Alabama
Scout Report
When you've got 22 D1 programs calling and Alabama locked up your signature, the film better back up the hype.
Background
Samuels comes out of Forestville, Maryland, where he's been building his reputation at Bishop McNamara High School. The 6-5 small forward plays on one of the most loaded rosters in the country, sharing the court with Indiana commit Prince-Alexander Moody and a deep group of nationally ranked talent. That kind of competition every day in practice only sharpens your edge.
Playing Style
Samuels can flat-out score from multiple levels, and his versatility makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing coaches. He's got the size to play inside when needed but the skills to stretch defenses and create his own shot on the perimeter. The kid understands how to get buckets in different ways, which separates good players from elite ones. At 6-5, he's got the frame to add strength and become even more physical as he develops.
Recruitment
Alabama swooped in four weeks ago to land his commitment, beating out heavyweights like Kansas, Kentucky, and Florida State in the process. Being ranked 18th nationally in 2026 with that offer sheet tells you everything about his ceiling. The Crimson Tide got themselves a legitimate program-changer.
Updated Mar 16, 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