The rising juniors in New England may not quite be getting national buzz yet, but they’re trending in that direction.
It’s certainly early, but there’s plenty to like about the region’s 2026 class. One theme that sticks out? Toughness.
There are some promising big men on this list, and even the guards are big and physical. With two years of school left, it’ll be exciting to watch how this group develops this season as colleges start to pay closer attention.
Here are 10 standouts from the 2026 class worth monitoring.
Ben Ahmed
Putnam Science Academy/BABC, 6-10 center
Hometown: Nigeria
Ahmed already has a number of high-major offers, including from Georgia Tech, Iowa and Rutgers. He’s quickly generated national attention after helping Putnam Science to a 2023 prep national title alongside frontcourt mate Oswin Erhunmwunse. Ahmed is mature beyond his years, a walking double-double who is easily the most skilled big man from New England in this 2026 class. The lefty possesses good footwork and hands, and he’s a force who dominates the paint.
Desmond Bellot Jr.
Cambridge, Arts, Technology and Science Academy (CATS)/Expressions Elite, 6-3 guard
Hometown: Quincy, Mass.
Bellot Jr. is among the most advanced guards for his age in the region, having started at CATS under coach Cary Herer since he was in eighth grade. In fact, he was their leading scorer as an eighth and ninth grader. Bellot is a combo guard who can play both guard spots as an elite defender. He’s playing up on the 17U Expressions Elite squad this spring and summer, which is rare for an underclassman, and he’s proving that he belongs. High-major offers are in his future.
Alex Egbuonu
Lawrence Academy/BABC, 6-6 forward
Hometown: Nashua, N.H.
One coach was quick to compare Egbuonu to a former star from Massachusetts – Bonzie Colson. At first glance, the 6-6, 210-pounder doesn’t necessarily seem athletic but has impressed with his athletic ability. He’s a dynamic scorer for his size. He holds just one offer from Bryant, but that should change as the summer goes on.
Sam Fleming
Wilbraham and Monson/BABC, 6-8 forward
Hometown: Springfield, Mass.
Fleming embodies Springfield to a tee. He’s tough and hard-nosed, but he’s also an athletic, rangy, long forward who has shooting range. He’s a hybrid forward who will be a matchup nightmare as he continues to develop. In some ways, his size and playing style mirror that of Giannis Antetekounmpo as a tall forward who’s fluid with the ball. But make no mistake: he’s tough enough to bang down low.
Warren Keel
Putnam Science Academy/Mass Rivals, 5-10 point guard
Hometown: Lynn, Mass.
Keel has arguably been the most successful point guard underclassman in New England. He was named to the All-NEPSAC AA team, an all-league selection in the New England Basketball League and the Most Outstanding Player earlier this year at the National Prep School Invitational in Rhode Island. Keel, who’s ranked among the national recruits in this class, is a dynamic guard who can score in a multitude of ways and is an elite passer.
Windston Legentus
Brimmer & May/Middlesex Magic, 6-0 guard
Hometown: Bridgewater, Mass.
Legentus, an All-NEPSAC AA selection last season, has a few low-major Division 1 offers and is seemingly just scratching the surface of his potential. He’s shifty and has a great handle that opens up his playmaking and scoring, and really showed his deep range for Brimmer last season.
Collins Chidera Onyejiaka
The Newman School/BABC, 6-11 center
Hometown: Nigeria
In just his second year in the United States, Onyejiaka has made an absurd progression in a short time. The big man may have the most potential of anyone on this list with his physical tools. He’s still learning the game, but if he can put everything together, the national spotlight won’t be too far away for him.
Jaxson Terry
CATS/Expressions Elite, 6-5 guard
Hometown: Boston, Mass.
For the fall, Terry is transferring from Lawrence Academy to CATS, where he has familiarity with Herer, who he’s played and trained for since he was in the fourth grade. It’s the next step for Terry as he makes another leap in his development. He’s a versatile, physical defender who will take on the opposing team’s best player. On the offensive end, he’s following in the footsteps of new teammate Jaylen Harrell as a dynamic scorer.
Abdou Toure
Notre Dame West Haven/Expressions Elite, 6-6 wing
Hometown: New Haven, Conn.
It’s not certain if Toure will eventually go the prep school route after two successful seasons at Notre Dame West Haven, but he’s been getting plenty of attention anyway. He has several Division 1 offers, and some high major schools including UConn showed some interest in him last season as he blossomed into one of Connecticut’s most promising players. Toure, a terrific scorer, is destined for a breakout year that should land him firmly on the national map.
Sebastian Wilkins
Brewster Academy, Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL)/Mass Rivals, 6-8 wing
Hometown: Canton, Mass.
With a strong showing for Mass Rivals during the live period in the spring, Wilkins – the highest-ranked New England prospect in 2026 – is generating even more high-major interest, and there’s a chance he could reclassify back to his original 2025 class. That’s a decision that likely won’t come until later in the summer. For now, Wilkins is showcasing a clear improvement in his 3-point shooting that has translated from Brewster to the AAU circuit.
Five more names to know
Greg Brooks (Northfield Mount Hermon), Quinn Costello (The Newman School), Amir Jenkins (Worcester Academy), Chase Geremia (The Newman School), Ty Tabales (New Hampton)
