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Here is Part 2 of our National Prep School Invitational scouting articles. This article is consisted of brief overviews on some of the most promising class-of-2026 and class-of-2027 recruits who participated at the NPSI this year, as well as a few rising stars from the class of 2028.
Top Class of 2026 Recruits
Hunter Te Ratana (6’4”, Darrow School)
Among the recruits who had a breakout performance at the 2025 NPSI. Te Ratana showcased his high potential on both ends of the floor. A deceptive athlete, the New Zealander is an explosive leaper with plenty of creativity in his dunks. His quick, repeatable and nearly automatic stroke off movement, catches and dribble suggest he would be a sniper as a two guard at the next level. Tough as nails on the defensive end with an endless motor. Te Ratana will excel in transition/fast paced plays.
Promis N’landu (6’3”, Fort Erie International Academy)
A high-major point guard with an impressive scoring game and long 6-foot-5 wingspan. N’landu will be a crafty 3-level scoring PG with great court vision and passing abilities. Has nice handles and ability to change speeds and directions creating for himself or his teammates. Going down the lane he will take advantage of his well-developing upper body, tight handles and explosive hops. He holds offers from Arizona State, Seton Hall, George Mason, Colorado State, and St. Bonaventure, he’s recently been getting more and more interest from HM schools.
Quinn Costello (6’10”, Newman School)
A tall and long promising big man who will stretch the floor nicely thanks to his impressively smooth and fluid shooting mechanics from long range for his size. His game has plenty of upside. Very mobile, expected to put pressure on the glass and roll well to the basket, being a lob target too.
Lucas Morillo (6’7”, Newman School)
A skilled combo guard from the Dominican Republic who displays a very smooth offensive game. Seems to read it exceptionally well, showing advanced decision-making skills. Will be an effective 3-level scorer and crafty handler/facilitator in pick-and-roll actions.
Top Class of 2027 Recruits
Nalajah Christopher (6’3”, Darrow School)
A very talented lengthy guard with a developing athletic frame which he is expected to fill out nicely with time. Christopher displayed great feel for the game and impressively mature decision making for his age (played two years up). Has high upside to turn into a high IQ lead guard with solid defensive presence. Reportedly has a great work ethic.
DJ Hawkins (6’7”, Saint Thomas More)
A promising tall wing with athletic and lengthy frame (+3 wingspan). Expected to be a deadly 3-point shooter at the next stage, especially off spot ups. Has high upside as a two-way player.
Deng Ngor (6’7”, Fort Erie International)
Another intriguing prospect in the class of 2027 who seems to be destined to only get better, Ngor is a 6-foot-7 tall wing who has elite physical attributes and great motor. Displayed promising perimeter skills and high potential on the defensive end thanks to his great effort and physical tools. Already holds offers from Stonehill, Colorado State, George Mason and Arizona State.
Jaylin Williams Crawford (6’7”, CATS)
Another tall wing with a good deal of athleticism and physical attributes, Williams Crawford has a smooth offensive game and could be lethal from long range.
Elijah McNair (6’4”, St. Andrew’s)
A big, strong and physical 6-foot-4 wing who plays beyond his age. McNair can do a bit of everything, thriving in scoring the ball – he can drive aggressively to the rim, hit shots from mid to long range, rebound well and execute off pick-and-roll actions for himself or his teammates.
Class of 2028 – Potential Rising Stars
Malachi Odugbela (6’4, St. Andrew’s)
Among the youngest and most promising players at the event, Odugbela proved he belonged to play there despite his age. Having solid basketball genes (father played D1 basketball), Odugbela plays well beyond his age, showing good understanding of the game and great shooting touch from long range, despite his railway thin and developing frame. He is expected to grow several more inches and fill out his frame well with time. Odugbela has high potential as a two-way player thanks to his elite physical tools and advanced instincts. College coaches should keep tabs on his further development.
Kyle “Bright” Delves (6’2.5”, Mount Saint Charles)
Arguably one of the best guards in the class of 2028 in the States. The future seems “Bright” for the kid from Providence. He could turn into an elite lead guard with time and reps. Extremely talented, he has shifty handles and the ability to change pace and directions. Ambidextrous and tough, he doesn’t shy away from any contact going down to the hoop. On top of that he’s very bouncy for a guard. Reportedly Delves firstly played football but once he started playing basketball, he realized that’s his sport. Kyle Delves seems to have all the needed prerequisites to turn into an elite guard at the next level.
This article was written by Simeon Marinov, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter. We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.
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