With Cooper Flagg heading to the NBA Draft — and top 2025 recruits A.J. Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer ready to rock college basketball — a new chapter of recruiting and a critical evaluation period for coaches is underway.
With that in mind, let’s look ahead to the next wave of elite high school basketball talent with the latest rankings for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 classes. We evaluate players on a variety of pillars: productivity, efficiency, physical projection, mental projection, projected NBA draft range and, if any, on-court college impact. It’s the art of evaluating the present and future.
These rankings are subject to change — and likely will — as players evolve throughout their high school careers. ESPN will hit the road to evaluate prospects and scout film with the goal of revisiting each class again in a couple months.
For now, let’s meet the No. 1 players in the next three classes.
Sherman Oaks, California
Stokes is no stranger to high expectations. He has ranked among the nation’s top prospects as an underclassmen, built an extensive grassroots résumé and even played alongside Dybantsa, the top prospect in the 2025 class, for a year at Prolific Prep. Now he is the nation’s top rising senior.
“I’m ready to embrace the challenge and to be more of a leader as a senior,” Stokes told ESPN. “I plan to keep my circle small and prepare my body and mind for the offseason.”
At 6-foot-7, Stokes has a college- and pro-ready frame blending excellent versatility, productivity and long-term potential. His rare combination of power, fitness and athleticism stood out from an early age. Stokes is an elite finisher in traffic with his physicality and explosiveness. His accurate passing doesn’t get enough credit, either.
“Because of my size and strength, people would look at me as a dunker and not as a playmaker,” Stokes said.
Stokes enjoys making the assist, and is capable of hitting either stationary or moving targets while playing on the move with his head up. Stokes is also working on growing as a leader.
“Tyran’s playmaking ability, rebounding and flexibility on both ends allowed him to be a dominant force this season,” Notre Dame High School (Calif.) head coach Matt…
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