Three More 2026 Standouts from Early Spring
It wasn’t my intention to make this an homage to Game Elite, but that’s how it worked out in my notebook. So it goes.
Seriously though, the program is stacked with talent from the top down, and I got the chance to see all of their teams in action this past weekend at Tip-Off Classic. As I continue to establish opinions on the 2026 class, these three have continually proven themselves.
Related: 2026 Standouts from Early Spring | 15U Standouts from HoopSeen Tip-Off
I haven’t started to seriously think about 2026 rankings yet, but when the time comes, I’d imagine that Caleb Holt will be somewhere near the top of the class. Right now, he’s playing up in the 17U division with Game Elite, and he doesn’t look like a freshman while playing with and against some of the top 2024s in the country. His athleticism and overall scoring prowess are impressive for such a young player. Holt scores on all levels consistently. He has all the makings of a superstar. Hell, he already is one.
Moustapha Diop has as high of a ceiling as anyone I’ve seen in the 2026 class. Anyone. He isn’t close to reaching his ceiling yet, but he’s clearly ahead of the game as far as a foundational projection goes. At 6-foot-9, Diop is a long rim-protector, and he’s mobile enough to spend some time on the perimeter on both ends. He’s shown some touch on his jumper, and that part of his game should keep advancing. It’s hard to be anything but excited about Diop’s future.
Hutcherson has a chance to be one of the Peach State’s best guards/wings down the line. He’s already among the best in his class. He leaves his mark on games all over the floor. Defense, rebounding, scoring from multiple levels, Hutcherson does a lot when he’s on the court. At the Tip-Off Classic, he was consistently great for Game Elite as a leading scorer and overall do-everything player.
