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Scout Report
In an era increasingly defined by positionless basketball, the pure scorer still holds immense value, especially one who understands how to operate within an offense. Julius Price brings that coveted scoring punch, a guard who can light it up from deep or get his own at critical moments. He's not just a shooter; he's a highly intelligent offensive threat who plays the game with a seasoned approach beyond his years.
Background
Hailing from Santa Maria, California, Julius Price has quietly built a reputation as a high-level offensive talent. His roots in a smaller coastal community mean he's had to seek out competition, often finding it through a dedicated AAU circuit and playing up. His time at St. Joseph High School has been transformative, where he consistently plays alongside some of the nation's premier prospects, including top-ranked 2025 wing Tounde Yessoufou and budding 2028 guard Aidan Carter. This environment has forced him to adapt, learn to contribute without dominating the ball, and maximize his touches against quality opposition, shaping him into a more complete player.
Playing Style
Price operates primarily as a shooting guard, a true three-level scorer at 6-2. His offensive game is predicated on efficiency and smart decision-making, rarely forcing the issue. He excels moving off the ball, using screens effectively to create separation, and has a quick release that makes him dangerous on catch-and-shoot opportunities. When he does put the ball on the deck, he demonstrates good control and can navigate traffic for pull-up jumpers or crafty finishes around the rim. He understands defensive rotations and finds soft spots in the zone, or exploits mismatches in man coverage. Defensively, he puts in the effort, staying engaged and active in passing lanes, and showing a willingness to fight through screens to contest shots. He’s not a primary playmaker, but he makes the correct read with the ball, keeping the offense flowing.
Strengths
His jumper is undeniably his biggest weapon, featuring smooth mechanics and consistent range well beyond the college arc. Price is a legitimate three-point threat who forces defenses to extend, opening up driving lanes for himself and his teammates. Beyond shooting, his basketball IQ is a significant asset; he understands spacing, timing, and how to pick his spots effectively. He’s a smart cutter, moving without the ball to create easy scoring chances or reposition for an open look. His effort on defense, particularly in containment and staying disciplined, gives him value on both ends.
Areas to Watch
To reach his full potential, Price needs to continue developing his strength and explosiveness, particularly when finishing through contact at the rim. While a capable ball-handler, expanding his repertoire against high-level on-ball pressure will unlock more opportunities to create his own shot or facilitate for others. Consistent defensive impact against quicker, bigger guards will also be a key area for growth as he transitions to the collegiate game.
Player Comparison
Price's game reminds me a lot of a college player like Bryce Alford during his time at UCLA. Like Alford, Price is a savvy, undersized scoring guard who excels at shooting the ball with range and can get buckets in a variety of ways. He's got that same knack for finding open spots on the floor and playing within the flow of the offense while still being able to heat up quickly and carry the scoring load for stretches.
Recruitment
Julius Price, ranked #110 nationally in the 2026 class, made his commitment to Stanford, a significant win for the Cardinal. His list of 11 D1 offers was robust, featuring programs like Michigan, Cincinnati, Washington, and Minnesota, all of whom saw his potential as a high-major scorer. His decision to commit early to Stanford speaks to his academic focus and the appeal of their system. Expect him to sign his NLI during the early period in 2025, firmly cementing his place on the Farm.
Projection
At the collegiate level, Price projects as an immediate floor spacer and a reliable scoring option for Stanford. His ability to shoot and play off the ball should earn him minutes early, potentially growing into a starting role by his sophomore or junior year. His pro trajectory will depend heavily on physical development and expanding his offensive creation and defensive versatility, but he certainly has the skill and intelligence to carve out a long and productive college career.
Updated Jun 12, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Stanford
COLLEGE
St. Joseph
PREP SCHOOL
Offers
11
Stanford
Committed
Chose Stanford over 10 other offers
UC Santa Barbara
Minnesota
Washington State
Cincinnati
MichiganOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Social Activity
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Show lineup this morning on this busy sports weekend! @1430ESPN at First String Sports from 10-12. - lots of 🏀 talk, recaps - @trevhorn predicting basketball playoff divisions and seedings - @SJ_Hoops coach Tom Mott - McLane basketball coach Mitchell Davis-Chachere https://t.co/WBcws92U8M
California CIF State Boys Basketball Top 25 rankings, Feb. 6 http://ow.ly/C3Xm106ucZI
Final. St Joseph 85- San Luis Obispo 36. Malcolm Price 30pts. Julius Price 14pts. Abdoul Bare 10pts. Knights finish the regular season 27-2.