Where Michigan’s backcourt duo stacks up nationally

The 2026-27 college basketball season is still months away, but with most rosters taking shape, some of the top programs in the country are already generating serious buzz. Most teams have just a handful of roster spots remaining after hitting the transfer portal hard this offseason, and now that the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline has come and gone, much of the returning talent is locking in for another season.

With all this in mind, a handful of backcourt duos stand out as must-watch combinations. Here’s a look at the five best guard pairings as of today.

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5. Jordan Smith & Meleek Thomas – Arkansas Razorbacks

John Calipari has assembled what could become one of the most explosive backcourts in the country. Rising sophomore Meleek Thomas averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game as a freshman, shooting 43.5 percent from the field and 41.6 percent from three.

Running alongside him will be the nation’s No. 2 recruit in the 2026 class. Jordan Smith, a 6-foot-2 combo guard, consistently impacts winning — combining a 6-foot-9 wingspan with elite defense and the ability to attack the basket with force. This duo has the raw talent to rival anyone on this list.

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4. Jamarion Batemon & Killyan Toure – Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State had to completely rebuild this offseason after losing Tamin Lipsey and Milan Momcilovic to the NBA Draft. Luckily for them, the Cyclones have two elite playmakers ready to step up.

Killyan Toure was one of the elite defensive guards in the Big 12 as a first-year player, averaging 8.3 points and 3.2 rebounds on 46 percent shooting. Meanwhile, Jamarion Batemon enters next season as a high-upside scorer, averaging 6.6 points in a reserve role last season.

The duo presents real upside, and if both make a jump in the starting lineup, the Cyclones could field one of the better backcourts in their conference.

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3. Cayden Boozer & John Blackwell – Duke Blue Devils

Despite losing Cameron Boozer to…

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Publish date : 2026-05-28 18:00:00

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