In Atlanta for session II, we focused much of our time on the younger age groups (16U and 15U), but since the younger groups were playing at a different location in Indy, we focused on the 17U division. We take a look at 10 players (primarily 17U) who are making strides on the court, which should pay off on the recruiting front in the weeks and months to come.

Heading into session IV next weekend (May 24-27) in Kansas City, Florida-based Nightrydas Elite is first place in the Merritt Conference while DMV-based Team Takeover and NorCal-based Oakland Soldiers are tied for first place in the Raveling Conference. All three teams sport 9-1 records.

Let's take a look at 10 players making strides in their game and helping their recruitment based on their play at Nike EYBL Session III in?Indianapolis:

2025

Silas Barksdale, Boo Williams 17U/Woodside (Newport News, Va.) 6-9 PF
This no non-sense performer does his job and doesn't worry a lot about the fanfare of the cameras and it's paying great dividends. Barksdale moves well without the ball in pick and roll situations and has a solid face up game.

C.J. Ingram II, Florida Rebels 17U/Hawthorne (Fla.) 6-5 SF
Grid-Hoop stud was his usual active self and played with an extra pop for the Steve Reece-coached team that is currently tied for second place behind the Nightrydas in the Merritt Division. Ingram attacks the rim with a vengeance and his skill is underrated considering the fact he quarterbacks Hawthorne's football team and spends time away from the game. He led both programs to FHSAA Class 1A state titles and is a key cog for a top-flight travel club program.

Jasper Johnson, Team Thad 17U/Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) 6-4 SG
He's a top 10 national recruit, but Johnson just adds something to his game each time we evaluate him. The smooth lefty was attacking the paint and finishing with soft touch around the basket. There is just plenty to like about his overall ability.?

Brandon Lee, NY Rens 17U/The Patrick School (Elizabeth, N.J.) 6-5 SG
He was terrific in Indianapolis and draws high praise from his travel ball coaches for his character and approach to the game. Lee has a nice pull up mid-range shot, drives hard to the rack and makes energy plays that helps his team win, as well. Lee is also a quality free throw shooter and defender. His offer count will go way up as the EYBL rolls along.?

Nyk Lewis, Team Takeover 17U/Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) 6-1 PG
He was recently named an Underclass All-American, so it's not like Lewis isn't productive. He's physically prepared for the rigors of high level ball, steady and unflappable and one of the main reasons why Team Takeover is in position to challenge for its fourth Peach Jam title since the EYBL was formed in 2010. Lewis gets into the lane and makes the correct reads and is the type of guard colleges utilizes to make a deep NCAA Tourney run.

Ahziel "JoJo" McIver, Drive Nation 17U/Ellison (Killeen, Texas) 6-2 PG
Terrific mid-major prospect who could push to the next level if he keeps showing like he did in Indy. McIver has a nice perimeter game and does well beating defenders to the inside from either wing. McIver also has quick hands on defense and gets out in front of plays. Simply put, he's a winner.

Antonio Munoz, Meanstreets 17U/Whitney Young (Chicago) 6-6 SF
This athletic small forward can change the dynamics of a game with a spectacular finish around the rim. He cuts well and is a line-drive attacker who is a load to stop once he gets downhill. Munoz plays hard on both ends and is tracking to improve the level of his scholarship offers based on what we saw in Indianapolis.?

Tae Simmons, Why Not 17U/Heritage Christian (Northridge, Calif.) 6-6 PF
This rugged forward may be a bit undersized for the high major level, but boy does he do things that help college coaches win and keep their job. He's relentless attacking the glass or going after an offensive rebound put back and doesn't need the ball of offense to make an impact. Many D1 colleges in Simmons' SoCal backyard should be all over him with an offer. ?

Dallas Washington, AZ Unity 17U/Santa Margarita (Calif.) 6-9 PF
He's found a nice niche on a team loaded with individual talent and is tracking upward. Washington also played on a talented high school team that was up and down in 2023-24, and his level of consistency wasn't where it needed to be. This spring, however, he's starting to put together a string of performances that have turned the heads of colleges coaches at the mid-major and high-major level. Washington is rebounding hard and finding his comfort zone on offense. ? ?

2026

Imahri Wooten, City Rocks NY 17U/Putnam Science Academy (Putnam, Ct.) 6-5 SG
His explosiveness jumps out right away and Wooten has a versatile offensive package. Wooten's game is maturing and he can keep defenders honest with his outside shooting. In fact, he reportedly went 6-of-7 from 3-point range in one contest and in another game we evaluated, he dominated with an array of offensive moves. The way he's tracking, Wooten should be a serious McDonald's All-American candidate in 18 months.

