Millennium's Adan Diggs named National Sophomore Basketball Player of the Year

The Goodyear high school guard is the second Arizona player in as many years to earn MaxPreps' top underclassman honor.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:22pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a high school basketball player in motion, with their figure broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy, red, and gold, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.A national honor for a rising Arizona basketball star reflects the state's growing reputation for developing elite high school talent.Phoenix Today

Adan Diggs, a sophomore guard at Goodyear Millennium High School, has been named the MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year. Diggs, who is ranked as the No. 1 player in the 2028 class by Rivals, averaged 22 points per game this past season and led Millennium to the Open Division state semifinals. This marks the second consecutive year an Arizona high school player has earned MaxPreps' top underclassman award, following Mesa's Kyi Kyi Miles being named National Freshman of the Year in 2025.

Why it matters

Arizona has continued to emerge as a hotbed for top high school basketball talent, with players like Diggs and others earning national recognition. Diggs' award highlights the state's ability to develop elite prospects and the growing reputation of Arizona's high school basketball programs on the national stage.

The details

Diggs, a 6-foot-5 guard, transferred to Millennium High School from Williams Field last summer and immediately made an impact, leading the Tigers to the Open Division state semifinals. He dropped 33 points on powerhouse Phoenix St. Mary's in that semifinal game before St. Mary's advanced on a buzzer-beater. Millennium coach Rich Thornton praised Diggs' work ethic, noting he is often the first one in the gym in the morning and the last one to leave at night.

  • Diggs was named MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year on April 9, 2026.
  • Last year, Mesa's Kyi Kyi Miles was named MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year out of the 2028 class.

The players

Adan Diggs

A 6-foot-5 sophomore guard at Goodyear Millennium High School who was named the MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year. Diggs is ranked as the No. 1 player in the 2028 class by Rivals and averaged 22 points per game this past season.

Rich Thornton

The head coach of the Goodyear Millennium High School basketball team, who praised Diggs' work ethic and talent, saying 'He's what it looks like' in terms of an elite prospect.

Kyi Kyi Miles

A player from Mesa, Arizona who was named the MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year out of the 2028 class last year, the first Arizona player to earn that honor.

Darius Wabbington

A big man from Phoenix Sunnyslope High School who was named to the MaxPreps All-Junior National team first team.

Cameron Williams

A senior from Phoenix St. Mary's High School who was named second-team All-American by MaxPreps and was a finalist for the Gatorade National Player of the Year award.

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What they’re saying

“I tell anybody who ever asks me about him, he is what it looks like. That's what they look like.”

— Rich Thornton, Millennium High School Head Coach

“He's different. He's uber-talented, and he's got the attributes that go with it. He's got the size and length and athleticism, and, most importantly, the work ethic. There's a reason why he's the best player in his class.”

— Rich Thornton, Millennium High School Head Coach

What’s next

Diggs has the option to reclassify up to the 2027 class, which his coach believes he would be more than ready for if he chooses to do so.

The takeaway

Adan Diggs' national recognition as the MaxPreps Sophomore of the Year further cements Arizona's status as a hotbed for elite high school basketball talent, with the state producing top prospects like Diggs who are earning national accolades.