FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2026
Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas — With tip-off just five days away, the National Basketball League–United States (NBL-US) officially announces its highly anticipated 2026 Season 7 Preseason Awards and Championship Preview. The league begins regular season play on Saturday, February 28, 2026, ushering in what is projected to be the most competitive and talent-rich season in league history.
Season 7 represents a major step forward for the NBL-US as it continues its mission as the nation’s premier FIBA-sanctioned college and professional development league for unsigned high school, post-grad, and collegiate athletes.
🏀 2026 Preseason All NBL-US Rookie Team
The following athletes have been selected as the Preseason All-Rookie Team, recognizing the most impactful first-year players entering Season 7:
Nate Leach, Basketball Player, News, Stats – USbasket – Lake Houston Flight
Jaylon Jackson-Curvey, Basketball Player, News, Stats – USbasket – HBCU Movement
Zaire Walker, Basketball Player, News, Stats – USbasket – HBCU Movement
Mario Brown Jr. – Cypress Venom
Richard Thomas, Basketball Player, News, Stats – USbasket – Montgomery County Dragons
These rookies are expected to make immediate contributions and elevate their respective programs from opening night.
🏆 2026 Preseason All NBL-US First Team
The Preseason First Team highlights the league’s elite returning talent:
Corey Alpough, Basketball Player, News, Stats – USbasket – East Houston United
Kevin Lewis, Basketball Player, News, Stats – USbasket – East Houston United
Isaac Bunn, Basketball Player, News, Stats – USbasket – Cypress Venom
Kalil Potts, Basketball Player, News, Stats – Eurobasket– HBCU Movement
Xavier Howard, Basketball Player, News, Stats – USbasket– East Houston United
With multiple returning standouts and proven leaders, Season 7 promises high-level competition every week.
🌟 Major Preseason Award Predictions
Coach of the Year (Preseason Favorite):
Roosevelt Countee Jr. – Lake Houston Flight
Rookie of the Year (Preseason Favorite):
Nate Leach, Basketball Player, News, Stats – USbasket – Lake Houston Flight
Defensive Player of the Year (Preseason Favorite):
Elochukwu Nwodo, Basketball Player, News, Stats – USbasket – HBCU Movement
Sixth Man of the Year (Preseason Favorite):
Asante Belton, Basketball Player, News, Stats – USbasket– East Houston United
These selections reflect the league’s confidence in both emerging stars and established leaders heading into the new campaign.
🔥 2026 Championship Preview
League analysts project a highly anticipated championship matchup between:
Lake Houston Flight basketball, News, Roster, Rumors, Stats, Awards, Transactions, Details-usbasket vs East Houston United basketball, News, Roster, Rumors, Stats, Awards, Transactions, Details-usbasket
With both programs boasting depth, athleticism, and elite coaching, this potential Finals matchup would showcase two of the most balanced rosters in the NBL-US.
Preseason Championship Prediction:
🏆 East Houston United basketball, News, Roster, Rumors, Stats, Awards, Transactions, Details-usbasket
East Houston United enters the season as the preseason favorite due to their veteran leadership, dynamic backcourt, and postseason experience. And winning 4 out of the first 6 Championships.
NBL-US Commissioner Lillian Countee expressed her excitement about the upcoming season:
“Season 7 represents growth, opportunity, and elevation for the NBL-United States. Our preseason selections reflect the depth of talent across every roster in this league. From dynamic rookies like Nate Leach, Dennis Jones, Zaire Walker, Joseph Oliver, Richard Thomas, Jackson Echols, to proven leaders anchoring championship-caliber teams, the level of competition this year will be exceptional.
We are proud to provide a platform where unsigned high school athletes, post-grad players, and college graduates can develop under certified coaching while competing in a FIBA-sanctioned environment. Our mission has always been exposure, structure, and opportunity — and Season 7 will embody all three.
I am personally excited to see the energy, passion, and professionalism that each organization will bring when we tip off on February 28th. This season will not only crown a champion, but it will also produce life-changing opportunities for athletes pursuing college scholarships and international contracts.
The NBL-US continues to raise the standard, and Season 7 will be our most competitive and exciting year yet.”
About the NBL-United States
The National Basketball League–United States (NBL-US) is a premier development league providing exposure and structured competition for unsigned high school athletes (ages 16–18), post-graduate players, and college graduates. As a FIBA-aligned league, the NBL-US offers official statistics, certified coaching, professional-level competition, and international visibility.
Season 7 officially tips off Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
For schedules, team information, and league updates, visit:
🌐 usnbl.com