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Scout Report
When you watch Link Academy play, it's easy to get lost in the sea of blue-chip talent. But if you're watching closely, specifically for the engine driving that high-octane offense, you'll see Carlos Medlock Jr. orchestrating everything, often without needing to be the primary scorer. He’s the quiet general, making sure everyone gets to their spots and the ball keeps moving.
Background
Medlock comes out of Wayne, Michigan, a tough basketball proving ground, before making the significant leap to Link Academy, one of the premier prep programs in the country. This isn't a kid who's always been the unquestioned alpha; he's learned to navigate deep rosters and contribute alongside other top prospects like Davion Thompson and Tajh Ariza. His experience in that competitive environment, learning to be effective without constant touches, is invaluable. He’s a 2026 class member who has consistently improved his game by taking on new challenges.
Playing Style
Carlos operates with a calm maturity beyond his years, especially for a guard in the 2026 class. He runs the offense with precision, dictating tempo and making intelligent reads in the pick-and-roll; he rarely gets sped up. What he lacks in overpowering physical size at 5-11, he more than compensates for with an exceptional feel for the game and crafty ball handling that keeps defenders off balance. He probes defenses, looking for weaknesses, and often delivers pinpoint passes to cutting teammates or spot-up shooters. Defensively, he’s a pest at the point of attack, quick enough to stay in front of most guards and possessing active hands to disrupt passing lanes. He influences winning by maximizing possessions and minimizing mistakes, a hallmark of high-IQ point guards.
Strengths
His court vision is a legitimate weapon; Medlock consistently finds angles for passes that most guards don't even see, particularly in congested paint situations. He has a tight handle that allows him to navigate pressure and get to his spots on the floor, whether creating for himself or others. Offensively, he’s a master of changing pace, utilizing hesitations and crossovers to set up scoring opportunities or open up passing lanes. On defense, his quickness and competitive drive make him an excellent on-ball defender, capable of disrupting opposing guards and generating turnovers through sheer effort.
Areas to Watch
For Carlos to truly unlock his full potential, adding more consistent three-point range will be key. While he can hit open shots, developing a more reliable pull-up jumper from distance would make him even more unguardable off the dribble. Continuing to add functional strength will also help him absorb contact on drives and finish over bigger defenders, which will be crucial at the collegiate level.
Player Comparison
Carlos Medlock Jr. reminds me of a young Monte Morris, especially in his ability to control the pace and make smart decisions with the ball. Both are smaller guards who rely heavily on intelligence, superb passing, and high-percentage plays rather than flashy athleticism. Medlock shares Morris's knack for taking care of the basketball and ensuring the offense runs smoothly.
Recruitment
Medlock's early commitment to Michigan State speaks volumes about his trust in Tom Izzo and the Spartans' program, particularly as a point guard. He held a dozen D1 offers, including strong interest from other Big Ten programs like Iowa and Michigan, along with Oklahoma State. Committing early allows him to focus on development at Link Academy without the added pressure of constant recruitment. It's a significant grab for MSU, securing a true floor general who will be ready to contribute when he arrives in East Lansing.
Stat Highlight
In a competitive stretch of games this season, Medlock showcased his scoring punch by dropping 25 points against a talented opponent. This performance illustrated his ability to contribute significantly on the scoreboard when needed, not just as a facilitator, showing he can be aggressive when the situation calls for it.
Projection
At the college level, Medlock projects as a high-IQ, steady starting point guard who can run an offense efficiently and defensively frustrate opponents. His ceiling is likely a multi-year starter at Michigan State, a player who maximizes his teammates' potential. If he develops a more consistent perimeter shot and continues to add strength, he has the potential to carve out a professional career, possibly overseas or in a G-League role, primarily due to his elite feel for the game.
Updated May 29, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Michigan State
COLLEGE
Link Academy
PREP SCHOOL
MoKan Elite
AAU
Offers
12
Michigan State
Signed
Chose Michigan State over 11 other offers
Iowa
Michigan
Oklahoma StateCentral MichiganOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Social Activity
And she does it with a smile. Works hard and truly enjoys the game. Keep working @Maya_Bujak
My favorite point forward 😍 5’9 @medlocksisters 11yrs old Last week Aya’s aunt took her to a Post Player camp at Coppell High School and then she played in a tournament (13U) the next day. It was a packed weekend of hoops. #summerball #classof2030 https://t.co/yVeJRIgDcH
Sema was not in the building but 6’0 @julie_kasonga2 from @TrueTexasHoops was 💙❤️ both Sema and Julie will be BIGs coaches need to see in a Kentucky! #truefam
She’s a D1 prospect to love! On and off the court a humble and genuine girl 🇺🇸🇹🇴 congrats Kailee!