2026-27 Albany Academy College Prospects
Albany Academy, established in 1813, is an independent college preparatory school in Albany, New York. It enrolls students from preK to grade 12. The Academy was originally chartered to educate the sons of Albany’s political elite and rapidly growing merchant class. At the time, Albany was the tenth-largest city in the United States, and remained so through the 1850s due to the prominence of the Erie Canal. It currently enrolls more than 600 students. Most are day school students, but there’s boarding for up to 40 students.
Over the years, Albany Academy’s basketball program has been excellent. One of their alums, Albany finished the 2024-25 season as New York state’s top-ranked Class AA boys’ basketball team in the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). Last year, Albany switched their conference affiliation to the very high level of college prep play in the New England Preparatory Athletic Council (NEPSAC) AA Division.
One of the driving factors in the the school’s move to NEPSAC was the fact that NYSAIS voted to cancel it’s annual statewide championship tournament. Another consideration was that NEPSAC allows post graduates to compete. A college prospect’s ability to add an additional year of maturity and development as a post grad has become even more important over recent years. A third factor is that being a part of NEPSAC allows schools to have their players play in the two June Scholastic Live Period showcases every year. Those showcases each draw hundreds of college coaches into to scout for their future recruits.
Albany Academy’s head coach, Jim Driggs has assembled another college-prospect laden roster to compete with this upcoming season. It includes the following key players.
(Click on the player’s highlighted name to pull up his profile)
Antonio Farley (2027) 6’7, small forward - Farley is a skilled small forward who makes 3’s and can attack off the dribble. Had AA career high 15 points at Winchendon last year. Farley is someone with a very high IQ and great size at wing position. He has tremendous upside and will have a big impact in 26-27. Plays club ball for Valente’s Rocks.
Isaac Gonda (2027) 6’10 forward - From Toronto, CAN, Gonda is a transfer from Bella Vista Prep (AZ). He will have immediate impact for Albany Academy given his size and skill. He is both and inside and three level outside threat. Holds several D1 offers. Plays club ball with Dream Vision. High gpa.
Begad Ibrahim (2027) 6’4 guard - Ibrahim started for AAA NEPSAC South Kent last season and is transferring to Albany for this season. A native of Clifton Park, NY Ibrahim is a highly skilled big guard. Has the ability to score at all 3 levels. Can guard multiple positions. Averaged 14ppg in AAA NEPSAC last year. A very tough physical guard. Ibrahim is hearing from several D1 schools. Plays club ball with NE Revolt.
JJ Osinski (2027) 6’5 wing - Osinski is a transfer from Christian Brothers Academy, where he became the school’s all time leading scorer, and led them as their MVP to an undefeated NY State AAA championship last year. 2025-26 Times Union Player of the Year. A proven winner, he averaged 22ppg, 7 rbg. Osinski is an inside/outside threat that can score at all 3 levels. He’s an excellent rebounder and can guard all 5 positions. He is a very strong player. with a high IQ and is an excellent passer. Osinski is hearing from a bunch of D1 schools. Plays club ball with Valente’s Rocks Basketball. 3.7 gpa
Daniel Smalls (2027) 6’0 guard - A returning starter, Smalls is a very quick guard with tight handle and ability to get into lane. Excellent in open floor. High level finisher. Tough on ball defender. Smalls can play on and off the ball, excellent in pick and roll. Can guard bigger guards. Smalls is a tough competitor. Strong student. Receiving interest from NE-10, NEC, and America East programs. Plays club ball for Valente’s Rocks.
Elijah Taylor (2027) 5’10, point guard - Returning starter who played a huge role on last year’s team as a junior. Tough point guard who can really shoot it. Rebounds his position very well. Excellent pull up jumper and has great range. Had multiple double digit point games last year. Very good at running a team. High IQ. Excellent on ball defender. 3.7 GPA. He is hearing from high academic schools. Patriot League, Ivy League, NE-10. Plays AAU for Valente Rocks. 3.7 gpa
Myles Irvis (2028) 6’5, small forward - Irvis is a high motor small forward who can play inside and outside. Very athletic. Rebounds above rim. Has the ability to score with back to basket and shoot 3. Will add strength and athleticism to the lineup. Has very good upside and will make his mark on Albany’s program in 2026-27. Plays club ball with Valente Rocks 17u. 3.9 gpa
Jayden Oliver (2028) 6’0, guard - A Florida native, Oliver has big upside as a play making guard. Oliver is a good athlete and very quick with the ball. He is a good 3 point shooter who has gotten much stronger. Someone to watch in class of ‘28. College player. Strong gpa. Plays club ball with Valente’s Rocks.
Zack Palmer (2028) 6’2 guard - Palmer is a fast-improving guard who can really shoot it and has a very high IQ. Excellent passer. Palmer’s size and ability to shoot it makes him someone to keep an eye on in class of 28. College Player. Plays AAU for Valente’s Rocks. Strong gpa.
Jahmez Reaves (2028) 6’1 guard - Reaves is a proven NEPSAC player having stared at Frederick Gunn (CT) last year. 2025-26 Western New England Prep All Defensive Team. 2025-26 All Western New England Prep Honorable Mention. He averaged 11ppg, 6rpg, 4apg last year in NEPSAC. Reaves is talented team-first guard who can play on and off the ball. Excellent IQ. Can score at all 3 levels. Has good strength, which makes him tough to stop when he gets in lane. Good 3 point shooter. Versatile player on both sides of the floor. Strong student who will be recruited at the scholarship level. Receiving interest from Niagra, Manhattan, Brown and Notre Dame. Plays club ball for City Rocks EYBL. 3.6 gpa
Jack Driggs (2029) 5’10 point guard - Driggs is a high IQ (coach’s son) point guard who can run a team. Theis also a good 3 point shooter. Plays club ball with Valente’s Rocks. 4.0 gpa
Mac Louridas (2029) 6’0 guard - Louridas is a strong and athletic guard, who is developing and someone to keep an eye on. Plays club ball with Valentes Rocks
To accommodate college scout visits, Blair holds a schedule of Fall Open Gym runs, the details of which can be found here.
The team’s 2026-27 game schedule and results will be found here.