Photo Credit: Josh Millican
Player: Marco Varani
Class: 2026
Height: 6’8
School: Elite Future Prep
Recently at the National Prep Showcase in Rhode Island, Phenom Hoops had an opportunity to learn about a player we hadn’t seen before but were quite impressed with what he showed at the event. 2026 6’8 Marco Varani from Elite Future Prep is an intriguing prospect with his size and shot-making abilities. At the event, we had this to say about his game:
“Varani is a player that I would really look at more, as the 6’8 long wing prospect really impressed with his shot-making ability. Confident release, deep range, and has the ability to knock down shots off the catch but also create his own shot off the dribble. Multi-level scorer with a terrific jumper, as he was knocking down shots from a variety of areas in impressive fashion.”
And, speaking with Varani more, that is exactly how he would describe his game himself: “Shooter, bouncy, strong passer, and defender.”
When watching Varani in action, you simply couldn’t help but be impressed with his shot-making ability from all levels on the court. Whether it was in catch-and-shoot situations, behind the arc, or creating his shot off the dribble and over defenders, Varani has a smooth and pure release that makes him such a valuable weapon from multiple levels. And then you add his ability to attack and finish at the rim, defend positions at 6’8, and be an effective option in an array of other areas, I think some may be overlooking his potential as he continues to get better.
Right now, he holds offers from Bethune-Cookman, Portland, and Jacksonville but in talking with Varani, schools like Yale, Harvard, Boise State, Seattle, Washington, Boston, Portland State, and UC Santa Barbara have all shown interest his way as well. For schools looking for a shooter, Varani would be one that I would keep a strong eye on in the Class of 2026, as he impressed in a big way at the event.