Each year, the CP3 Rising Stars Camp manages to assemble an incredible collection of talented young prospects to compete at the prestigious event. The Carolina’s always bring heavy representation and this year was no different, as there were 18 rising freshmen (2026) and 20 rising sophomores (2025). After highlighting those who made the “Top 20” roster for each class, we will now take a closer look at a handful of prospects who are definitely worth monitoring over the foreseeable future. Let’s see what the Class of 2026 has in store… (Disclaimer: Obviously, this will not include each player from the event. These are simply five of the aforementioned 18.)
6’6 ’26 Cody Peck (Providence)
Given his physical tools and productive summer with CC Elite, most folks should already know a little bit about Cody Peck. Sure, he’s somewhat skinny at the current stage in his development, but strength should inevitably come with time. That being said, the lack of muscle doesn’t seem to prevent Peck from finishing, controlling the glass, and protecting the rim. Although there were plenty of physically maxed-out players at CP3 Camp, it was still easy to see the flashes from Peck on both ends of the floor. He’s already quite useful, but is truly only beginning to scratch the surface of his long-term abilities. He should be a focal point for Providence going forward.
6’5 ’26 Antonio McKoy (Lakewood)
After generating a ton of buzz throughout the travel season, Antonio McKoy made a lasting impression at CP3 Camp. He’s a long, wiry, explosive wing prospect with great size, toughness, and a blossoming skillset. McKoy is a fluid athlete who can comfortably defend multiple positions, rebound like a post player, and score in a variety of ways offensively. He’s great at attacking the basket and finishing in the open floor, but can also create, knock down open jumpers, and make plays off the bounce. His motor and physicality also tend to overwhelm opponents on defense. Expect McKoy to continue trending upward.
6’4 ’26 Kaleel Benjamin (Weddington)
Although our sample size for him is somewhat limited, Kaleel Benjamin clearly has a favorable array of tools. He’s a developing forward with size, length, athleticism, and an understanding of how to produce with or without the ball in his hands. Benjamin is a strong finisher, both above and below the rim, and plays well through contact. His handle and overall perimeter game continue to expand, but he currently finds a lot of success in playing hard, doing the dirty work, and capitalizing on opportunities within the flow of the action. Given all the departures from Weddington, Benjamin could emerge as a key cog sooner than later.
6’8 ’26 Tyson Thompson (St. Paul’s)
There were a lot of intriguing, progressing young prospects on display, and Tyson Thompson was certainly among that group. He’s a big, mobile forward/post prospect who is truly just beginning to harness his long-term tools. Thompson possesses big hands and huge feet, but is still developing his overall feel and skillset. However, he’s already a strong finisher and physical interior player who battles for rebounds, makes hustle plays, and blocks shots at a solid rate. Thompson should only get better over the coming years, but he clearly has the tools to blossom into something noteworthy.
6’0 ’26 CJ Jones (Dudley)
Given Dudley’s recent roster turnover, CJ Jones has a real chance to be as productive as anyone on this list. He’s a very poised, polished, well-rounded guard with IQ and the ability to find success with or without the ball in his hands. Jones is comfortable initiating the offense, cutting, spotting-up, or applying pressure as a creator. He’s an unselfish passer, reliable defender, and capable scorer from all levels. Jones doesn’t possess any glaring weaknesses at the current stage in his development, so it’ll be exciting to follow his journey over the coming years.