MBB recruiting Meet the new No 1s in the 2025 2026 and 2027 classes

Eagles at it again sign raw 300-pound Aussie

A critical evaluation period for college coaches is almost upon us, and we're looking ahead to the next wave of rising elite high school basketball talent on the heels of updates in our 2025, 2026 and 2027 player rankings.

Below are updated scouting reports on the top player in each class ahead of the spring and summer circuit. The criteria for evaluating top high school basketball players includes a variety of pillars, including productivity, efficiency, physical and mental projection for college success, plus projecting potential NBA futures down the line.

These rankings are subject to -- and very likely will -- change in the coming months and years. We'll plan to hit the road to evaluate prospects, scout on film and revisit each class again in a few months.

AJ Dybantsa, SF Prolific Prep (California)

Dybantsa established himself as the best prospect in the 2025 class and retains the No. 1 spot this spring. The 6-foot-8 wing has caught the attention of every major college program, NBA scouts and agents. It's easy to see why after studying his game.

Dybantsa oozes athletic ability. He has verticality, lateral quickness, straight-line speed and a quick second jump. His instincts are already strong, but he has much more room to grow as his career progresses.

The Brockton, Massachusetts native is most comfortable and natural in transition, where he shot a stellar 69%. Dybantsa does everything relatively well. He's a good ball handler in ball-screen offenses and an effective spot-up shooter, making 36% of spot-up 3-pointers at this early stage of his career. Over a small sample size, he's made an impressive 42% of contested 3s despite hitting just 29% of his open shots behind the arc. Beyond his outstanding physical measurables and scoring talent, Dybantsa also averaged 6.7 rebounds and three assists per game, all metrics according to Synergy Sports.

"His game isn't perfect right now, but the game comes easy to him," an NBA scout said. "He has NBA size and athletic ability right now. When he needs to do something on the court, he does it. He can make 3s, make an assist, grab a rebound. He also has the ability to guard better. At 17 years old, he has the total package, but it needs to be polished."

Dybantsa has great traits bubbling below the surface, too. He's industrious, humble and dedicated to practice. He's a willing competitor against the best. Dybantsa takes coaching well and desires to learn more about both himself and the game. His IQ is growing and he has a rare combination of maturity, humility and alpha dog mentality.

He'll play with the Oakland Soldiers on the EYBL circuit and attend USA Basketball's U17 training camp in June. Although many college programs are heavy in the portal right now, a group of schools have remained connected to Dybantsa. Expect plenty more to follow.

"We're expecting BYU and Kentucky to offer soon," Dybantsa's father, Ace, said. "Arkansas, Auburn, Alabama, Baylor, Cincinnati, Providence, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Kansas, North Carolina, and others have offered. I expect more after the first live period on May 17-19. We will cut the list down to five schools in early June and take five visits in the fall."

To his credit, Dybantsa says he isn't letting the distractions of the lofty ranking impact his improvement.

"It's a lot. If I'm No. 1, then good, the talent and the work are showing. I have the confidence to know where I stand if I'm not. Basketball is my peace. All distractions go away when I play," he said.

"I'm the same player as years past. The game is slowing down a little bit more. I'm making better reads. But every skill has improved."

Tyran Stokes, PF Prolific Prep 

The 16-year-old Stokes is a physical specimen, standing at 6-7, 225 pounds with a plus wingspan of four inches. He plays with an exceptional blend of force, skill, strength, speed and explosiveness with the ball in his hands.

Stokes is almost unstoppable in transition when he attacks the basket. He's a straight lob threat and a baseline driver who attacks defenders with the mindset of dunking on them. Against set defenses, Stokes finishes through contact with power and shows an uncanny passing ability. 

Over time, Stokes has learned how to move the ball and become a 3-point shooter. He has all the tools to become an impact defender, whether keeping the ball out of the lane, contesting shots or denying catches. Stokes likes to rebound down and start the fast break, a skill accentuated by his capable decision-making. His awareness as an off-ball defender is improving, and he has natural off-ball instincts to create steals, take charges and block shots.

Stokes' free throw and outside shot need more quality repetitions. He's built quite the résumé so far. Stokes won a gold medal with USA Basketball's men's U16 national team in the FIBA Americas. He's playing up in age in the EYBL, and helped Vegas Elite advance to the championship game. He has plenty of potential as he continues to develop the character traits to lead him down the right path.

"Tyran has experienced significant on-court and off-court growth over the last 12 months," Prolific Prep head coach Ryan Bernardi said. "His skill set is expanding in addition to his potent athleticism and strength. His leadership is developing as he matures. He has such a high ceiling while also producing at the highest level of high school basketball. UCLA, Kansas, Auburn, LSU and Texas have all offered, among others."

Babatunde Oladotun, SF James Hubert Blake HS (Maryland)

Being the early No. 1 player in a class can be a blessing and a curse. Some players feel like they have arrived and begin to rest on their giftedness. Others simply love the game and want more. Oladotun looks like the latter.

Oladotun's smooth shooting from distance is becoming a big part of his game. His passing skills are beginning to appear in competition as well. Oladotun's jumper has range, and he shows sound mechanics and balance both off the catch and from a pull-up dribble. Oladotun's long frame allows him to finish inside with length, body control, touch or a dunk. He's getting more comfortable and confident playing either inside or outside on both ends. Oladotun also has basketball bloodlines. His father, Ibraheem, is 6-8 and played at Virginia Tech in the early 1990s.

Oladotun will play for Team Durant's U15 team on the circuit. Wayne Pratt, Kevin Durant's father, is the program's director and U17 coach and has great familiarity with Oladotun, who has a variety of well-rounded interests -- the 15-year-old also likes to play piano and read.

"He's a gym rat. He loves to play," Pratt said. "He reminds me of Kevin at the same stage in the sense that if there's a gym, he wants to play in it. If there's a ball, he wants to bounce it. Kevin has worked with him on his balance. He mentioned that (Oladotun) picks things up quickly. Kevin said 'he might be the closest thing to me this young.'"