CBB recruiting update: Ranking the top 25 boys players regardless of class

The NBA draft was the highlight of June, and once again the ESPN 100 rankings fed the draft. Of the 58 picks, 25 had been ranked in the ESPN 100 (43%), the rest had either been unranked high school players or international players.

As we update our summer ranking for 2025, 2026 and 2027, we launch our “Top 25 Regardless of Class” rankings. This follows the spring evaluation period of film study, live events and camps.

The overall ranking is based on our current player rankings. We evaluate performances, future upside, physical measurables, productivity, current age and character trait information. We also take pro and college potential — plus, how each player impacts winning — into consideration.

This is not a draft board or solely a high school ranking. Our goal is to also forecast who could make a move over the July period. This is a list with plenty to debate, and it will remain fluid until we update again in August.

2025 ESPN 100 rank: 1

The No. 1 prospect in his class since entering high school, Dybantsa handles the ever-growing target on his back with a workman-like approach. He has a long frame with explosiveness, speed, balance and quickness, making him a constant scoring and playmaking threat. Dybantsa is efficient from midrange and his 3-point shot is improving. Despite all his accolades, Dybantsa doesn’t rest on his talent — he works to raise it. He’s a big, complete guard in the mold of the Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Dybantsa will decide on a college decision after Peach Jam, his father told ESPN.

Next step: Free throw shooting

2025 ESPN 100 rank: 2

Boozer is the most fundamentally sound and efficient offensive player in prep basketball. He works the glass, converts on free throws and values the ball. The result? A well-rounded production that includes 11.3 rebounds per game, 83% free throw shooting and a positive assist-to-turnover ratio. His size, shooting, IQ and skill are evident throughout the course of a game on both ends and he throws the best outlet pass in the country while also running the floor to fill the lane. Boozer is a big man who shoots 3’s at 40% in high school and scores at a 67% clip in one-on-one situations, according to Synergy Sports.

Next step: Perimeter defense

2026 ESPN 60 rank: 1

The game is slowing down for Stokes. He plays with incredible force and displays soft touch around the basket and behind the arc. Elite at finishing plays, Stokes is a handling forward who presents all kinds of matchup problems for defenses. The hybrid forward has a wealth of ability, physicality and eagerness to put his stamp on a game. Stokes is also a smart passer in tight spaces.

Next step: On-ball defense

2025 ESPN 100 rank: 3

Peterson is one of the nation’s best at getting into the paint and scoring as he shoots 71% at the rim on layups and floaters, according to Synergy Sports. He plays a heavy ball-screen game and averages six points per game in pick-and-roll action. He also has a slightly positive assist-to-turnover ratio. On defense, Peterson will sit down and guard the ball. Those around him speak highly of his work habits, and he continues to improve while becoming more impactful.

Next step: Limit turnovers

2025 ESPN 100 rank: 4

The more you watch Peat, the more you appreciate his game and demeanor. He’s a powerful forward who is productive in transition, finishing in the paint and rebounding. Peat is a threat with his back to the basket or facing up and is a 54% mid-range shooter, according to Synergy Sports. Peat knows how to be a star or sacrifice for the good of the team.

Next step: Expand jumper

2025 ESPN 100 rank: 5

Wilson combines tons of natural talent with ideal NBA size (6-foot-9, 205 pounds), but he’s more potential than production right now. He runs with long strides and shows fluidness with skill. He is better when facing the basket and driving the ball. On defense, Wilson will block shots when active. This is a big summer for him.

Next step: Consistency

2025 ESPN 100 rank: 6

The fluid, mobile Cenac surged up the board this spring. He pairs a long frame with inside touch and an outside shot. Cenac has natural instincts with his back to the basket and demonstrated a knack to rebound on both ends. He jumps 30 spots into the top 10 of the ESPN 100 after making USA Basketball’s U17 team.

Next step: Aggressiveness

2026 ESPN 60 rank: 2

McCoy is a scoring point guard who plays a fast-paced, downhill game and has terrific positional size at 6-4. He is exceptional at pushing the ball with straight-line speed, and he’s learning how to run the show in the half court. He’s a quick and effective on-ball defender as well.

Next step: 3-point shooting

2026 ESPN 60 rank: 3

Holt is one of the best finishers in the 2026 class. He has improved his outside shooting while staying focused on cutting and driving. A highly competitive prospect, Holt is a tenacious on-ball defender and he’s working to become a complete two-way player.

Next step: Pull-up jumper

2025 ESPN 100 rank: 7

Scoring is in Thomas’ DNA. He can be an explosive 3-point threat and is learning how to operate in ball screens. Thomas confidently finds open pockets of space on the floor, and his off-ball defense shows anticipatory skills.

Next step: Limit turnovers

2025 ESPN 100 rank: 8

Ament is one of this spring’s breakout players. You could notice the potential early, but it has translated to in-game production as of late as Ament becomes more consistent. At 6-9, he’s the prototypical jumbo wing with ultimate positional size. Ament is a major scoring threat and moves the ball quickly at times with high-end passing vision. He cracks the top 10 in our latest ESPN 100 ranking.