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at?[email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter:?@RonMFlores

The post Indy NIKE EYBL: Making Strides! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

As far as the travel ball clubs on the 17U circuit go, there is only one 6-0 team in the Merritt Division and that's California-based Why Not 17U. Coached by Reggie Morris Jr., Why Not upped its record heading into the EYBL's Live Period Session III in Indianapolis (May 17-19) with a 71-66 comeback victory over Strive For Greatness 17U in an all-California Sunday showdown. The star of the game was 6-foot-5 2025 wing Tounde Yessoufou, who had the most energy of all 10 players on both ends of the floor, hit a variety of shots and made some big defensive plays en route to a 26-point performance. He made 9-of-10 field goals and 7-of-8 free throws vs. Strive and is unofficially tied for first in 17U scoring with 6-foot-6 2025 wing Xzavion Mitchell of Wisconsin-based Team Herro at 25.5 ppg.

Team Herro is one of three 6-0 teams in the Raveling Division, along with New England-based Expressions Elite and DMV-based Team Takeover.

For now, let's take a look at the top underclass performers and eye-catchers at Nike EYBL Session II:

2026

Austin Brown, JL3 Elite/Lufkin (Texas) 6-8 SF
This hard-nosed forward moves well without the ball and excels even though sometimes JL3 plays at a fast-pacedthat doesn't always suit Brown's best attributes. In the half court game, or a tight spot, this team knows who to get the ball to because Brown knows how to move without the ball and is such a terrific shooter. Brown was knocking down the 3-ball with regularity and is especially excellent off the catch.

Josiah Cannady, Team Durant 16U/St. Francis Academy (Baltimore, Md.) 6-3 PG
We loved his speed with the basketball and play-making ability.

Christian Collins, Why Not 16U/Westchester (Los Angeles) 6-8 SF
This wiry athlete played second fiddle on his previous high school team at St. Bernard (Playa Del Rey, Calif.) to a talented graduating senior and Why Not 17s friend Tajh Ariza, who will join him at Westchester. From a national perspective, however, was his breakout event. We've known he was a high-major prospect for over a year and a half now, but he's added more coordination and maturity to his game, and is now hitting deep perimeter shots with ease. The son of 2002 McDonald's All-American DeAngelo Collins, Christian one game where he canned three consecutive 3-pointers and caught the attention of national scouts and even a few NBA brass.

Kendre Harrison, Team CP3 16U/Reidsville (N.C.) 6-7 PF
Former NBA player Austin Rivers made headlines earlier this week when he talked about NBA players' abilities to play in the NFL. We've been closely following the nation's top Grid-Hoopers for close to 40 years and even though his assessment was a bit off, there are still plenty of two-sport athletes that play high level basketball that could make a NFL roster. Harrison helped Reidsville to a 29-0 record and North Carolina Class 2A state crown and No. 39 Final FAB 50 ranking a few months after leading the football team to a state title in the same division. Harrison is the nation's top tight end prospect in his class, but boy, he's awfully fun to watch on the hardwood. Not only does he tear down the rim, he does everything with good timing and has great hands as one could imagine.

Andrew Hilman, Oakland Soldiers 16U/Riordan (San Francisco, Calif.) 6-4 SG
The game is starting to slow down for this slashing wing player who was often the best player on a talent-laden Riordan team where multiple bench players have legit D1 offers. Hilman is a strider who can get in the lane with ease and loves to spin off defenders. He has good instincts and loves to jump lanes for easy run-out buckets. There may be some more naturally talented, but few played every possession as hard as this humble kid.

Jordan Hunter, Team Takeover 16U/Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) 6-3 SG
An under control shooter with range and discipline. Hunter knows what a good shot is and where he wants to get in the half court setting.

Dylan Mingo, PSA Cardinals 16U/Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, N.Y.) 6-4 PG
Repeatedly came up with strong drives to the basket and his talent level stands out. A well known player who is in store for a big summer.

Jordan Smith, Team Takeover 17U/Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.) 6-4 SG
Playing up, Smith was one of the standouts of the weekend, as Team Takeover remains unbeaten in EYBL play. He is the team's catalyst with his motor, physicality and skill. In fact, his combination of those three attributes might have been the best we saw in Atlanta. Smith is a ferocious on-ball defender and did a terrific job on The Family's Darius Acuff Jr. in a key win. Smith also has solid play-making skills to create and loves to take it down the middle for strong finishes or a monster flush.

Jahda Swann, New Heights Lightning 16U/Jefferson (Brooklyn, N.Y.) 6-4
A sleeper who has plenty of long-term potential. Swann is just coming into his own and we liked what we saw with his outside shooting and sleek frame. Swann can knock down the corner shot, moves his feet well on defense, and is creative off the dribble. He's under the radar, but his teammate Oesoemana Sacko (6-8, 2026) might be the best 2026 prospect in NYC at St. Francis Prep (Queens, N.Y.).

Cameron Williams, Vegas Elite 16U/St. Mary's (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-10 PF
He may not dominate today, but boy, the potential is off the charts. Williams can face up and score and when the skill level and strength meet on the frame he possesses, he's going to be a legit NBA prospect. After last weekend, keen NBA scouts know who Williams is.

Clyde Walters, Nightrydas Elite 16U/Pinson Valley (Ala.) 6-7 SF
His team had an abundance of talent, but we wanted to point out his good feel on the basketball court. Walters has alot in his offensive bag with the ball.

