The Phenom Hoops 2026 rankings were released on Monday, and there is plenty of talk surrounding them. Whether you believe we got it right or wrong, there are always discussions to be had. Which is why I’m diving into them a bit more, as I (personally) will have my eyes on several players to see if they can continue their rise up the ranks when it is all said and done.
Rankings: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2026-north-carolina-rankings-watch-list/
Again, this is solely based on my opinion alone, so read into that as much as you would like. But some players could continue to climb the ladder that I will be watching this upcoming season. Check out five players in the Top 30 that could fit that mold.
2026 6’3 Yohance Connor (Combine Academy)
Connor is an interesting prospect and certainly deserves to be one of the top guards in the state. It was a bit quiet this summer, but I believe that he has a chance to rise up the ranks with yet another strong season at Combine Academy, proving his talent once again. With a few highlights many have seen over the summer, Connor is one of the most explosive and athletic guards around, flying high and finishing strong at the rim. It is where he thrives, but he is also much more than that, as he has improved in several areas with his shot-making, playmaking, and ability to bring value in other areas. Back again at Combine, Connor will be a veteran with experience in the program, and they will rely on him tremendously to step up even more as a leader.
2026 6’5 Bradley Floyd (WS Christian)
Time after time, Floyd has been one I’ve enjoyed watching and see the potential he has in his game. Over the summer, he has proven countless times that he can be such an effective weapon with his versatility, whether it is scoring, defending, playing multiple positions, rebounding, and facilitating. I continue to say that Floyd would be a great piece at the next level because you can use him in a variety of roles, and there is still untapped potential left in his game as he continues to develop. But if that development continues to take shape this season, I could see Floyd moving up into the Top 10.
2026 6’5 Antonio McKoy (Harrells Christian)
McKoy is another intriguing prospect here in North Carolina. Located out towards the coast, it can be hard for many to truly get an eye on him, but he certainly proved last year that he is a leader, a workhorse, and one that will do what is needed to help his team. McKoy is a strong, downhill, athletic prospect that can score well when attacking. He has great size, embraces being physical, and fills up the statsheet for his team every time he touches the floor. And again, there are areas he can continue to improve, which makes him even more dangerous as a prospect. I expect him to have another eye-opening season and really showcase his leadership, as he will have Harrells in the hunt once again.
2026 6’5 Jossiah Johnson (CPI)
Johnson, who will now be at CPI, is one that you just have to understand who he is and use his strengths to his advantage. At 6’5, he is physical, attacks off the bounce, gets paint touches, and embraces his strength. But he also has been showing more of his outside game, mixing it up well overall. CPI and Johnson will be on the big stage in several events this upcoming season, and it will provide not only an opportunity for college programs to see him more but to possibly move up the ranks here in North Carolina.
2026 6’9 Nick McLean (WS Christian)
McLean is still a bit of a mystery, but there is intrigue with his game. When he first watched him coming into North Carolina, there were a few growing pains to adjust to here in North Carolina. But watching him this summer, you can see he has handled it really well, improved in several areas, and again is a 6’9 prospect that is able to be a multi-level scorer. He moves well, runs the floor in transition, shows touch around the basket, and is comfortable in popping out to be a threat from outside. I expect him to see more minutes this season, which could attract more eyes his way even though he holds multiple offers already.