July marks a pivotal stretch in the boys basketball recruiting calendar. With the AAU circuit heating up, college coaches crisscrossing the country, and top prospects making critical decisions, the month is packed with storylines that could shape the next few years of college basketball. From commitment flips to major official visits and rising stock on the grassroots scene, here are the key trends fans, analysts, and programs need to keep an eye on this July.
1. Top Prospects Making Moves
Several of the nation’s top uncommitted players are entering July with important decisions on the horizon. Five-star names like AJ Dybantsa, Koa Peat, Darryn Peterson, and Tyran Stokes continue to command the spotlight, with strong performances at events like Nike’s EYBL Peach Jam and the adidas 3SSB Finals expected to influence their final school lists.
Dybantsa, who recently reclassified to 2025, is widely considered the top player in his class and is being pursued by blue bloods like Kentucky, Duke, and UConn. His performances this month will only solidify—or shake up—his standing atop recruiting boards.
Meanwhile, Peterson is coming off a dominant spring and has drawn heavy attention from Kansas, Ohio State, and Baylor. Koa Peat, a versatile forward, has long been a top target for Arizona and Michigan State, but his recruitment could take another twist if national powerhouses make a strong push this month.
2. Flip Season Heating Up
July is also known as “flip season”—a time when previously committed players start to reassess their choices after summer showcases and coaching staff changes. A few notable names are already on flip watch, with buzz surrounding multiple four- and five-star players reconsidering their futures.
Rumors have swirled around Noah McNeeley, a Georgia Tech commit, as several SEC programs have continued to recruit him heavily. Similarly, Isaiah Evans, a Duke commit from the 2024 class, is drawing fresh attention amid speculation about possible roster shifts in Durham.
Another name to watch is Liam McNeeley, previously committed to Indiana but now trending toward Texas and Kansas. McNeeley’s elite shooting and basketball IQ make him a program-changer, and wherever he lands will be seen as a major recruiting coup.
Expect more movement as players weigh fit, NIL opportunities, and program stability during their July visits and interactions with college coaches.
3. Official Visits and Campus Buzz
July is a crucial month for official visits, especially with the NCAA calendar allowing key weekends for face-to-face interaction. High-level 2025 and 2026 prospects will take advantage of this period to explore campuses, meet coaching staffs, and evaluate where they see themselves developing.
Programs like Alabama, Arkansas, UCLA, and Miami are stacking visit weekends with elite talent. Alabama, in particular, is rolling out the red carpet for top-20 guard Jalen Haralson, while Arkansas is making a serious push for five-star big man Malik Thomas.
At the same time, rising juniors from the 2026 class—such as Caleb Holt, AJ Swinton, and Derek Dixon—are taking early visits that could lay the groundwork for major commitments down the line.
4. Grassroots Stars on the Rise
Every July, new names explode onto the recruiting scene thanks to breakout performances on the AAU circuit. This year is no different. So far, players like Trey McKenney, Mehki Wingate, and Sadiq White Jr. have been turning heads with their combination of athleticism, effort, and skill.
For many programs, July offers a chance to discover and prioritize under-the-radar talent before the competition ramps up. Expect sleeper prospects to earn high-major offers seemingly overnight after strong showings at national showcases like the NBPA Top 100 Camp and the Under Armour Next Invitational.
Final Thoughts
July is more than just a summer checkpoint—it’s a defining moment in the recruiting landscape. Between blue-chip commitments, potential flips, and the rise of new names, this month has the potential to reshape the future of college basketball. For fans and programs alike, every game, visit, and decision counts.
Stay tuned. The next breakout star or shocking commitment flip could be just a buzzer-beater away.