Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding
performers in high school basketball. The tradition continued to close
out the 2025-26 season by naming the top player in each state.
Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in
addition to local and state accolades.
Colben Landrew of
Wheeler (Marietta) is the 2025-26 MaxPreps Georgia High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-6 senior guard led the Wildcats to a 27-6 record and their second consecutive state championship.
For the season, Landrew averaged 24.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 54.1 percent from the field and 80.3 percent from the free throw line.
Colben Landrew was one of five players announced as finalists for MaxPreps National Player of the Year earlier this month. (PHOTO: Darin Sicurello)
In a 62-52 victory over Pebblebrook (Mableton) in the Class 6A title game, Landrew piled up 29 points and 12 rebounds while shooting 10 of 14 from the field.
Landrew transferred to Wheeler after his sophomore season at Thompson (Alabaster, Ala.), where he was a two-sport athlete playing football and basketball. He hauled in 28 receptions for 568 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore before switching to basketball full-time.
Regarded as the No. 24 prospect in the Class of 2026 according to 247Sports, Landrew signed with Connecticut over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Indiana, Louisville, Purdue, Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech among others.
Each
state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in
the MaxPreps All-America Team, which is scheduled to be released in
April. Past selections include 2026 NBA All-Stars Karl Anthony-Towns
(2014), Scottie Barnes (2020), Devin Booker (2014), Jaylen Brown (2015),
Jalen Brunson (2014, 2015), Cade Cunningham (2019, 2020), Kevin Durant
(2006), Jalen Duren (2021), Anthony Edwards (2019), De'Aaron Fox (2016),
Chet Holmgren (2020, 2021), Brandon Ingram (2015), Jalen Johnson
(2019), Tyrese Maxey (2019) and Norman Powell (2011).
Past MaxPreps Georgia Players of the Year
2019-20 – Deivon Smith, Grayson (Loganville)
2020-21 – Jabari Smith, Sandy Creek (Tyrone)
2021-22 – Bruce Thornton, Milton
2022-23 – Isaiah Collier, Wheeler (Marietta)
2023-24 – Ace Bailey, McEachern (Powder Springs)
2024-25 – Caleb Wilson, Holy Innocents Episcopal (Atlanta)
