, with one-and-done prospects like A.J. Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson headlining the class. The 2026 senior class might not have the same level of star power, but several highly rated prospects still project as intriguing long-term NBA prospects. Their development, opportunity, and freshman-year production could go a long way in determining which players ultimately emerge as legitimate one-and-done candidates.

With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the top high school seniors who could emerge as one-and-done candidates.

Tyran Stokes — Undecided

The No. 1 prospect in his class for most of his high school career, Stokes previously ranked No. 2 behind A.J. Dybantsa before Dybantsa reclassified to the 2025 class. The 6-foot-7-plus forward is the clear-cut top overall prospect in the class because of his elite combination of size, strength, and skill. Stokes separates himself from most of his peers with the fierce competitive edge he plays with, and might be the early frontrunner for the top pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. He is a bulldozer driving to the rim, consistently finishing through traffic, and has shown flashes of making good reads and decisions as a primary ball-handler. Stokes has significant upside and is a true hybrid forward who can impact the game on both ends. He still has to show he can be a reliable shot-maker at the next level and tighten up his ball-handling if he is going to take on a more primary role. There may not be many one-and-dones in this class, but wherever Stokes decides to go, they should not expect him to be there for very long.

Cameron Williams — Duke

Jon Scheyer has been on a roll since taking over as Duke’s head coach, with lottery picks like Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach already on his résumé, and Cameron Boozer next in line. Cameron Williams could be another Duke player selected in that range in the 2027 NBA Draft. Williams is a 6-foot-11-plus forward out of Phoenix, Arizona, who skyrocketed up the rankings this past season, drawing widespread attention. He is a versatile stretch forward who has shown he can knock down jumpers from all levels, move well for his size, run the floor with fluidity, and use his long arms effectively on the defensive end as a shot-blocker and disruptor. He fits the modern NBA prototype at power forward, especially with his potential to space the floor. Williams should make an immediate impact in Duke’s system next season, but he will still need to continue adding strength, improving his ball-handling, and sharpening his decision-making to round out his game.

Jordan Smith Jr. — Arkansas

A straight dog on the court, Jordan Smith Jr. plays with a consistently high motor. The future Arkansas Razorback has excellent defensive instincts, rebounds well out of his position, and is a gifted athlete overall at 6-foot-2. He can create his own offense, whether by getting to his spots in the midrange or taking defenders off the dribble and finishing strong at the rim. He has elite body control, is explosive when attacking defenses, and is a capable perimeter shot-maker. His game can continue to evolve, and he has the tools to emerge as the next one-and-done guard in John Calipari’s system. He is a winner across the board and has won at every level, whether at Paul VI High School, on the Nike EYBL circuit, or with USA Basketball, where he won multiple gold medals. There are shades of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace in his game, given his similar size, wingspan, and two-way impact, though Smith likely offers more offensive upside.

Caleb Holt — Arizona

After leading Arizona to its first Final Four since 2001, head coach Tommy Lloyd will welcome Alabama native Caleb Holt into the mix next season. Holt is a high-motor player, an assertive rebounding guard, and someone who consistently plays with the kind of effort that reflects his competitiveness. He is a prospect many have come to admire and one to watch for the 2027 NBA Draft. At 6-foot-5 with a well-developed physical frame, he is relentless on the floor, has superb body control, and has shown he can be an effective two-way player. Although he has room for improvement as an outside shooter, Holt has shown both progress and confidence from three, shooting 42 percent from the perimeter during his senior season at Prolific Prep (FL). He has a high IQ, impressive athleticism, and is a very productive defender. His ball-handling as a guard will need to continue improving, but he is firmly on the NBA radar nonetheless.

Brandon McCoy Jr. — Michigan

Future Michigan Wolverine Brandon McCoy Jr. is one of the more explosive and athletic guards in the class. McCoy stands 6-foot-5 with an eye-opening 6-foot-9 wingspan. He already has the physical frame, and he uses those tools especially well on the defensive end, where he can be a real menace. He can be a pest defensively with his motor, instincts, active hands, and all-around hustle. He consistently puts pressure on the rim by getting downhill and has shown flashes of creating his own shot. He possesses significant upside, especially if he continues to develop offensively. McCoy will need to make the right decisions more consistently with the ball in his hands, as he projects more naturally as an off-ball guard than a primary ball-handler at the next level. If he can develop a consistent jump shot over the next season, playing alongside senior point guard Elliot Cadeau could do wonders for him long term.

Jason Crowe Jr. — Missouri

Set to step in as Missouri’s lead guard the moment he arrives on campus next season, Jason Crowe Jr. brings serious scoring firepower. The 6-foot-3 point guard scored more than 4,500 points during his high school career, setting the all-time California state record. He might be the most gifted scorer in the 2026 class. He will bring those elite scoring instincts to Mizzou next season, where head coach Dennis Gates has put together a promising roster around him. He has a knack for putting the ball in the basket, with Damian Lillard-like range and a smooth shooting stroke. He has pro-level shot-creation skills, a dynamic combination of moves, and has shown flashes as an active defender at his size while making an effort to disrupt passing lanes. He can also be crafty with his finishes and ball-handling in certain situations. He will need to continue building strength in his frame and show he can make the right reads when opponents blitz him and force the ball out of his hands.

Bruce Branch III — BYU

Head coach Kevin Young and BYU will try to keep the momentum going with a potential third straight year of producing NBA Draft talent. With Egor Dëmin and soon-to-be-selected A.J. Dybantsa as the first two NBA draftees under Young, Bruce Branch III could be the next Cougar to reach that level. Branch is a 6-foot-7 wing with a 7-foot-1 wingspan who has shown potential as a 3-and-D prospect. He can space the floor with his outside shooting, rebound effectively, and guard multiple positions on the perimeter with his length and frame. The Arizona native will need to continue developing his ball-handling and offensive decision-making, though he does not project as a primary ball-handler if he reaches the NBA in the near future. He might not be the flashiest prospect, but there is real upside there. His length allows him to block shots, alter attempts, and provide value as a rebounder.

Austin Goosby — Texas

An under-the-radar prospect to watch next season at Texas, Austin Goosby is an intriguing 6-foot-5 combo wing who can be a versatile piece on both ends of the floor. With his athleticism, long arms, 6-foot-9 wingspan, and high IQ, he projects as a Swiss Army knife type and a plug-and-play option. A long-term comparison could be a Derrick White-type player. He knows when to cut, has springy athleticism and explosiveness, and has shown he can make shots from both the perimeter and midrange. His ball-handling could still use improvement, but he looks capable of making plays with the ball thanks to his passing, and he can also be an underrated shot-blocker for a guard.