As the NBA draft gets closer, and knowing the Hawks glaring need to add to the guard depth and the lack of a franchise point guard, Kingston Flemings is one of the premier guards in this upcoming class that is mentioned quite often.
Advertisement
Kingston Flemings burst onto the national scene as a freshman at Houston, transforming from a consensus four-star recruit into a Consensus Second-Team All-American and one of the most complete guard prospects in the 2026 class. The 19-year-old point guard from San Antonio delivered an outstanding debut season, leading the Cougars in scoring, assists, steals, and three-point percentage while showcasing elite athleticism, advanced feel, and two-way impact that has him firmly in the top 10 conversation.
Here is our full breakdown on Flemings pulled from film study, combine work outs and conversations around the league
Background and College Production
Flemings had a decorated high school career at William J. Brennan High School in San Antonio. As a senior he averaged 20.4 points, 6.8 assists, 6.4 rebounds and 2.9 steals per game while leading his team to a 33-3 record and a Class 6A state semifinal. He earned Gatorade Texas Player of the Year honors along with Naismith All America Third Team recognition.
Advertisement
A consensus four-star recruit ranked in the top 25 nationally, Flemings committed to Houston over several other major programs. In his freshman season of 2025 and 2026 he started all 37 games and averaged 31.7 minutes. He posted 16.1 points, 5.2 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 47.6 percent from the field, 38.7 percent from three and 84.5 percent from the free throw line.
He set Houston freshman records for points in a game with 42 against Texas Tech and for total points in a season. He earned First Team All Big 12 and Big 12 All Freshman honors along with his Consensus Second Team All American selection.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 26: Kingston Flemings #4 of the Houston Cougars dribbles the ball during the Sweet Sixteen round game of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Physical Profile and Athleticism Measurements
Flemings is listed at 6 feet, 4 inches and 190 pounds. At the combine he measured 6 feet, 2.5 inches barefoot and 183 pounds with a 6 feet, 3.5 inch wingspan and an 8 feet 2.5 inch standing reach. His athletic testing showed a 33.5 inch no step vertical and a 40.5 inch max vertical.
Advertisement
He has a quick first step and good explosiveness that help him get downhill and finish above the rim. He uses his frame well to create space and shows strong braking ability on drives.
CHICAGO, IL – MAY 12: Kingston Flemings participates during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 12, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Tamez/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Defensive Game: Real Strength on That End
Flemings brings real strength on defense backed by his size, length and physical attributes. His 1.5 steals per game reflect active hands and good instincts. With his size for a guard he can guard multiple positions and disrupt plays in the passing lanes.
He shows strong effort and competitiveness on that end and benefits from the defensive foundation he gained in Houston’s system. He also contributes on the glass with 4.1 rebounds per game. He has the grittiness that NBA teams cover on that end.
Offensive Game: Efficient Scorer Who Applies Pressure
In part to the well documented blazing first step, Flemings is an efficient and effective scorer who can get downhill and apply pressure on the defense. He finishes well at the rim with both hands using a variety of moves and has a reliable mid range pull up with soft touch.
Advertisement
He showed he can score in bunches throughout the season with multiple 20-point games and his career high 42-point outing. While his three point volume is moderate he shoots at a solid 38.7 percent clip and shows the ability to knock down open shots when playing off the ball.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 12: Kingston Flemings #4 of the Houston Cougars dunks the ball in the first half against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at Fertitta Center on November 12, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Playmaking and Vision: Strong Feel as a Floor General
Flemings shows strong feel as a floor general. He posted 5.2 assists to just 1.8 turnovers per game and reads defenses well. He operates effectively in pick and roll situations, makes sound decisions as both a scorer and facilitator and keeps the offense organized.
He delivers passes on time and to the right spot while creating easy opportunities for teammates. He handles pressure well and plays with good command of pace.
LAS VEGAS, NV – NOVEMBER 26: Houston Cougars guard Kingston Flemings (4) makes a pass during the Players Era Festival college basketball game between Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Houston Cougars on November 26, 2025 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Areas for Improvement
• Increasing three point volume while maintaining or improving efficiency to help with spacing at the next level.
Advertisement
• Refining shooting mechanics for better repeatability and consistency on pull ups and off the catch.
• Adding strength to better handle physical play and finish through contact as a lead guard.
• Further developing creation in the half court against set defenses and when facing doubles.
LAS VEGAS, NV – NOVEMBER 24: Houston Cougars guard Kingston Flemings (4) talks with Houston Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson during the Players Era Festival college basketball game between Houston Cougars vs Syracuse Orange on November 24, 2025 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
NBA Projection and Fit with Atlanta Hawks
Flemings projects as a top 10 pick with a high ceiling, with many traits found in a franchise point guard who can impact games on both ends of the floor. His floor appears to be that of a high-level rotation player or starter given his athletic tools and feel for the game. Rapid improvement during his freshman year points to good long term upside.
Advertisement
For the Atlanta Hawks he would fill a large need in shot creation, and half court attacking. He would also add pesky hands and perimeter defense to a unit that already boasts reliable defenders Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
He comes from a program led by a respected coach and seems to be a young player that is well beyond his years. He is frequently mocked to the Atlanta Hawks, and may very well be the choice when the draft arrives.
