Each spring, we see a slew of prospects who enter the travel ball season with a disconnect between their ability and offer sheet. Some cases are purely due to a player not being seen by the appropriate level of coaches while others are sheer oversights. Regardless, this exercise allows us to see where we identify deserving players prior to the summer and how things unfold for each individual over the subsequent months. This concept applies to several players, so we will take a closer look at multiple groups of 2026 prospects over these next few weeks…
6’3 Ian Bailey (Asheville Christian)
Shockingly enough, Bailey has more offers (3) than everyone listed. While that still feels quite low, kudos to Western Carolina, Stetson, and UNC Asheville for getting ahead of the pack. It speaks to the current nature of the recruiting landscape that schools would rather explore the portal for a one-year rental than invest resources elsewhere. That being said, Bailey offers a smooth, highly polished identity from the point guard spot. He has terrific positional size with excellent feel and a balanced approach to the game. Bailey is a great athlete who can score in a multitude of ways and consistently create for others. He’s also a reliable defender and useful rebounder. Expect him to have at least double, if not triple, his current number of scholarships by August.
6’2 Chaise Smith (Washington)
Between his production, skillset, and appealing array of physical tools, it’s really confusing why only Radford and High Point have extended offers to Smith. He’s a crafty, dynamic creator and scorer with the blend of IQ, poise, and quick-twitch athleticism to cause a ton of problems for opponents. Smith is comfortable operating as a primary playmaker and running the team, but can also effectively coexist alongside another floor general and apply pressure as a scorer from all levels. He’s a reliable shooter, penetrator, and finisher with a smooth middle game and underrated feel as a passer. Smith displays sharp instincts defensively and anticipates well to force turnovers at the point of attack. It would be perplexing if he didn’t collect at least a handful of offers this summer.
6’11 Rares Trandafir (Rabun Gap)
Although the recruitment is clearly lacking for each player listed, Trandafir might have the most perplexing situation of them all. At 6-foot-11 with the ability to post up, space the floor, and pass the ball at a high level, it feels like he should already be a priority for all types of programs. Trandafir is strong and sturdy, yet moves very well for his size and runs the floor properly in transition. He possesses soft touch with either hand, moves from the block, and can knock down perimeter jumpers at a high percentage. Add in his rebounding presence and ability to block shots, and the lack of offers simply does not make sense. Given how much coaches covet size and skill, it feels like Trandafir is likely to blow up sooner than later.
6’3 Jyi Dawkins (Ben L. Smith)
Fresh off a state championship victory, Dawkins continues to impress in every possible setting. He’s tough, athletic, and physically overwhelming with a phenomenal combination of feel, defensive instincts, and offensive polish. Dawkins is comfortable doing everything on the court. He can dictate the offense as a creator or find opportunities as an off-ball threat. Dawkins asserts himself well within the flow of the action and prioritizes making the right play with the ball in his hands. He also rebounds at a quality rate and toggles between multiple positions defensively. Dawkins is simply an adaptable, malleable player who proves to be a positive difference-maker every time he takes the floor. He will be an asset at the next level.
6’5 Antonio McKoy (Harrells Christian)
Rounding out this group, McKoy is yet another athletic, shot-making wing whose recruitment doesn’t match his abilities. He received a lone offer from Albany and hasn’t collected any others in the nine months since then. Why? Nobody knows. McKoy is consistently elevating his game to new heights while college coaches are focused on which 25-year-old to prioritize. He’s long, explosive, and does legitimately everything to shine as a leader for the Crusaders. Between travel ball and the high school season, he’s shown the ability to be a focal point or star in a role. McKoy applies consistent downhill pressure, knocks down jumpers at a reliable clip, and sees the floor well as a passer. He’s able to set the tone on the glass and defend three or four positions at this level. Like the others listed, college coaches will get involved with McKoy sooner than later.