Sam Kayser

Sam Kayser

Sam Kayser is a Chicago-based basketball analyst and recruiting insider with experience at the collegiate and high school levels. He began his career at DePaul University as the head men’s basketball manager under head coach Dave Leitao, where he worked closely with future NBA players including Max Strus and Paul Reed.Since 2021, Kayser has covered high school and college basketball recruiting and currently works for League Ready, evaluating and reporting on top prospects nationwide.
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Hubert Davis is trying to change the narrative about perceived recruiting woes at UNC

Have Hubert Davis and North Carolina Turned the Corner on the Recruiting Trail?

Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis has been criticized in the past about his ability to consistently attract the nation’s top high school talent, but he's landed some talented players of late. Can he change the narrative by translating that recent recruiting success into postseason results?

By Sam Kayser
Jason Crowe Jr (Inglewood), now the No. 1 point guard in the 2026 class, puts up 48 points against Notre Dame-West Haven at the 2026 Hoophall Classic.

Scouting 13 Top High School Recruits at the Hoophall Classic

Hoops HQ's recruiting correspondent was in the stands, watching the prized talent headed to Duke, Missouri, UNC and Arkansas

By Sam Kayser
Jon Scheyer's program has landed three five-star commits, including Cameron Williams, a 6-foot-11 forward out of Phoenix

Winners and Losers on the High School Recruiting Trail

Our high school recruiting expert has the inside scoop on where college basketball's next generation of stars are headed

By Sam Kayser
Tyran Stokes (left) and Bruce Branch III (right) are making headlines in this fall's Border League

Where Will the 10 Best Uncommitted High School Prospects Will Land?

Recruiting Latest: The latest intel on the top uncommitted high school prospects including Tyran Stokes, Dylan Mingo and Jordan Smith Jr.

By Sam Kayser
7-foot-1 center Maxime Meyer is a big pickup for Duke, and lays the foundation for another top recruiting class

Recruiting Latest: Duke, Purdue, Texas Up. UCLA, Arizona Down.

The early signing period is over, and the winners and losers are clear. Recruiting expert Sam Kayser breaks down the big fish and big fumbles along the 2026 trail.

By Sam Kayser
Bill Self and Kansas earned an A recruiting grade.

Recruiting Report Card: Kansas, Mizzou Are Surging, North Carolina And Louisville Are Searching 

Hoops HQ’s midterm recruiting expert offers grades for 10 of the nation’s top programs in their efforts to sign the top players in the Class of 2026

By Sam Kayser
Twin titans Darius and Adonis Ratliff (pictured) both committed to USC this month

Recruiting Headlines: Duke Secures First Commitment, Ohio State and Kansas Maintain Momentum

As the season draws closer, programs are finalizing visits, securing commitments and setting the stage for another busy winter on the high-school recruiting trail. Here are the key recruiting moments from October.

By Sam Kayser
Syracuse lost Deron Rippey Jr. after an unsuccessful official visit

Recruiting Latest: Pitt, Tennessee and Oklahoma State Score Big Wins

Class of 2026 Recruiting Update: LSU, UConn, Texas Tech Also Making Moves

By Sam Kayser
Kansas has made a concentrated effort to scoop up No. 1 prospect Tyran Stokes (right)

Inside Recruiting: Where Will the Top High School Prospects Land?

Here’s the latest intel on where Tyran Stokes, Jordan Smith, Dylan Mingo and other top high school seniors might be headed

By Sam Kayser
Bill Self has led Kansas to one of the strongest recruiting classes in the nation, including five-star guard Taylen Kinney

Recruiting Headlines: Big Week for Kansas, Mixed Results for UConn

USC also suffered a big loss when Tahj Ariza committed to Oregon. That was one of the events of a fast-moving recruiting season.

By Sam Kayser