2026 Standouts from ‘Who Wants the Smoke?’

Woodstock, Georgia- On the Radar’s ‘Who Wants the Smoke’ was the last tune up prior to an upcoming back-to-back NCAA Live Period. Back in northwest Georgi and surrounding schools, this tournament featured many of the southeast’s best travel teams. ‘Who Wants the Smoke’ gave a preview of which teams to track and prospects to follow heading into the Live Periods.

By: Jennifer Brazelton

 

2026 | Moustapha Diop | Game Elite

The 6’9″ Center, Moustapha Diop, was impressive for Game Elite against the Atlanta Celtics. Diop stands out significantly with his height, but his game is just as impressive. For a young big, Diop really understands the game and can be incredibly impactful down the road. Diop did well staying engaged on plays on both ends; offensively showing his nice touch and shot making ability and defensively was very active guarding the basket and pulling in rebounds. High level prospect that will see his recruitment take off this travel season.

 

2026 | Caleb Holt | Game Elite 

Easily ranked one of the top 5 prospects in the country, Caleb Holt is a highly sought out prospect going into the Live Period. Holt is a 6’5″ guard that can jump out the gym and make big time plays consistently. Holt stays actively engaged on plays on both ends and fills up the stat sheet with points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Very high IQ young player with an incredibly high ceiling. Expect his recruitment to take off the next two weeks.

 

2026 | Devin Hutcherson | Game Elite

The 2026 6’4″ wing, Devin Hutcherson, is going to be a player coaches talk about for the next several years. The young guard has shown exceptional promise in his game; understanding how to get to the basket quickly from inside of 15 feet. Hutcherson has a quick first step and takes minimal dribbles to make the most effective play. Hutcherson is an effective passer around the basket and with his understanding of spacing and reading his teammates, he can really put the exclamation point on finishing at the rim. Explosive dunker and a high level player that will be one to catch the eyes of college coaches.

 

2026 | Maddox Melancon | Atlanta Celtics

The 6’5″ wing, Maddox Melancon, really made a name for himself this high school season and on a solid Atlanta Celtics team, will be a highly tracked player this travel season. Melancon is an effective scorer from outside and at the mid-range. Melancon is a strong defender that can read the offense and make steals quickly with his first step towards the ball. Very athletic and bouncy guard that leaves it on the floor.

 

2026 | Kota Suttle | Atlanta Celtics

The 6′ point guard, Kota Suttle, continues to impress me with his poise and smart decision making day-in and out. Suttle is a smooth guard that makes quick and sound decisions based off the read of the defense. Can step back and hit a deep 3-pointer, or blow by defenders from the top of the key and make a crafty finish around the basket. Suttle has supreme athleticism in that he can jump out the gym. Made a big time baseline dunk that caught the eyes of the entire over the weekend. Exciting player to watch that will continue to catch the eyes of college coaches this off season.

Kota Suttle Jr. is a well-built guard with solid length and a good motor.

He has a nice burst off the dribble where he can finish in the lane but also showed the ability to make the open shot.

📌:@TheHill70 @kotasuttlejr @WheelerHoops pic.twitter.com/xtHwS32ReY

— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) August 19, 2022

2026 | KJ White | Game Elite

KJ White is another calm and poised point guard in his class that will be highly sought out with his consistent growth and maturity. White is a patient guard that fully waits for plays to develop and doesn’t force things to happen. White is smooth getting to the basket or dishing to bigs at the last available second to finish the play. Smooth jumper from deep and is confident down the stretch.

 

After serving on college coaching staffs and working at several universities in the Southeast, Jennifer Brazelton joined On the Radar Hoops as a National Evaluator in April 2022. She has been involved in the Georgia basketball community since 2015 and can be reached at JenniferRBrazelton@gmail.com or on Twitter @jenbrazeIton.