2027

Brock Bass-Browner, Georgia Stars 15U/North Cobb Christian (Kennesaw, Ga.) 6-7 PF
Athletic forward who knows what he is. Excels at finishing off off pick and rolls and has solid touch as a lefty big.

Anderson Diaz, NY Rens 15U/St. Raymond (Bronx, N.Y.) 6-1 PG
Of all the 15U games we evaluated, Diaz might have had the best burst with the ball from a stop-start position. His first step is great, but Diaz also seemed under control when we watched. Likes to get in the key with the ability to do it, then make a quick dish to either side for a quality shot.

Amir Dockery, New Heights Lightning 15U/Eagle Academy (Brooklyn, N.Y.) 6-0 PG
A throwback NYC point guard with all the trimmings and fixings on his plate: keeps the dribble alive with a crafty handle, gets through tight spaces, can split double teams and fishing with a strong lay-up package. Freshman starter for his high school team that captured the PSAL, title while he was named the Public League's freshman of the year.

Cole Holden, Why Not 15U/Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) 6-2 CG
This club was unbeaten until its last game on Sunday and it's easy to see why when you look of the makeup of the roster. The team uses teamwork and good ball-movement to punish foes and Holden is one of the ring-leaders. He and Why Not teammate Pierce Thompson (6-2, 2027) played JayVee for the CIF Open Division champions and it's easy to see how practicing against those experienced players is helping him on the 15U level. Holden is a confident ball-handler and once the game slows down for him, he's going to be a terrific contributor for one of the best high school programs on the West Coast. On this team, he has plenty of weapons around him and is learning when to attack and when to get them involved.

Jeremy Jenkins, FL Rebels 15U/Riviera Prep (Miami, Fla.) 6-7 PF
His strength and skill at his age (turned 15 last month) stand out right away. He's physical and can handle the rigors of big-time ball. Already considered one of the nation's best prospects in the 2027 class. Jenkins' front court mate Jonathan Watts (6-8, 2027) also moves well and challenges shots at the rim.

Dooney Johnson, Team Herro 15U/Juneau (Milwaukee, Wis.) 6-4 PG
We love the name and the game even more, as Johnson is one of the best 2027 prospects in the Midwest Region. He gets downhill in a hurry and can change direction well with the handle.

Gabriel Nesmith, Nightrydas Elite 15U/Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 6-6 SG
You will be hard-pressed to find a better performance by a 15U player than the one we saw from Nesmith on Saturday afternoon. It was only one game and we can't wait to evaluate Nesmith more, but within the first 10 seconds of watching him we knew what kind of talent he was and what level he'll eventually be recruited it. He hit a mid-court crossover and covered tons of ground to get in attack position in that time frame and his fluid body movements, approach and confidence stood out right away. Nesmith has the length you look for in a high-major wing and can shoot the deep ball out to 25 feet with ease. The mechanics and rhythm look great, too. Don't be surprised if he challenges for a top 3 spot in the 2027 class in the final rankings that matter at the end four years from now.

Marquis Newson, Team Final 15U/Sanford School (Hockessin, Del.) 6-3 SG
A team with an ubundance of individual talent that we liked, Newson is a high-level athlete who can get downhill with plenty of horizontal pop. He's a prototypical wing prospect with a high skill level that high majors will track down the line.

Babatunde Oladotun, Team Durant 15U/ Blake (Silver Spring, Md.) 6-8 SF
Oozing with potential and talent, some well-known evaluators peg this lanky wing as the top prospect in the 2027 class. He wasn't our production-based National Freshman of the Year, but we understand the sentiments of placing him at the top. There is still a long ways to go, but Oladotun obviously has the size and measurables to be a terrific and dominant high school player. At this level, he can dominate with array of shot-making skills, step backs and length. He needs to work on getting in a stance and taking the positive space in front of him, instead of relying on the negative space that he can have at any time against lesser talents.

Zaiyir Phillips, Team United 15U/Hunter Huss (Gastonia, N.C.) 5-10 PG
This lefty just keeps attacking until he gets to his spot on the floor. It's refreshing to see his skill level combined with his desire to make winning plays. Phillips is deft at the straight away jumper and shoots a high percentage off the catch. Phillips has the qualities coaches love in their young guards.

Delton Prescott, AZ Unity 15U/Sunnyslope (Phoenix, Ariz.) 6-0 PG
This quarterback helped a terrific high school team in the winter as a ninth-grader and is a leader on one of the best 15U teams in the country. Prescott is beyond his years when it comes to understanding and seeing a play ahead. He's also a terrific passer in various situations.

Clarence Rosser Jr., Team United 15U/Northern Nash (Rocky Mount, N.C.) 6-9 PF
He is the type of player that stands out right away with his length and size, but Rosser has already developed a nice array of skill. Rosser makes nice high post passes and has some patience in his attack. He can shoot the deep ball with confidence and his potential is off the charts. Once he learns how to take space and cover ground with the dribble, watch out as he'll be a Top 20 type prospect when it's all said and done. His front court teammate Charles Pur (6-9, 2027) is one to watch as well.

