2026 Recruiting

[Bub89]

Fleming played in a MA vs. CT All-Star game with Cam Hailey last night.

[wmmmfan]

It looks like UMass is still recruiting Marcus Zelee 6’3” G originally committed to Iowa State.
https://x.com/recruitszone/status/20423 ... 38408?s=20

[69MG]

The real unknown of this year's recruiting class is Noa Zemljic. I found season highlights from 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. Yes, these are highlights so who knows. He has kind of a funky release on his 3-ball, shoulder height. Better than the waist high shot from Trey Davis, but it looks like he has a quick release. Other than that, I have no way to know how good he might be. The 2025-2026 video shows driving/slashing, then 3 point shots, then passing and finally defense. I think the other one is more general. I'll be interested if anyone has opinions on him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i5dqKn1wrA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxkGllyKNU0

[69MG]

One that got away. I saw a few of his games when he was healthy and he was the best player on the floor. I was hoping we would get him.

Springfield’s Sam Fleming to TCU
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026

Monday night, it was announced that the BABC & Wilbraham and Monson prospect Sam Fleming had committed to join the TCU Horned Frogs for the upcoming season.

[UMass1991]

A March 14 article on Helgason. I hope it's not hype, but DME is a good spot to get ready for D1 BB.

Bio
2026 Icelandic Phenom Heimir Helgason: Fluid 6'9 PF Turning Heads with Elite Versatility
Heimir Helgason, a 6'8-6'9 Icelandic power forward in the 2026 class now at DME Academy (previously Asheville School), dazzles with his rare fluidity, shot-blocking prowess, and ability to stretch the floor from deep while dominating the paint—making him a defensive anchor and skilled scorer on both ends. His team-first mentality, relentless motor, and improving handle shine through in events like NC Sophomore 40, earning recruiting buzz from colleges eyeing his international upside. No injury red flags; he's a perfect fit for modern, switchable bigs in up-tempo systems—care because he's the next hidden gem ready to explode.
Mar 14, 2026

I think he works out at my gym here in Charlotte. If so, he doesn’t look 6’9 but when you are short like me, everyone is tall. However, he is skinny!

[inthescoop]

CJ Outlaw transferred to FGCU (Florida Gulf Coast)

Osman is the only transfer that has not committed to another school yet.

Previous UMass players that have still not found a school:
Tarique Foster
Tyler Mason

[69MG]

I just ran across Noa Zemljic's highlights from 2025-2026. As you might expect, he scores a lot. Toward the end, they show his passing and defense.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=deskt ... yKNU0&ra=m

Noa Zemljić is a 6'5" Croatian shooting guard playing for KK Cedevita Junior Zagreb in the Croatian Premijer Liga and FIBA Europe Cup — one of the more promising young guards in Croatian basketball at just 20 years old. Zemljić has committed to UMass Amherst for the 2025–26 college season.

KK Cedevita Junior Zagreb | Croatian Premijer Liga + FIBA Europe Cup | Croatia
7.8 PPG | 2.2 RPG | 1.2 APG | ~19 MIN per game
53.0% 2PT | 33.3% 3PT | 80.0% FT | 34 games

A Croatian U20 international who has been developing at one of the top academies in the region, Zemljić shows real scoring instincts and shooting touch for his age — competing against senior professional competition in both domestic and European play before heading to the NCAA next season.

HIGHLIGHTS BY PLAY TYPE

0:03 Top Plays
2:13 Drives and Cuts to Basket
5:58 Shooting
8:50 Assists and Playmaking
11:13 Defense

[UMassFan99]

Looks pretty good against grown men. Granted it’s a highlight tape.

[69MG]

NERR just came out with their final 2026 New England player rankings. I don't know how good these rankings are, but I have to say I'm a little surprised and disappointed in Sylla's spot, #21. I thought he would be top 10. Not shocked by Martin being at 40.


https://newenglandrecruitingreport.com/ ... ss-of-2026

[Uminuteman]

NERR just came out with their final 2026 New England player rankings. I don't know how good these rankings are, but I have to say I'm a little surprised and disappointed in Sylla's spot, #21. I thought he would be top 10. Not shocked by Martin being at 40.


https://newenglandrecruitingreport.com/ ... ss-of-2026

When #36 and #49 are going to Kansas, how much do these ratings really count?

[bobolink]

NERR just came out with their final 2026 New England player rankings. I don't know how good these rankings are, but I have to say I'm a little surprised and disappointed in Sylla's spot, #21. I thought he would be top 10. Not shocked by Martin being at 40.

https://newenglandrecruitingreport.com/ ... ss-of-2026

When #36 and #49 are going to Kansas, how much do these ratings really count?

not sure what you mean by "really count." Of course, no recruiting ratings correlate perfectly with predicting future success, although NERR is supposed to be pretty good. Note all 10 of their top 10 are headed to P5/P6 teams. UMass getting #21 and #40 vs Kansas getting #36 and 49 is a fun fact but doesn't mean anything. I guess that's what you're saying. Coach has brought in several excellent freshman, like RJ Luis, Jaylen Curry, and Danny Carbuccia. That also doesn't seem to correlate closely with success.

[NilesGold]

NERR just came out with their final 2026 New England player rankings. I don't know how good these rankings are, but I have to say I'm a little surprised and disappointed in Sylla's spot, #21. I thought he would be top 10. Not shocked by Martin being at 40.


https://newenglandrecruitingreport.com/ ... ss-of-2026

Sylla was on the AAA All-NEPSAC team, idk, #21 seems lower than I would have expected.

Martin was not on any All-NEPSAC team, no idea why, perhaps he was injured for a while, or perhaps he just wasn't deserving.

https://assets-rst7.rschooltoday.com/rs ... ballv6.pdf

[inthescoop]

NERR just came out with their final 2026 New England player rankings. I don't know how good these rankings are, but I have to say I'm a little surprised and disappointed in Sylla's spot, #21. I thought he would be top 10. Not shocked by Martin being at 40.

https://newenglandrecruitingreport.com/ ... ss-of-2026

When #36 and #49 are going to Kansas, how much do these ratings really count?

not sure what you mean by "really count." Of course, no recruiting ratings correlate perfectly with predicting future success, although NERR is supposed to be pretty good. Note all 10 of their top 10 are headed to P5/P6 teams. UMass getting #21 and #40 vs Kansas getting #36 and 49 is a fun fact but doesn't mean anything. I guess that's what you're saying. Coach has brought in several excellent freshman, like RJ Luis, Jaylen Curry, and Danny Carbuccia. That also doesn't seem to correlate closely with success.

He's saying it's ridiculous that a 7 footer who committed to Kansas is ranked #49 below some dudes going to community college and Alcorn State.. and I agree