Ahead of the Curve 2026: ACC Guards, Part Two
Jam is back to wrap up the ACC guards you should be monitoring as risers and sleepers this cycle.
Welcome back to the Ahead of the Curve series as we close out the ACC guards! This series is designed to identify prospects by conference who evaluators, decision-makers, and fans should be tracking as potential risers and sleepers this cycle.
As a reminder: To qualify, I’m focusing on those who are projected to be second round picks and undrafted free agents (UDFA) to begin the 2026-2027 season. I’ll make the pitch for each prospect, accompanied by three questions to monitor. Let’s get started with a guard who’s no stranger to the ACC.
Naithan George | Senior | 6’3” | 185 pounds | Pittsburgh
2025-2026 Stats: 10.9 PPG, 3 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.5 SPG in 32 MPG (32 G)
2025-2026 Shooting Splits: 40.5/29.3/83.3
The Pitch
After finishing first (6.5 APG) and fourth in the ACC in assists (5.4 APG) over the past two seasons, Naithan George has solidified himself amongst the premier playmakers and facilitators in the conference. He gets it done by being a connective passer featuring swings, skips, and hit-aheads, but is at his best operating ball screens where he can play in the pocket, throw lobs, and make live dribble reads.
George isn’t just looking to facilitate out of the pick-and-roll. It’s also where he’s the most comfortable getting to his scoring spots from, particularly the mid-range pull-up (via Synergy 57.7 FG% on 52 off-the-dribble jumper attempts). George’s repeatable mechanics, midrange shotmaking, and 83.3% free-throw mark are all encouraging touch indicators for a much-needed shooting leap (29.3% three-point shooter on 3.8 3PA last season).