Jymin Veney, Tea Melo 15U/Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) 6-3 SG
We love it when young players can get their feet under them on offense and stay in control off the dribble and Veney can do just that. He can play the lead or off the ball and is a terrific shooter, with a nice array of pull-ups. Keep an eye on him down the line.

2028

Adan Diggs, AZ Unity 15U/Arizona 6-4 SG
The state of Arizona is has an abundance of quality young players and Diggs is right up there as the best of the lot. He has terrific size and frame for his position, and moves well with our without the basketball. Diggs' athleticism is also high-major and he's a shot-maker with plenty of confidence. With natural progression, he'll be on the recruiting list of Blue Bloods in the future.

Jakyi Miles, Oakland Soldiers 15U/Arizona 6-3 CG
When one talks about scoring, some just had that innate feel and instinct for it and “KyiKyi” is one of the best. In fact, as a rising ninth-grader he's one of the best we've seen come down the pike in a long time. Last season he played on AZ Compass Prep's high school team and was probably good enough to play on the EYBL Scholastic team. He dropped 35 points in a game vs. Babatunde Oladotun and Team Durant and was terrific in the game prior that we also had a chance to evaluate. Miles had great ability to get by defenders while covering ground, can shake them with meaningful dribbles and already possesses a smooth pull-up game from mid-range that most elite high school players would kill to have in their arsenal. Sprinting into a pull-up is not easy and Miles already has that in his tool box. Watch out for Miles on the elite high school level.

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at?[email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter:?@RonMFlores

The post ATL NIKE EYBL: Youth Is Served! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Southern Assault

The 17U didn’t have an ideal showing, going 1-3 last weekend but the silver lining was the play from 2025 D.J. Hall. A player that I have received numerous calls from, from various collegiate levels. Hall averaged 14.7 ppg and 7.2 rpg a game and Hall just showed his versatility offensively. A burly built forward standing at about 6'6-6'7, Hall is a skilled 4-man that can dribble, pass and shoot. Most of his damage is in the post, using advanced footwork, a large frame and plus length to generate space to score. An adequate mid-range shooter, high level passer from 15 feet in and as the games went on, he rebounded and started igniting breaks.

Players like him can be a challenge to evaluate. What is the right level for Hall? He doesn’t play above the rim and I do wish he was a little bit taller, but his feel and skill allows him to be very productive and players like him have been successful at the D1 level. I’ve said it in the past about other guys and I’ll say it again...He’s someone that, regardless if it's low, mid or high major D1, the program that values what he is and utilizes him right will get a stud.

16U

The 2026 group went 2-2 and two players stood out to me. Big man Davion Adkins and guard/wing Alex Barther. Adkins has freakish athleticism. Skies for blocks and dunks and one play, he snatched a shot with two hands and hit his head on the backboard. His effort, athleticism and touch with his hook shots, Adkins has emerged as a top 30-40 player in the country and can jump to 5-Star status at some point in his high school career. I think there’s a lot more to unlock from a face-up and overall skill facet as well.

Barther led the team in scoring as he shot it well in spot-ups from three, rebounded well due to 95 percent of his basketball career, he's played the post. Also liked when games got tight, he posted up smaller defenders and used height advantage. Another player that’s on the national scenes in the 2026 class.

Team Trae Young

The 17U group probably want to forget Omaha, but most importantly learn from what didn’t work. They went 0-4. I did think Jaylen Lawal showed he’s a no brainer D1 player and will garner a couple offers throughout the spring/summer. Four-star guard Carlsheon Young can score it in bunches. A very talented player that just didn’t get in a rhythm offensively that I'm accustomed to him being in. Damario Adams is a 6’7 wing-forward that holds an assortment of skills. An intriguing prospect that during the live periods, if Adams can string together a couple high level games, can see his stock skyrocket. Tough weekend for them but they’ll clean up the main areas of concern especially with lack of ball movement and questionable shot selection and I expect them to be better going forward.

16U

The 2026 squad ended with an even record of 2-2. Bryce Dixon is a wing prospect that exudes toughness. Gets to the rim on drives, rebounds in traffic, fights for the loose ball and improving his perimeter game. Defensively, Dixon takes charges, does a good job keeping the ball-handler in front and uses strength to push out taller guys that try to post him up. I think he has a good IQ for the game, and once his skill matches that and the motor, he’ll see himself in a different tier than he’s at currently.

The other prospect that stood out to me was Brandon Malone. A 6’6-6’7 forward that ran the floor hard, made trail threes and finished at the rim. His ability to stretch the floor allows him to mix it up and attack the rim from the top of the key because the defender is closing out harder on him. One to keep tabs of.

ASAK Elite

The 2025 group went 2-2 on the weekend. 2026 Bo Ogden played up and was very good. Shot it well from deep and I like that he can get his feet set quickly on the move and launch. His motor and effort to secure offensive rebounds or just keep the play alive stood out to me. A no-brainer top 75 level prospect nationally in my opinion and you can argue higher. 2025 Aiden Disu has a lot of potential. The first game in ASAK’s win vs MASS Rivals, he collected 16 points and 11 rebounds. A sturdy built wing that can score inside and out and guard multiple positions when locked in on that end. Rising senior Uzziyah Bunton was very solid as well. Managed the games well and scored when the opportunities were present. Sometimes his production goes beyond what the box-score stats say.

