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

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. 

Next, we look at the top wings to watch during the 25-26 season…....

Quincy Allen / Bryant / 6’8 / 205/ R-Senior: 

Bryant’s 6’8 wing Quincy Allen, a transfer from Chicago State, brings size, skill, and valuable experience to a program undergoing transition under new head coach Jamion Christian. A versatile scorer with sneaky athleticism, Allen is capable of sliding between both forward spots, giving the Bulldogs flexibility on both ends of the floor. His maturity and college experience provide him with an edge over younger opponents, while his ability to stretch the floor and create matchup problems makes him a key weapon in Bryant’s offensive attack. As the Bulldogs look to stay atop the America East, Allen’s impact as a steady, two-way presence will be critical to their success.

Nate Ament / Tennessee / 6’9 / 190 / Freshman:

Tennessee’s 6’9, 190-pound forward Nate Ament enters his freshman season as one of the top recruits in the 2025 class and a projected NBA lottery pick, drawing lofty comparisons to Rick Barnes’ former Texas star Kevin Durant. Ament is a uniquely skilled and versatile wing prospect, blending size, athleticism, and polish with the ability to knock down threes, finish creatively with either hand, score on the block, and even initiate offense as a point forward. His offensive arsenal and feel for the game make him nearly unguardable at times, and if he adjusts quickly to the physicality of the college level, it’s easy to envision him being a one-and-done talent who leaves a massive mark in Knoxville before heading to the NBA.

Darren Buchanan Jr / Rutgers/ 6’7/ 235 / R-Junior: 

Rutgers’ 6’7, 235-pound forward Darren Buchanan Jr., a transfer from George Washington, arrives in the Big Ten ready to make an immediate impact after averaging 10.6 points and 5.8 rebounds last season. A former Atlantic 10 All-Freshman team selection, Buchanan brings strength, toughness, and versatility, with the ability to defend multiple positions and thrive in both mid- and low-post situations. He’s effective at attacking the basket, creating plays for others, and using his physicality to carve out space on the glass, giving the Scarlet Knights a dependable two-way presence. With his experience and skill set, Buchanan projects as a key contributor for Rutgers in their push up the conference standings.

Robert Davis Jr / Old Dominion / 6’5 / 185 / Junior:

Old Dominion’s 6’6 junior Robert Davis Jr. enters the season as one of the Sun Belt’s premier returners and a strong candidate for Player of the Year honors. A proven scorer who averaged 15.6 points per game last season while shooting 33 percent from beyond the arc, Davis Jr. is a true three-level threat who can get buckets in a variety of ways. Beyond his scoring, he brings value as a capable defender and rebounder, giving the Monarchs a reliable presence on both ends of the floor. With his experience, versatility, and scoring prowess, Davis Jr. should be a frontrunner for All-Sun Belt recognition and a key piece in Old Dominion’s pursuit of a conference title.

Kwame Evans Jr / Oregon / 6’9/ 220 / Junior: 

Oregon’s 6’9 junior forward Kwame Evans Jr. enters the season as one of the most versatile players in the Big Ten, following a strong campaign as a key reserve for the Ducks last year. Blessed with a rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism, Evans can impact the game at virtually any position, even handling the ball in spurts at point guard while also defending and scoring in the frontcourt. His defensive impact is particularly notable—boasting a career defensive rating of 101, he uses his 7’0 wingspan and lateral quickness to disrupt opponents, guard multiple positions, and alter shots. With his multifaceted game and defensive presence, Evans projects as a cornerstone for Oregon as they look to contend in the Big Ten. 

Bryce Harris / Howard / 6’4/ 220 / Grad:

Howard’s 6’4, 220-pound forward Bryce Harris returns for his grad season looking to reclaim his place as one of the MEAC’s top players and lead the Bison back into contention. A former All-MEAC selection and the 2024-25 preseason MEAC Player of the Year, Harris was averaging 9.6 points and 6.1 rebounds before a foot injury cut his season short just seven games in. Known as a versatile, do-everything forward and one of the most decorated players in program history, Harris impacts the game with his toughness, rebounding, scoring, and all-around play. Healthy again, the Swiss army knife forward will be counted on to make up for lost time and guide Howard back to the success it enjoyed two years ago.

Blake Harper / Creighton / 6’7 / 220/ Sophomore:

Creighton’s 6’8, 220-pound wing Blake Harper arrives after a breakout freshman season at Howard, where he established himself as one of the nation’s top first-year players by averaging 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and nearly a steal per game on impressive 44/40/82 shooting splits. A crafty and versatile scorer, Harper can hurt defenses in a variety of ways—spacing the floor as a spot-up shooter, making smart reads out of pick-and-roll actions, attacking from the post, and drawing trips to the free throw line where he converts efficiently. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism also translates to the defensive end, where he has the tools to guard multiple positions, though he will face an adjustment as he transitions to a higher level of competition in the Big East. With his polished offensive game and two-way potential, Harper projects as an immediate difference-maker for the Bluejays.

Greg Jones / American / 6’6 /195 / Junior:

American’s 6’6 junior forward Greg Jones, a Patriot League All-Defensive team selection, emerged last season as a key two-way contributor for the Eagles. Jones made a significant leap offensively, tripling his scoring from 2.9 points per game as a freshman to 10.3 as a sophomore, while adding 3.9 rebounds per contest and shooting efficiently on 50/43/85 splits. Known for his defensive versatility, he already makes an impact on that end, and the next step for Jones will be expanding his playmaking ability to become a more complete, all-around force for American.

Tyler Tejada/ Towson / 6’9 / 230 / Junior: 

Towson’s 6’9 junior wing Tyler Tejada, the reigning CAA Player of the Year, returns after turning down significant NIL opportunities from power-conference programs, determined to lead the Tigers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 1990-91 season. Widely regarded as the most talented prospect in the CAA, Tejada combines size, versatility, athleticism, and a polished offensive arsenal that makes him a matchup nightmare. He averaged 16.7 points and 3.9 rebounds on 43/33/82 shooting splits last season, powering Towson to a CAA regular-season title. With his ability to impact the game as a scorer, rebounder and defender, Tejada enters the season as not only the league’s top player but also one of the most intriguing mid-major stars in the country.

Tyrell Ward / VCU/ 6’6/ 195/ Junior:

VCU’s Tyrell Ward, a 6’6, 195-pound wing, enters the season as one of the most versatile players in the A-10, bringing a well-rounded skill set that makes him a constant threat on both ends of the floor. A smooth shooter with deep range, Ward is just as dangerous spotting up as he is slashing in transition, where his speed and athleticism allow him to finish above the rim with ease. His length and activity make him an impactful rebounder, while his high-level feel for the game shows in his ability to pass with precision, using angles and timing to set up teammates in ideal scoring spots. With his blend of scoring, playmaking, and defensive versatility, Ward projects as a key difference-maker for the Rams this season.