25-26 DMV Preseason Men's College Basketball Watchlist: Point Guard

As the 2025-26 college basketball season approaches, the DMV region is stacked with talent poised to make an impact at every position. From dynamic floor generals capable of controlling the tempo and creating for teammates, to versatile wings who can score from anywhere and lock down opponents on defense, and dominant big men who anchor their teams on both ends of the floor, this preseason watchlist highlights the players set to define the upcoming campaign. Whether returning stars building on breakout seasons or highly touted newcomers ready to make an immediate splash, these are the athletes fans, scouts, and coaches alike will be watching closely as the DMV continues to produce some of the nation’s most exciting college basketball talent. 

Lets take a look at the floor generals to watch…..

Rowan Brumbaugh / Tulane/ 6’4/ 190/ Junior:

Brumbaugh emerged for Tulane as a true floor general with three level scoring ability, playmaking vision, and an adequate rebounder during the 24-25 season, earning first team All-American Conference honors. He exceled in handling pressure, pushing tempo, and creating for others. Defensively, he uses his length, quick hands and instincts, to get into the passing lane for timely steals. Becoming more efficient scoring the field and being more consistent defensively, are the next steps for Brumbaugh to elevate his overall game. 

Brayden O’Connor/ George Mason/ 6’4/ 207/ Senior: 

Going into the 2025-26 season with a year of Atlantic 10 experience under his belt, Brayden O’Connor is primed for a breakout campaign that could see him challenge for an All-Conference selection. As the lone returning starter from a 27-win team, he’ll be entrusted with carrying a much heavier load—leading, scoring, creating for teammates, defending, and rebounding—while maintaining the winning standard that head coach Tony Skinn has established in just two seasons. If he rises to the occasion, O’Connor has the potential to emerge as not only one of the most versatile and reliable players in the Atlantic 10, but also one of the more trusted guards in all of college basketball.

Christian Jones/ George Washington/ 6’4/ 201/ R-Sophomore:

Christian Jones turned heads in his freshman campaign in the Atlantic 10, guiding George Washington after a redshirt year and quickly establishing himself as a three-level scorer, playmaker, crafty defender, and clutch performer—earning A-10 All-Rookie Team honors. His perimeter efficiency (35.1% from deep) opened the floor for the Revolutionaries’ offense, while his vision and decision-making were on display as he led the team with 89 assists and consistently finished inside. Defensively, Jones was disruptive, averaging 1.7 steals per game to rank among the league’s most effective perimeter defenders. For his sophomore leap, raising his overall field goal and free-throw efficiency, while taking even greater command in dictating tempo, will be key. If he continues his trajectory, Jones not only elevates GW into A-10 contention but also cements himself as one of the premier floor generals in the conference.

Acaden Lewis/ Villanova/ 6’2/ 180/ Freshman:

Acaden Lewis arrives at Villanova with plenty of hype and lofty expectations for a program eager to return to the top tier of the Big East. The four-star recruit is a shifty floor general with the ability to score at all three levels, while also showcasing advanced vision and passing touch. Under first-year head coach Kevin Willard, Lewis will be handed the keys to the offense and asked to learn on the job—no small task for a freshman point guard. The big questions are whether he can physically hold up defensively against older, stronger, and more athletic guards, and whether he can consistently stretch the floor with his outside shooting. If he answers those challenges with a yes, the Wildcats could become one of the most difficult matchups in the conference this season.

Malik Mack/ Georgetown/ 6’2/ 175/ Junior:

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mack replicate the level of play he flashed at Harvard now in the Big East, especially with a full season of experience under his belt learning what it takes to thrive against conference competition. He turned heads over the summer at the Global Jam in Toronto, where he averaged 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists during Georgetown’s 2-2 run. A dynamic creator off the bounce, Mack is fearless, a tough shot-maker, and has the ability to elevate those around him. If he carries that momentum into the 2025-26 campaign and continues to build on it, the Hoyas could very well be in line for their first 20+ win season since going 22-11 in 2014-15.

Chance Mallory / Virginia/ 5’10/ 186/ Freshman:

One of the top freshman floor generals in the nation, Chance Mallory arrives at Virginia with elite quickness, crafty ballhandling, high-level shooting, and advanced IQ as both a scorer and facilitator. He projects as a day-one fixture at point guard for the Cavaliers, with new head coach Ryan Odom expected to lean heavily on his ability to orchestrate the offense and make plays under pressure. Mallory’s immediate impact will be pivotal as UVA looks to reestablish itself among the top half of the ACC and return to the NCAA Tournament.

Dug McDaniel / Memphis / 5’11/ 175/ Senior: 

McDaniel, a blur at point guard, thrives by living in the paint, creating for others as a high-level playmaker, and knocking down shots consistently from beyond the arc. Defensively, his quickness, instincts, and active hands make him a capable steals defender who can disrupt opposing backcourts. With Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway aiming to build the “fastest team in the country,” McDaniel should flourish in a system perfectly suited to maximize his speed, playmaking, and disruptive energy on both ends of the floor.

Rodney Rice / Southern California/ 6’5/ 195 / Junior: 

The key for Rodney Rice to reach the next level is demonstrating he can transition efficiently from the 2 to the 1. Already a proven scorer—averaging 13.8 points per game during the 2024-25 season at Maryland—Rice is lethal off the bounce, using a diverse array of moves and polished footwork to create shots for himself and others. While he averaged a modest 2.1 assists last season, his exceptional ball control limited turnovers to just 1.1 per game, among the best in the country. If he successfully adapts to a primary guard role, USC could have a dynamic weapon capable of making significant noise this season.

Ace Valentine / UMBC / 6’3 / 190 / Junior: 

Ace Valentine is a player to watch, with the potential to emerge as one of the elite talents in the America East. He averaged 8 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.6 rebounds last season while shooting 52/33/67, showing steady improvement as a floor general. His continued physical development, combined with valuable experience running the offense, has allowed his natural talent and all-around skill set to shine. With his growth and experience now fully coming together, Valentine looks poised to have a special season at UMBC.

Dylan Williamson / Towson / 6’1/ 175/ Junior:

An All-CAA Second Team selection in 2024-25, Williamson quickly established himself as one of the top players in the conference, averaging 14.6 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game while connecting on an impressive 43.1% of his three-point attempts—ranking 12th nationally. He was a key factor in Towson’s 22-win season, including 16 conference victories and a perfect 7-0 mark in CAA games decided by five points or fewer. If Williamson can continue to improve his overall field-goal efficiency, free-throw shooting, and defensive impact, he has a strong chance to elevate to All-CAA First Team honors and help Towson take another step toward winning the conference tournament and earning an NCAA Tournament bid.