Alabama
Scout Report
When a 6-5 wing commands attention from college basketball's elite programs before his junior season even begins, scouts take notice of something truly special.
Background
Hailing from Forestville, Maryland, Qayden Samuels has developed into one of the premier prospects in the DMV area while starring at Bishop McNamara High School. The small forward has thrived in one of the nation's most competitive prep basketball environments, sharing the court with fellow elite prospects including Indiana commit Prince-Alexander Moody and rising stars Brandon Woodard and Kirby Duran. His journey through the loaded Bishop McNamara program has provided the perfect showcase for his evolving skill set against top-tier competition.
Playing Style
Samuels combines an ideal wing frame with versatility that makes him a matchup nightmare at the high school level. His 6-5 build allows him to play multiple positions effectively, creating mismatches whether he's posting up smaller guards or stretching bigger defenders to the perimeter. The small forward shows advanced court vision and basketball IQ beyond his years, making smart decisions with the ball while demonstrating the ability to score from all three levels. His defensive potential stands out as well, with the length and lateral quickness to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes consistently.
Recruitment
With 22 Division I offers from powerhouse programs including Kansas, Kentucky, Florida State, Georgia, and Maryland, Samuels has already established himself as one of the most coveted prospects in his class. His commitment to Alabama signals the Crimson Tide's belief in his ability to make an immediate impact at the SEC level. Ranked 18th nationally in the 2026 class, he projects as a potential one-and-done candidate with continued development of his outside shooting and overall consistency.
Updated Feb 17, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Alabama
COLLEGE
Bishop McNamara
PREP SCHOOL
Team Melo
AAU
Career Highlights
5⭐️ Qayden Samuels (No. 10 ESPN 💯) WENT OFF for 24 points on 56% shooting, leading Team Takeover to their 4th win in a row
Welcome to #BlueCollarBasketball Qayden Samuels!
Qayden Samuels, the No. 22 ranked player in the SC Next 100 for the Class of 2026, has committed to Alabama
Alabama has landed the commitment of five star sf Qayden Samuels from Maryland
Roll Tide #godsplan #committed
Bishop McNamara (MD) and Team Takeover (DC) 2026 guard Qayden Samuels said Alabama "just fits" his style of play
Qayden Samuels, the 22nd-ranked player in the class of 2026 has committed to Alabama men's basketball! The 6-foot-5 District Heights native is a top-10 small forward overall and the second-ranked player in Maryland!
Offers
22
Alabama
Committed
Chose Alabama over 21 other offers
Florida State
Georgia
Georgia Tech
Illinois
KansasHighlights
Social Activity
The opening act to the Super Bowl ⛹️♀️ 📊 https://shorturl.at/iafx1 📺 ACCN 📻 https://shorturl.at/k1sge https://t.co/2tGcSETrZE
🔥🔥🔥🔥 @QandaceS @GoMustang_Pride @SCNext @MaxPreps @NaismithTrophy @PGHMaryland
Qandace Samuels is a basketball star at Bishop McNamara in Washington, DC. She was recently named MVP at the famed Tournament of Champions. We asked Samuels who she models her game after. @QandaceS @BMacLadyHoops https://t.co/OPheCqbR8k