16U

This team also probably wants to forget Omaha as well. They were winless in the first session. Second half scoring droughts hurt them in close battles.

2026 Billy White is about 6’7 and shoots the cover off the ball. His size and confidence as a shooter allows him to make tough shots. A very dependable perimeter threat that doesn’t need much time to get his shot off. Will rise in the national top 150 before his high school career is over.

Silas Rodriguez was productive. Shot it well from three, can make shots off the dribble and uses angles very well when finishing vs traffic. Silas' feel for the game is a plus and as an off ball mover, he puts himself in advantageous opportunities to score the ball. One trait I do think about Silas that can go unnoticed is he has an edge about him that allows him to make his presence known in games.

One Time Legends

I didn’t get to evaluate their 16U club but I will at the next stop I’m at. The 2025 group went 2-2 and I liked how the team played together. Unsigned senior Jakeel Registe was good. Averaged 16 ppg and his blend of athleticism and shot creation stood out. He utilized jab steps to keep defenders honest before he launched and when he was near the rim, Registe finished with dunks but also showed off his hang-time and finished well around translatable length and size. The talent is there, he’s a D1 level prospect and the next 30-35 days will be big for him.

2025 Dasean Brodie has always intrigued me. A lefty with a good basketball frame, makes shots from deep and has a solid feel for rebounding the basketball. One to keep tabs throughout the summer and see where his recruitment goes.

The post 3SSB Omaha: Notebook, Part II appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Kaden Magwood Helped Himself 

Known mainly for his scoring prowess, 2025 guard Kaden Magwood displayed his playmaking for Team Loaded VA. He finds the open man because he generates a lot of gravity from the defense. He was finding shooters on drives and making shots off the bounce, even when he didn’t have much space to get it off. One of the top players from the weekend, as he averaged 25 ppg, 4 rpg and 3.5 apg.?

Darryn Peterson Showing Why He’s a 5 Star

Phenom United finished the Omaha session with a 3-1 record. A large part was due to ‘25 PG Darryn Peterson. He averaged 23.7 pppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.3 apg and 3.0 spg. Peterson impacts the game on both ends. At about 6’5 and a legit point guard, Peterson utilized his combo of strength and burst off the bounce to get to the rim. He rebounds and attacks in transition and is also an adequate perimeter shooter. He’s always had a strong frame, but it seems Peterson added more muscle to his build and he’s generating space off of contact easier.?

Best Underclassman Performer: Caleb Holt 

A premier prospect in 2026, Caleb Holt for Game Elite has shown growth in his game. Last time I saw him was at the City of Palms Classic in December and he showed more comfort with the ball in his hands. This past weekend in Omaha, it seems as if the game is slowing down for him when he’s the lead guard.?

Holt's pace was good, he didn’t force many shots. He is a willing passer but he also knew when to turn on the gears and collect a bucket. Holt plays with a lot of power and he generates adequate lift on his pull-ups and finishes at the rim. Finished the weekend session averaging 24.5 ppg, 6 rpg and 2 apg.?

The Versatility of Koa Peat 

Versatility is key when it comes to basketball. For guards, wings, post, no matter the position, it makes no difference and Koa Peat is one who provides a lot of versatility offensively. Standing at about 6’8 with a large frame, Peat can handle the ball under pressure, operate in the mid-post or post for a bucket, can pass out of double teams,? rebounds out of his area and ignite breaks after securing a board.

I saw all that on display at the 1st Session of 3SSB as he led the Compton Magic to a 3-1 record and averaged 18.8 ppg, 7 rpg, and 2 apg. ?

Moreno, Mullins Combo Propels Indiana Elite To a Spotless Record 

Indiana Elite won all four games in Omaha as they were clicking on all cylinders. Good ball movement, 3- point shot making with a formidable interior presence.?

‘25 Malachi Moreno was the interior presence. The 6’11 big man ran the floor well and showed good touch around the rim. He has real upside as a shooter down the road, and altered shots defensively.?

For the shooting, ‘25 Braylon Mullins shot the cover off the ball. He has a quick trigger on his jumper, and is a versatile shooter that made shots off the bounce, move and spot up situations. Capped off the weekend averaging 20 ppg, 3 rpg and 2 apg.

2027 Ryan Hampton Checks A Lot of Boxes

Ryan, the younger brother of NBA player RJ Hampton, suited up for Game Elite on the 15U level and he showed why, albeit it being early, that he’s within the top tier of 2027 players in the country. Standing at about 6’6, Ryan Hampton has a smooth shooting stroke from deep off the catch and thrives in transition as an attacker to the rim. He averaged 23 ppg and 8 rpg. ?

There's still plenty of room for growth, but Hampton's scoring prowess, combined with his length and emerging vertical pop, allows himself to be a difference maker on the court.?

Player Notables 

2025 

Moustapha Thiam, 7’1 C - SE Elite: Big man’s that’s mobile and has a nice touch around the rim. Also saw range with his shooting. Mobility mixed with shooting upside and rim protecting was on display.?

