July stands out as the peak month for college basketball during the offseason, featuring numerous significant events, tournaments, and showcases designed for college coaches. This month is lengthy for coaches and their assistants as they travel across the country to scout the upcoming stars in the sport.
The summer evaluation period is buzzing with activities, making it essential for coaches to keep tabs on prospects. This month also sets the stage for upcoming official campus and home visits later in the fall. Numerous updates will unfold, and Hoops HQ will be covering all the developments closely.
Let’s dive into some of the key narratives emerging in July:
Can Indiana Secure a Top Prospect for 2026?
New head coach Darian DeVries has already made strides by securing a commitment from four-star point guard Prince-Alexander Moody from District Heights’ Bishop McNamara on June 27. This commitment is pivotal for Indiana, allowing them to build their 2026 class around one of the most promising playmakers. Moody has quickly gained traction among Hoosier fans and has started to recruit other top talents for Indiana.
One of these elite prospects, Jordan Smith Jr., who plays alongside Moody on Team Takeover, ranks as the third prospect in the 247Sports Composite. Indiana extended an offer in early May and is vigorously pursuing him, especially after watching Team Takeover during the live session in Memphis. Smith, hailing from Fairfax’s Paul VI Catholic, has expressed plans to visit Indiana post-summer AAU season, and it’s anticipated that Moody will influence Smith’s decision.
What’s Next for Brandon McCoy?
There has been speculation that Brandon McCoy, the second-ranked 2026 prospect in the 247Sports Composite, may reclassify to 2025 and enroll this fall. The 6-foot-4 guard from Bellflower’s St. John Bosco has not participated in summer league play this year but recently made Team USA for the FIBA U19 World Cup, indicating he might remain in the 2026 class after the tournament.
Sources suggest McCoy will rejoin Arizona Unity on the EYBL circuit this month, having previously played with them for the last two summers. His return to summer basketball could position Unity, featuring other top prospects, for a championship run at Peach Jam where college coaches and NBA scouts will be present.
Will USC Attract a Five-Star L.A. Prospect?
Five of the seven top prospects in the 2026 class are from the Los Angeles area. The question remains: can USC recruit any of them? The Trojans seem to have a good chance with Jason Crowe Jr. and Tajh Ariza. Crowe is set to announce his decision on July 18, while Ariza has been closely followed by USC’s coaching staff.
The Trojans’ involvement in Ariza’s recruitment has been consistent, and although Stokes appears less likely due to lack of offers, USC remains a competitor for Crowe and Ariza, making the local talent a prime target for Coach Eric Musselman.
Anthony Thompson Shortening His List
Five-star forward Anthony Thompson previously revealed his top 15 schools in April and is expected to narrow that list soon, coinciding with his official visit plans. Thompson, who plays at Hudson’s Western Reserve Academy, is anticipated to make a decision by late fall and has become a favored prospect for programs like Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan due to his exceptional skills.
Cameron Williams’ Rise in Recruitment
Five-star power forward Cameron Williams from Phoenix’s Saint Mary’s Catholic has seen significant growth in both his performance and rankings, securing an offer from Duke and emerging as a consensus top-20 player. He has scheduled his first official visits to Purdue and Texas while considering others, thanks to his strong defensive skills and shot-blocking abilities, positioning him as a sought-after recruit.
Updates on Miika Muurinen
Five-star forward Miika Muurinen, considered a possible reclass candidate, has decided to stay in the 2026 class, according to his high school coach. Muurinen has opted out of summer league play and previously visited Arkansas, Michigan, and Utah. His recruitment has shown momentum with multiple schools indicating strong interest, making his decision one to watch as the season progresses.