Next step: Off-ball defense

2025 ESPN 100 rank: 9

Haralson is a big guard and his long, wiry frame immediately stands out. He uses his length, quickness and basketball IQ to score and defend. He is well-versed in beating defenders off the dribble and creating fouls. Haralson understands the value of competing on the defensive end, and he can shine on that end with more focus. His shooting is also coming along.

Next step: Read the defense and limit turnovers

2025 ESPN 100 rank: 10

Acuff is learning to be a point guard, which means looking and creating for others without losing his gift to score. He demonstrates an uncanny ability to lose defenders and create space for himself with the ability to hit touch shots. Acuff won a gold medal with the USA Men’s U18 National Team at the FIBA U18 level. He’s especially effective passing in transition and can thread the needle in tight spaces.

Next step: Defense at the point of attack

2026 ESPN 60 rank: 4

The son of three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, Alijah scored big in a variety of ways against multiple defenders as a high schooler. He’s showing maturity to process the game while competing on the circuit and with USA Basketball. Right now, he is best scoring in transition finishing at the rim, or against set defense as a 3-point and mid-range shooter with a floater in the paint. He has the ideal body type for a guard.

Next step: Off-ball cuts and movement without the ball

2026 ESPN 60 rank: 5

Terrific as a sophomore in high school, Smith is now bigger, stronger and more tenacious than ever. Smith makes his presence felt on and off the ball defensively. He applies pressure at the point of attack while forcing turnovers and stealing the ball. Not only a defender, Smith fits into any offense as a driver, offensive rebounder, as a post-up guard and a developing shooter. His energy level is sky high.

Next step: Free throw shooting

2026 ESPN 60 rank: 6

Ariza has tremendous early size and skill. His instincts are improving and his 3-point shooting mechanics are fluid and accurate. Ariza is clearly effective playing from the pinch post area either as a facilitator or driver. Off-ball cuts for layups and rebounding are part of his game. Ariza has all the offensive tools, displays speed and vertical jump to blend in with his ball screen instincts. He is the son of former NBA player Trevor Ariza.

Next step: Consistent defense

2027 ESPN 25 rank: 1

Oladotun jumps off the page with his thin, lanky frame. His strides are long, and movements are effortless at 6-9 and only 15 years old. Oladotun is a natural talent with high-end shooting skill and touch around the basket. He shoots over defenders with ease and his off-ball anticipatory instincts are coming along nicely. He can collect steals without gambling on the defensive end as well. His upside is clear.

Next step: Establish a routine and habits

2027 ESPN 25 rank: 2

Rosser’s early size and skill allow him to function both inside and out. He’s a capable ball handler in the open floor, but he’s at his best sprinting the floor and finishing. Rosser rebounds with length and two hands. He’s also a shot-blocker on defense and alters shots from his help-side position. There aren’t many players with his size, skill and willingness to work.

Next step: Adding functional strength for balance and leverage

2026 ESPN 60 rank: 7

I love Crowe’s change-of-pace dribble, whether it’s in the open floor or against a defender in the half court. He’s a purposeful ball handler who cleverly shakes defenders. In the open floor, he’s both a lob-thrower and a threat to finish them. Crowe gets to his rhythm dribble pull-up under control, and his 3-point shot is a legitimate weapon when he’s left open. He’s a very good assist creator and an outstanding 86% free throw shooter.

Next step: Draw more fouls

2026 ESPN 60 rank: 8

We didn’t see much of Gaskins at Montverde last year, but it was for a good reason: he was on the best team in the country, so playing time was limited. That doesn’t mean Gaskins didn’t develop. His physical presence, skill level and 42.9% 3-point shooting has been impressive in the EYBL on a small sample size. Montverde head coach Kevin Boyle raves about Gaskins and his work habits.

Next step: Off-ball defense

2026 ESPN 60 rank: 9

Constanza’s production has been up and down, but there’s no denying his high-level ability. He scores consistantly at all levels when he’s dialed in. Constanza’s offensive versatility is evident as he produces over small defenders and can use his mobility and ball skills to out-maneuver true big men.

Next step: Off-ball defense

2027 ESPN 25 rank: 3

The 15-year-old has a tremendous skill pack of ball handling, shooting ability and a knack to drive the baseline and finish. The left-handed scoring forward operates well in ball screens and he has a great dribble pull-up jumper to complement the rest of his scoring ability. Cosby is an active shot-blocker and rebounder on defense as well.

Next step: Adding strength and staying the course

2025 ESPN 100 rank: 11

Burries is steady, consistent and competitive. He dependably gets buckets from all levels. Burries was an efficient scorer in the EYBL, shooting 59.1% overall, 37% from deep and 83.1% at the free throw line. The strong guard gets others involved, draws fouls at a high clip and converts.

Next step: Catch-and-shoot 3s and off-ball defense

2025 ESPN 100 rank: 12

Johnson’s production is more volume-based than it is efficient, but he’s an explosive athlete with a scoring facilitating mentality. He can knock down long-distance shots both in transition and in the half court. Johnson is an excellent 89% free throw shooter.

Next step: Limit turnovers and better shot quality to improve his percentages

2025 ESPN 100 rank: 13

Harwell hasn’t been on the court since suffering a knee injury halfway through the 2023-24 season at Wasatch Academy. The five-star guard is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for his senior season. He’s a big, complete guard with shooting range and IQ. His recruiting is down to Houston, California, Kansas and Texas.