Mikel Brown, 6’3 PG - Team Loaded NC: Very skilled guard that we’ve seen grow not only in skill but height and athleticism during his time in high school. Perimeter shooting, has a high passer feel and because his range extends beyond the 3-point line, it gives his teammates more room to operate on the court.?

Joson Sanon, 6’5 Guard - BABC: A big-time shot maker that showed shiftiness off the bounce. Clean pull-up game from three and the mid-range area. Was in attack mode offensively and defenses had to put their best perimeter defender on him. Averaged 21 ppg and 5.8 rpg.?

2026 

Gabe Weis, 6’6 SF/PF - Wildcat Select: Size, skill and IQ standout when watching Weis play. Dependable perimeter shooter that attacked closeouts well. Also liked his control when he had the size advantage inside. Holds adequate footwork and uses his body well to generate space before he launches. 

Brandon Bass Jr., 6’3 Guard - SE Elite: Really showed his scoring prowess this past weekend. Thought he did a good job as a secondary ballhandler and attacking closeouts from the wing when the ball was swung to him. Showed why he’s on the high end of prospects in 2026.?

The post 3SSB Omaha: Notebook, Part I appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

RELATED: 5 Things Young Players Must Do

Everybody is going back to school in the next three weeks and this is an exciting time for students. Kids want to show off their new outfits, catch up with friends and meet new ones. For young athletes entering high school who play ball, there are dreams of making the varsity team and, of course, getting playing time. For some, the dream of hitting a game-wining shot or impressing a friend they like is something they want to turn into reality right now, not tomorrow. For some, that doesn’t happen right away or sometimes, it never does. Occasionally some players don’t physically grow much after junior high, others develop bad habits that don't improve their weaknesses while some become more interested in other activities and things. In some instances, players become disenchanted with the game and eventually stop developing or even worse, stop playing.

We’ve seen it happen.

So we wanted to share five main points any player can incorporate into their game or lifestyle that will help with development and grow their love of the game because it hurts when someone stops developing or doesn’t get on the court nearly as much as expected.

Communicate Effectively
You have to learn how to speak to your coaches and parents. Sometimes kids dread the car ride home because their parents critique or point out all the things that went wrong. The game is supposed to be fun and it won’t be if that happens after every practice or game. Learn how to speak up and tell your parent(s) that you’d like to talk about something else. Bring up something you’ve been meaning to say. Telling them how much you appreciate what they do for you will help. It cost plenty of time and money to pursue basketball and many times parents feel the stress of that and can take it out on their kid without even knowing it. You have to learn how to initiate and take charge in a conversation. It will also help you on the court and make the game more fun. Same thing applies with your high school coach, someone you might be playing for, for the first time. Know what his or her expectations are for the team and for yourself; if you don’t know what those are, ask. Ask coach what he wants his young players to focus improvement on. Perhaps it’s physical conditioning or maybe it's your weak hand. If he or she gives you that task, make sure to work on it and follow up. Don’t forget to turn in all your physicals and paperwork, bring your equipment and the things you need for practice each day. Hit your deadlines. Coaches don’t want to baby sit or keep reminding ninth graders and first year players.

Seek Reps
To get better and see the court early, you simply need more court time than the allotted time your new high school has for practice. Juniors and seniors are likely physically stronger than you even if the skill level is similar. You'll need the proper rest, but you need to work on some aspect of the game every day. Sometimes when you need a physical rest, it’s good to watch YouTube videos of a player whose game is similar to yours or a player you inspire to play like. Ask your coach, an older family member who knows something about the game, or a scout about a player from the past who has something you can incorporate into your game. Not everyone is going to be able to shoot like Steph Curry or jump from the foul line like Air Jordan. Dreaming and practicing those type of shots is okay, but incorporating more realistic aspects of your game will help you get better faster and see the court earlier. Gym time is precious at high school nowadays, so you need to quickly find out is there an open gym time or a time when you can come into the gym outside of a formal practice setting. If there is, take advantage! If coach tells you to work on your ball-handling, then do it. If coach says you need to get stronger, you need to get into a simple workout regimen that works best for your age group and ability.

Don’t Waste Time
Money can be replaced; time can’t. Don’t wait for coach our a loved one to tell you what to do, take charge of your time. There is never a dull moment when it comes to basketball. Maybe your team has an older coach who’s been around the game a long time. Seek him out and learn something. If you go to a camp, learn who people are, don’t wait for your parent(s) or your travel ball coach to introduce you to them. If you introduce yourself, they will be impressed and want to help you. Be prepared to go when practice starts, don't be the last to do things or be last in line. Don’t do drills 60 percent speed. Do them game speed every time and do them that way even when no coaches are watching. One of the most important things you can do is to learn to practice efficiently and not waste time dribbling the ball all over the place. If you’re working on shooting off the catch, then specifically work on that. If you are working on post moves, then focus on that, don’t get distracted by dribbling or making HORSE type shots. Focus. The late Kobe Bryant was legendary for not wasting time while practicing or warming up. We saw it first hand in his preparation for the 2008 Olympics and it was impressive to say the least how much he accomplished in 15-20 minutes by not being distracted by other players or what was going on around him. The faster you learn to value time, the more you can accomplish and the better player you will become.

