The Busy Recruitment Season in Club Basketball

The busy recruitment season in club basketball is here. The two spring evaluation periods have taken place, the USAB U18 and U17 Trials have concluded, and summer teams will prepare this month for the various circuit championships taking place in July.

The stage is set for an intense recruitment season

But these days, when is it not heavy recruitment season for these prospects? There are more media and fan eyes on the recruits’ every move than ever with elite All-Star-caliber events, high-level schedules, and TV games the new normal.

The 2025, 2026, and 2027 classes are in different phases of their development and recruitment. What does that environment look like for the recruiting cycles, and who are some of the names to note?

The recruitment cycle is in full swing

After observing these classes and analyzing all of the elements for a rankings update – in particular, the U17 and U18 USA Trials – there are some concerns to address in terms of their development, projection, and preparation for the next level and beyond.

The players in these classes still need more exposure to elite competition, and there are areas for them to work on over the summer. Few seem to want to break the ice and take the lead on the court. They also do not convert from offense to defense or vice versa quickly enough; the game is one of a multitude of decisions per game, and a lot of that happens in those transitional moments. Their overall defensive habits, particularly off the ball, and their knowledge of offensive actions – cohesiveness and how to attack a switch as a unit – need improvement, but that is where the summer circuit can influence their style of play.

The summer circuit is crucial for development

We have updated and expanded the rankings for each of these classes:

2025 to the Top 100
2026 to the Super 60
2027 gets its debut of the Terrific 25

2025 Risers

The 2025 class has now expanded to the Top 100. Most important, they are all playing at the 17U level in the elite club situations in which they compete – making the playing field much more even for all. Who are the steady risers in this class and who will be next?

“The 2025 class is full of talented players, but who will rise to the top?”

Alex Eschmeyer (ESPNW No. 33) Peak to Peak Charter School (Colorado) | Colorado Hoopsters P24
Taliyah Henderson (ESPNW No. 21) Salpointe Catholic (Arizona) | Jason Kidd Select P24
Danielle Osho (ESPNW No. 34) Hebron Christian (Georgia) | FBC United UA
Kaelyn Carroll (ESPNW No. 29) Tabor Academy (Massachusetts) | Bay State Jags UA
Libby Fandel (ESPNW No. 41) Xavier HS (Iowa) | All Iowa Attack EYBL
Manuella Fernandez (ESPNW No. 64) Central Pointe Christian (Florida) | Essence EYBL
Bryn Martin (ESPNW No. 61) Springboro HS (Ohio) | WV Thunder UA
Cearah Parchment (ESPNW No. 39) Fort Erie (Canada) | B1CE UA
Lara Somfai (ESPNW No. 31) IMG Academy (Florida) | FBC United UA
Brooklyn Stewart (ESPNW No. 66) Pine Creek HS (CO) | Hardwood Elite 3SSB

2026 Emerging

This class has notable talent among its wing/small forward class. They have size and skill that make them truly versatile, proven beyond just potential now. This group will continue to develop, and some will become full-time perimeter players and some will form their game to be more effective as inside/outside players in terms of responsibility and role. Eleven of those players currently reside in the Top 25 of the ESPNW Rankings: Who’s emerged already and who are the next to rise through the rankings?

Olivia Jones (ESPNW No. 17) Long Island Lutheran (New York) | Exodus EYBL
Ashlyn Koupal (ESPNW No. 20) Wagner HS (South Dakota) | Sanford Sports P24
Emilia Krstevski (ESPNW No. 25) Sierra Canyon HS (California) | Cal Storm Team Taurasi EYBL
Arynn Finley (ESPNW No. 44) Etiwanda (California) | Cal Sparks EYBL
Shania James (ESPNW No. 42) Example Academy | Example Sports UA
KK Holman (ESPNW No. 47) Hamilton Southeastern HS (Indiana) | IGB UA

2027 Projections

These players just finished their freshman year in high school, and their evaluations are a work in progress as their grades and rankings have a bit more of a projection element than the older classes. Some are experiencing truly elite basketball for the first time as well and are learning through the ramped-up competition. This summer is a separation opportunity for them and is also a chance to refine their games before the high school season.

We have a (current) top of the class that has somewhat separated itself from the pack in and around the top five players. Who are some of the players that should emerge this summer and who’s next up in the class?