Hello, 2026: Texas-based guard Alex Barther III creating buzz
Alex Barther III is already becoming a known commodity in his home state of Texas. The 6-foot-4 sophomore turned some heads on the grassroots circuit and landed early offers from schools such as Mississippi State, TCU, SMU and Arizona State.
There could be plenty more in store for the 2026 guard, however, as his game is rapidly developing at a young age. Rivals recently sat down with Barther to discuss his game and the early stages of his recruitment.
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2024 Rankings: Rivals150 | Team | Position
2025 Rankings: Top 130
2026 Rankings: Top 65
Transfer Portal: Latest news | Portal player ranking/transfer tracker (hoops) | Portal player ranking/transfer tracker (football)
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2024 Rankings: Rivals150 | Team | Position
2025 Rankings: Top 130
2026 Rankings: Top 65
Transfer Portal: Latest news | Portal player ranking/transfer tracker (hoops) | Portal player ranking/transfer tracker (football)
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IN HIS OWN WORDS
ON UNOFFICIAL VISITS:
“I took an unofficial to TCU. I liked it. I really liked the atmosphere there on campus.”
ON TCU:
“I work out up there a lot, so I got to talk to coaches and stuff while I'm there. I’ve gotten to know the coaches a little already.”
ON IF HE GREW UP A TCU FAN IN FORT WORTH:
“Not really. I didn’t really start watching them a lot or being a fan of them until last year. I’m not going to lie to you, but I like them now.”
ON WHICH SCHOOL HE CHEERED FOR:
“I grew up rooting for Texas, actually.”
ON OTHER VISITS HE’D LIKE TO TAKE:
“I want to visit UT if they get involved. Hopefully, they offer me soon and we can go from there.”
ON HIS GAME:
“I’m starting to transition into a shooting guard. I’m working on my shot and getting my confidence shooting it from deep up. That’s been my focus. I’m getting better at putting the ball on the floor. I'm improving my handle because I am getting to the point where I need to handle the ball.”
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RIVALS' REACTION
It feels as though Barther could be one good year away from a national breakout, as the 6-foot-5 sophomore could come into his own at the two guard spot as a sophomore. He plays his high school ball at Fort Worth’s Eastern Hills High School and runs with Southern Assault on the adidas 3SSB circuit, so he certainly won’t hurt for exposure.
It seems as though he’s developing a skill set that will complement his impressive frame, as he continually flashed at the recent Wootten150 Camp in Las Vegas. Barther is definitely a name to know in the class of 2026, as his short list of major offers will almost certainly grow from here.