25-26 DMV Preseason Men's College Basketball Watchlist: Shooting 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. 

We continue with the shooting guards to keep an eye on during the 25-26 season…..

Trey Autry/ George Washington/ 6’4/ 200/ Junior:

George Washington junior guard Trey Autry is one of the most efficient and complete players in the Atlantic 10, showcasing a high basketball IQ and versatility that makes him invaluable to the Revolutionaries. Last season, he averaged 10.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1 steal per game on impressive 45/38/80 shooting splits, while posting a defensive rating of 103.8. Autry’s ability to score efficiently, rebound at a strong clip for his position, and defend multiple spots on the floor highlights his well-rounded impact. Just as important, he limits mistakes—averaging only 0.9 turnovers per contest—which underscores his steady and reliable style of play. With his balanced skill set and disciplined approach, Autry is poised to take another leap this season and could emerge as one of the A-10’s most consistent two-way guards.

Ryan Cornish / Southern California/ 6’5 / 173 / Grad Student: 

Southern California gains a major boost with the addition of Cornish, a highly experienced and versatile guard granted an extra year of eligibility after four seasons at Dartmouth. Limited to just 14 appearances in the 2023-24 campaign, Cornish rebounded to earn All-Ivy League First Team honors, averaging 17.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. A proven scorer who thrives both off the bounce and as a floor spacer, he is particularly effective operating out of pick-and-roll sets, where his decision-making and shot creation stand out. His versatility allows him to contribute as a point guard, shooting guard, or small forward, giving USC flexibility and a reliable, battle-tested weapon capable of impacting the game in multiple ways.

Derek Dixon / North Carolina/ 6’5/ 200/ Freshman:

Derek Dixon enters UNC as a true freshman but brings a skill set and maturity well beyond his years, making him an ideal fit for the Tar Heels’ fast-paced style. The 6’5 guard out of Gonzaga College HS boasts excellent vision and playmaking ability to complement his efficient, crafty three-level scoring. He shows great poise operating on the ball, while off the ball he excels at reading defenses and using screens to free himself for jumpers, floaters, and runners. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ allows him to thrive at either guard spot, and with his polished all-around game, Dixon is expected to make an immediate impact and could play his way into the starting lineup sooner rather than later.

Darren Harris / Duke / 6’5/ 195 / Sophomore:

After a tough freshman campaign spent adjusting to the demands of high-level college basketball, Harris enters his second year at Duke poised to flash the All-American form he displayed at Paul VI, where he was regarded as one of the nation’s top recruits. With a full offseason of development, improved strength and conditioning, and his natural size and shooting ability, Harris is positioned to take on a much larger role for the Blue Devils. His skill set makes him a potential x-factor on a young but ultra-talented roster that will be leaning heavily on returning players to provide consistency. If Harris can tap into his scoring versatility and confidence, he could emerge as a key piece in Duke’s pursuit of sustained success this season.

KJ Lewis/ Georgetown/ 6’4 / 210 / Junior:

Georgetown added a dynamic two-way guard in KJ Lewis, who brings toughness, versatility, and playmaking ability after averaging 10.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals last season at Arizona. A ferocious defender capable of guarding positions 1 through 3, Lewis pairs his defensive intensity with consistent scoring and the ability to create for others, making him effective at both guard spots. The key swing factor will be his perimeter shooting—if he can regain the efficiency he showed as a freshman when he knocked down 34 percent from three (compared to 18 percent last season), the Hoyas’ backcourt tandem of Lewis and Malik Mack has the potential to be one of the most dangerous duos in the Big East this season.

Jaeden Mustaf / Georgia Tech / 6’6 / 210/ Sophomore: 

Mustaf is a prime breakout candidate in the ACC this season after a strong freshman campaign in which he averaged 8.3 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 34 percent from three. He started 10 games and reached double figures nine times, flashing the scoring and playmaking ability that make him such a versatile threat. At 6’6, 210 pounds, Mustaf combines size, athleticism, and physicality with a savvy feel for the game, allowing him to impact both as a scorer and facilitator. With added experience and what’s expected to be a significantly larger role, he has every opportunity to emerge as one of the conference’s rising stars—and Georgia Tech’s success will largely hinge on his ability to take that next step.

Tyler Perkins / Villanova / 6’4/ 205 / Junior: 

Tyler Perkins enters the new season as one of Villanova’s key returners, bringing with him valuable experience after playing in all 36 games last year, primarily as the sixth man. He averaged 6.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals on 40/35/72 splits, flashing high-level ability in moments—most notably his 20-point, 5-rebound, 2-steal outing against Xavier—but struggled with consistency, particularly on the road where his production dipped significantly. Despite the ups and downs, Perkins showed he can be a capable shooter, productive rebounder, and improving defender, and with a much larger role awaiting him, the opportunity is there for him to blossom into a reliable go-to option. If he can find consistency and recapture the promise he showed as a freshman, Perkins has the tools to make a major leap and help anchor the Wildcats’ rotation against top-tier competition.

Martin Somerville / Florida State / 6’3 / 185 / Sophomore:

Martin Somerville enters Florida State after a stellar freshman year at UMass-Lowell, where he established himself as one of the nation’s top newcomers by earning America East Rookie of the Year and All-Freshman Team honors. The 6’3 guard showcased his efficiency and versatility by averaging 13.6 points, 3.7 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game on outstanding 42/40/82 shooting splits. Now stepping up to the ACC, his role will inevitably change and his numbers may dip, but his ability to score efficiently, facilitate, and defend makes him a potential difference-maker. If he can maintain his balance of impact and efficiency against stronger competition, Somerville could be a major x-factor for the Seminoles as they aim to reestablish themselves in the ACC under new head coach Luke Loucks.

Jordan Stiemke / Loyola-Maryland / 6’5 / 205 / Junior: 

CONSISTENCY—that’s the key separating Jordan Stiemke from cementing himself as one of the Patriot League’s elite players. The 6’5 guard is a walking highlight reel, blending explosive athleticism with size and skill that makes him a matchup problem on both ends. As a part-time starter last season, he averaged 12.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1 block per game, flashing his upside with standout performances like his 25-point, 7-rebound effort on 64 percent shooting in a win over Lehigh. While his offensive talent is undeniable, it’s his ability to bring the same energy and focus every night—particularly on the defensive end—that will determine whether he and Loyola-Maryland can elevate to the next level this season.

Masai Troutman/ George Mason / 6’5 / 200 / Senior: 

A transfer from Northeastern, Troutman brings dynamic athleticism and shot-making ability to George Mason, giving the Patriots a versatile wing who can thrive on both ends of the floor. Known as a “Skywalker” for his explosive finishing at the rim, he also provides reliable perimeter shooting, having averaged 13.5 points and 1.7 rebounds while knocking down nearly 40 percent of his threes in just 13 games last season. Now fully healthy, Troutman will be counted on to not only regain that efficiency but also expand his overall impact, particularly as a defender capable of guarding multiple positions. With George Mason aiming to stay among the A-10’s contenders despite significant roster turnover in the transfer portal/NIL era, Troutman’s ability to step up as a consistent two-way presence will be vital to their success.