Meet 2026 Georgia Tech Basketball Target Jalan Wingfield

Jackson Caudell | Mar 24, 2024

Georgia Tech v Duke / Lance King/GettyImages

Who is Jalan Wingfield? A rising phenom. 

Wingfield, Atlanta native is a dominant wing that stands at 6-foot-7, and has yet to grow into his body but has already shattered a backboard! 

I'm sure as a reader you are very intrigued by the soon-to-be junior forward, but get this, Wingfield is also the son of former NBA player Dontonio Wingfield. His father was drafted by the Seattle Supersonics in the second round as the 37th overall pick in 1994. He played college ball at the University of Cincinnati under Bob Huggins. As a freshman, he broke Oscar Robertson's first-game record by scoring 30 points and 12 rebounds against Butler. His performances earned him the nickname, "Baby Shaq", only those around the Bearcat program endeared the name to him.

Fittingly, Cincinnati was the first D1 offer from Cincinnati. However, as Tech fans you could care less about Cincinnati, but to know the young man, you must understand where he comes from. As a freshman attending the South Georgia school, Thomas County Central just not too far from his father's hometown Albany GA, Wingfield averaged 14 ppg. 10 reb. and 3 steals. Sitting out his Sophomore because of transferring to South Atlanta school, Tri-Cities which is known historically for basketball excellence. It will be interesting to see if the staff at Georgia Tech makes frequent visits to see the versatile big man. 

Georgia Tech Intrest  

As of right now, the Yellowjackets have yet to pull the trigger on the 2026 prospect but they have shown interest. Upon speaking with Wingfield on Bacon Network's "Tell Your Story" feature he confirmed that he will visit the flats "soon", he said. 

When asked what teams were reciting him the hardest, he said. "GA, Georgia Tech, South Florida, South Carolina, Albany State, Cincinnati, Xavier, and Alabama."

OTE Intrest

If you've been following the high school basketball as of late you know that some of today's biggest college stars have played just at what could be the rising Mecca for high school ball, Overtime Elite. Stars such as Mikey Williams, Rob Dillingham, Tyler Bey, and Freddie Dilione. OTE has set itself apart in the preps basketball world by supplying its student-athletes with everything in-house. From school, Georgia school curriculum, to media training, to top-level coaches and skills trainers, and remote living it's the closest thing a high school kid can get to living a hybrid college / pro-level lifestyle. 

Wingfield visited OTE just before the new year arrived, in December.

On the circuit scene this summer, Wingfield will be once again representing Anthony Edwards AAU Adidas shoe team AE5. 

What Makes Wingfield So Special 

Wingfield is a product of what the game of basketball is these days. A highly skilled big man who can secure the rebound and lead a fast break to a basket or find the open man. From watching his film what really catches my eye is his footwork when lining up for a three-ball. The way he places his feet down on the court so gracefully in the same motion every time of the dribble is elite, seeing that made it no surprise to find out he shot a blistering 45 percent from three his freshman year. 

The Only Knock On His Game

The only thing analysts have said about his game is that his athleticism has not caught up with his measurables. He hasn't displayed the ability to jump out of the gym but is that a big factor? No, at least not right now, he's very skilled with the ball in his hands and if you're skilled enough, eventually it will pay the bills, believe that YellowJacket nation.

Phote Credit: Lance King/GettyImages