Play in Different Environments
For those of us who were lucky enough to grow up with a court in our backyard or by a court that was always open, was such a blessing. To be able to play whenever you want and dream of making the big shot or pretending to be LeBron James is part of our makeup that is important and can never be taken away. With that being said, it’s also a comfortable environment. You feel comfortable and the shots seem to go down at a high rate. Have you ever tried shots you normally make in your backyard on another, unfamiliar court that don’t seem to go down? It’s because it’s uncomfortable and in order to get better and develop to the maximum of your potential you have to get uncomfortable. You have to learn how to play on various courts, in different places and in various conditions. You have to learn how to play half court basketball, in open runs versus more athletic players and with older players who are more physical and call less fouls. The older players you play with, the more you’ll realize they rely less on athleticism and more on moving with a purpose and using their mental ability as much as their physical ability. The more you can incorporate that into your game at a young age, the quicker you’ll improve. You have to learn how to relax and focus on fundamentals in a road environment. Good players do well in home games. Great players thrive on the road.

Play With Purpose & Passion
When you are real young, it’s usually a parent or older family member that will determine how much you play, but at some point there will be a reckoning. There will be that important moment where you will ask yourself, “how much do I want this? Do I really want this? Do I want to be a great player?” You can still enjoy the game, but those that love it and play with a passion will likely pass you up and play longer. On a past episode of our "In The Paint” Podcast, we talked with former all-NBA star Marques Johnson about a college teammate who was talented, but only did the basic and minimums to remain on the team and play in the league. It’s quite telling. On the flip side, we know a young NBA player whose mom wanted to throw him a party for his tenth birthday. Can you guess what he wanted to do for his tenth birthday? He wanted her to set up a basketball tournament! He loved the game and it’s one of the reasons why he eventually made the NBA. If you play with a purpose and the game has real meaning to you, it will help you when times get tough or you meet your physical ceiling. It will also help you find your purpose in the game, whether that be to get in coaching, or pursue another off-court job. Young talented players often like the game when it comes easy or thrive when they know they are better than most of their opponents. That situation can rapidly change once you get to high school and how much you play with a purpose or passion will reveal your response to adversity. Will you want to quit or will you work harder if and when that moment comes?

We spoke to a high level high school basketball coach from the South Region whose team has been recently FAB 50 ranked to get his take on what keeps young players from seeing the court early in their high school career:

“Two things ninth graders need to work on, in my book, would definitely be their physical conditioning and learning how to compete and play hard at all times. Too many times talented ninth graders can coast because they are more talented than their age group and then get to our level and struggle. Biggest two mistakes I see being made is attention to the defensive side of the ball and terrible shot selection."

Ronnie Flores is the National Grassroots Editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at?[email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter:?@RonMFlores

The post Varsity Blues: Get Early PT! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

With elite young prospects such as A.J. Dybantsa, Jerry Easter, Marcus Johnson, and Latrell Almond all enhancing their top-25 reputations after strong showings at T3TV events, the opportunity is certainly there to gain some notoriety. Each team had to win at least five games to take home the crown, and there were a number of prospects who you will certainly be hearing from down the road (both in high school basketball and recruiting circles) who put on a show.

Here are some of the top performers from the 2023 T3TV Battle Royale:

Maceo Bronston, 6’8, PF/C, Nati Elite, 2027
While his team didn’t have quite as much success as they hoped for, Branston certainly proved to be one of the highest upside players that T3TV had to offer. The agile big man was great running the floor, had no problem defending the perimeter in short stretches, and was outstanding as a rim protector. Once you toss in the intriguing touch that he has facing the rack and the fact that he doesn’t appear to be done growing, you see why he’s one of the sleepers in Ohio’s ‘27 class.

John Johnson, 6’4, SG, Swish Parker Elite, 2027
If you were to track scoring for the 2027 group, I find it hard to believe that anyone dropped more buckets than Johnson in the eighth grade division. The super smooth wing initiated the offense at times, played with a constant level of aggression, and was a creative finisher at the rack. Johnson has the potential to be next in line from Canton, OH, which has produced the likes of C.J. McCollum, Kosta Koufos, top 5 2025 Darryn Peterson, and more.

Gabe Pridemore, 6’1, PG, Midwest Basketball Club, 2027
A player that I was not familiar with going into the event, Pridemore showed why he’s already created a bit of a buzz in his home state of Kentucky. He played the game with exceptional poise, was super crafty, and shot the lights out from deep. Already having played varsity as an eighth grader for Russell HS, Pridemore is a definite rising freshman to watch in the Bluegrass State.

Tre Parham, 5’10, PG, The Family, 2027
One of the most productive guards of the rising freshman division, Parham filled up the stat sheet in every game that we saw at T3TV. Parham continually put pressure on the defense any time that he had the rock, shot the ball well from the perimeter, and threw defenders off with his change of speed. Based on his level of play in Cincinnati, he appears to be one of the more interesting lead guards that Michigan has to offer for the class of 2027.

