The hardwood in Washington, D.C., is set to ignite once again as the 53rd Hoop Culture Capital Classic descends upon Capital One Arena this weekend, carrying a legacy that has forged NBA legends for over half a century. This isn't just another all-star game; it's a proving ground where the next generation of basketball titans will stake their claim, reinforcing its status as a premier showcase for high school basketball talent.
Key Points to Watch
- Historic Stage: The 53rd annual Capital Classic continues its tradition as the nation's first high school basketball all-star showcase, hosted at Capital One Arena.
- Elite Prospects: Featuring top recruits like Jordan Smith Jr. (Arkansas commit) and reclassified phenom Baba Oladotun (Maryland commit).
- Doubleheader Action: The Vicki Brick-Zupancic DMV Girls All-Star Game tips off the day, followed by the highly anticipated Boys All-Star Game.
- Community First: The event actively supports the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington.
From Grassroots to Greatness: A Storied Legacy
Since its inception in 1974 by visionary promoter Bob Geoghan, the Capital Classic has stood as the benchmark for national high school all-star basketball. It quickly became the "Game That Started It All," launching careers that would define eras in the NBA and land players in the Basketball Hall of Fame. This deep-rooted history is a testament to its enduring power.
Basketball royalty has graced this very court. Icons like Moses Malone, Magic Johnson, Dominique Wilkins, Ralph Sampson, Michael Jordan, and Patrick Ewing all honed their skills here. More recently, stars such as Grant Hill, Jason Kidd, Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, J.J. Reddick, LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Klay Thompson showcased their burgeoning talent at the Capital Classic.
This Weekend's Showdown: A Double Dose of Talent
The action tips off this weekend in Washington, D.C. at Capital One Arena. Fans will first witness the Vicki Brick-Zupancic DMV Girls All-Star Game at 10:30 a.m. ET, spotlighting exceptional female talent. Immediately following, the highly anticipated Boys All-Star Game will commence at 12 p.m. ET, pitting the United States All-Stars against the formidable Capital All-Stars (DMV).
"We’re proud to once again bring the energy and tradition of the Hoop Culture Capital Classic to fans throughout the DMV," stated Friday Abernethy, General Manager of Monumental Sports Network. "This event is our commitment to celebrate and highlight our local talent and the role basketball plays in our community. We’re excited to deliver an engaging broadcast and honor the legacy of this iconic game."
Spotlight on Rising Stars: Who to Watch
This year's roster is packed with the next wave of NCAA Division I and potential NBA prospects. Two names, in particular, are generating significant buzz and are must-watch talents for fans attending or tuning in.
Jordan Smith Jr.: The Arkansas-Bound Phenom
Jordan Smith Jr. enters the Capital Classic as one of the nation's most decorated high school basketball players. The future Arkansas Razorback boasts an incredible resume, including three consecutive Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championships and four straight Virginia Independent School Athletic Association Division I titles. His senior season was nothing short of spectacular, averaging 25.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 3.0 steals per game. He was deservingly named both the 2025-26 Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year and 2026 Naismith High School Player of the Year. Currently, Smith Jr. is ranked the No. 1 player in Virginia and the No. 2 overall recruit in the country in the SC Next 100.
Baba Oladotun: Maryland's Reclassified Powerhouse
Standing at 6-foot-9 with an astounding 7’4” wingspan, Baba Oladotun is a versatile forward committed to the Maryland Terrapins. His unique blend of size and guard-like skills makes him a nightmare for opponents. Oladotun led James Hubert Blake High School to a 4A state title in his senior year, averaging an impressive 22.5 points per game. Originally ranked as the No. 1 player in ESPN's Class of 2027, he reclassified to 2026 at just 16 years old. Now, he stands as the No. 8 overall recruit in the SC Next 100 and is ranked as the No. 3 power forward nationally.
The Future is Now: Full Rosters
Get ready to witness tomorrow's stars today. Here are the complete rosters for both the Capital All-Stars and U.S. Boys All-Stars participating in the 53rd Hoop Culture Capital Classic.
2026 Capital All-Stars Roster
| Name | Height | Position | High School | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J.J. Addison | 6’5″ | SG | Wings Academy | Undecided |
| Darius Bivins | 5’10” | PG | Bishop O’Connell | Undecided |
| Lawrence Brown III | 6’0″ | PG | Paul VI | FGCU |
| Anthony Brown Jr. | 6’1″ | PG | Archbishop Carroll | Vanderbilt |
| Chase Foster | 6’7″ | PF | IMG Academy | Pittsburgh |
| Armani Fowlkes | 5’10” | PG | Blake | Undecided |
| Favour Ibe | 7’1″ | C | Mount Zion Prep | Undecided |
| Prince-Alexander Moody | 6’5″ | SG | Bishop McNamara | Indiana |
| Baba Oladotun | 6’10” | PF | Blake | Maryland |
| Shane Pendergrass | 6’8″ | PF | Mt. Zion Prep | George Mason |
| Marcis Ponder* | 6’11” | C | The Gillion Academy | Florida State |
| BJ Ranson | 6’3″ | PG | Mount Saint Joseph | St. Joseph’s |
| Qayden Samuels* | 6’5″ | SF | Bishop McNamara | Alabama |
| Jordan Smith | 6’2″ | SG | Paul VI | Arkansas |
| Adama Tambedou | 6’7″ | PF | Putnam Science Academy | Maryland |
* Player is injured and will not play in game but will participate in all events.
2026 U.S. Boys All-Stars Roster
| Name | Height | Position | High School | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julius Avent | 6’7″ | PF | Bergan Catholic | Michigan State |
| Chris Bolte | 6’7″ | SF | St. Ignatius Prep | Yale |
| Justin Caldwell | 6’9″ | PF | Fayetteville Academy | Georgetown |
| Jaen Chatman | 6’1′ | PG | Blair Academy | Rhode Island |
| Quinn Costello | 6’9″ | C | The Newman School | Michigan |
| Moustapha Diop | 6’10” | C | Overtime Elite | Georgia Tech |
| Coleman Elkins | 6’10” | C | Blair Academy | Texas |
| Anthony Felesi | 6’5″ | SF | Utah Prep | Pittsburgh |
| Ladarius Givan | 6’9″ | PF | Petersburg | Mississippi State |
| Sammy Jackson | 6’7″ | SF | Roman Catholic | VCU |
| Jack Louridas* | 6’3″ | SG | Albany Academy for Boys | Yale |
| Lucas Morillo | 6’6″ | SF | The Newman School | Illinois |
| Louis O’Keefe | 6’3″ | SG | The Newman School | Princeton |
| Gavin Placide | 6’9″ | PF | Family Faith Academy | Wake Forest |
* Player is injured and will not play in game but will participate in all events.
Beyond the Buzzer: Making a Community Impact
The Capital Classic is more than just a showcase of raw athletic talent; it's a testament to giving back. This year, the Girls All-Star Game proudly supports the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, while the Boys All-Star Game champions the vital work of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. Through its dedicated Capital Classic Youth Foundation, the event actively works to expand access and opportunities for young athletes, proving its commitment to building futures both on and off the court.
Don't Miss the Action!
Catch all the thrilling action from the Capital Classic live! You can stream the games on monumentalsportsnetwork.com and through the Monumental+ app. Additionally, exciting highlights from the entire event will be available across NBA digital and social channels via Future Starts Now platforms. Don't miss your chance to see the next generation of NBA stars!