Cameron Wagner, 6’9, C, Mac Irvin Fire, 2027
The biggest player that we saw throughout the weekend was certainly Wagner from the Mac Irvin Fire. Not just a big body, Wagner carved out great position on the block, showed off nice touch around the rack, and rebounded the ball well positionally. The lefty is also apparently a really nice baseball prospect as a pitcher, so he will undoubtedly be fine whichever route he opts to follow.

Dallas Stewart, 5’9, PG, BNU, 2029
Already having established a name throughout his class, Stewart completely controlled the tempo of the game throughout the weekend in BNU’s undefeated championship run in the younger brackets. The lefty consistently had his head on a swivel, played the game with extreme confidence, and used his sturdy frame to finish through contact anytime that he got to the rack. Ballislife was there with no shortage of film on Stewart’s dominant performance.

The post T3TV Battle Royale: Top Performers! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Holding a circuit for their own programs and events in more than a dozen states, the RecruitLook Hoops Denver Showcase brought teams from countless shoe circuits along with the RecruitLook Circuit squads. This collection of teams brought no less than 50 D-1 prospects to the Gold Crown Fieldhouse in Denver, making it an outstanding evaluation opportunity for a wide range of talent. D1 Minnesota dominated the event, with the adidas 3SSB power’s four teams combining for a 15-1 record, but there were plenty of others who stood out.

Here are a few of the top performers from the RecruitLook Denver Showcase:

Isaac Asuma, 6’3, PG, D1 Minnesota 17U, 2024
While there are certainly players who are going to put up bigger numbers, many of the biggest impacts that Asuma has on the game don’t turn up in the stat sheet. Asuma is a proven winner who uses his sturdy frame to defend multiple spots, has vastly improved as a distributor, and certainly leads by example with his play on the floor. Asuma has made continual improvement since bursting onto the scene after getting considerable time on varsity as a middle schooler, and has already popped to stay home to play for the in-state Minnesota Gophers.

J.J. Sullivan, 6’2, PG/SG, D1 Minnesota 16U, 2025
While there were bigger guards and more athletic guards at the 16U level, Sullivan may have had the most productive weekend of anyone at the sophomore level at RecruitLook. The lefty is an absolute lights out shooter who can convert both with his feet set and on the move. Not just a shooter, Sullivan is a crafty scorer who really utilizes footwork and change of pace to score with limited dribbles. The son of former Iowa State All Big 12 selection Jake Sullivan, both the lineage and his game are trending in the right direction for J.J.

Tyrin Jones, 6’7, SG/SF, Team Kongo 17U, 2025
One of the most interesting long term prospects in the event, Jones is a name that you may not have heard of yet, but undoubtedly will in the future. Having hit a ridiculous growth spurt over the past 18 months, Jones still has the guard skills that he had as a 6-footer despite now approaching 6-foot-8. The freakishly long wing showed off a great first step.

Jaeden Udean, 6’1, PG, D1 Minnesota 15U, 2027
Considered by many to be the top freshman in Minnesota, Udean has been showing that he can produce at a high level versus older competition for quite some time now. Scoring 13 points per game on varsity for a strong Columbia Heights HS (Minn.) squad as an eighth grader, the lefty was able to develop poise well beyond his years. Udean is outstanding creating separation to get his shot off, continuously keeps pressure on the defense as a scoring threat, and did a lot more as a distributor running with D1 than I saw at the high school level.

Kade Cook, 6’8, SF, NBDA 17U, 2024
One of the most versatile players of the event, Cook legitimately played all five positions at one time or another for NBDA. The Gretna, Neb. product was an outstanding facilitator no matter where he was on the hardwood, posted smaller defenders, and used his strong frame to finish through contact. Owning a number of smaller school offers, Cook is the type of positionless player that D-1 coaches love to have the flexibility to work with in today’s game.

Brayson Boike, 6’6, SF, D1 Minnesota 16U, 2025
Coming from a town of just over 1,000 people, Boike is a name that is new in recruiting circles, but he has certainly shown that he can hold his own with the finest in the Midwest. The well built 6-foot-6 wing finished through contact, showed a really nice pull-up, and has the toughness to defend bigger guys in the paint when needed. With it being Boike’s first year playing on the Adidas 3SSB circuit, there has certainly been an adjustment period, but the overall talent that he brings to the table is quite apparent.

Aiden Wanrow, 6’7, SF/PF, Rocky Mountain Select 17U, 2027
A guy who has quite a bit of buzz around him in the state of Colorado, Wanrow played with various Rocky Mountain Select teams throughout the weekend at RecruitLook, showing off his vast skill set. Preferring to play facing the rack, Wanrow showed that he’s a suitable ball handler who is capable of initiating the offense at times, despite often being the tallest player on the court for his team. When matched up against players his own age, Wanrow was able to utilize his size to convert in the paint against fellow eighth graders and has shown why he already has a buzz surrounding him despite not having entered high school.

The post RecruitLook Hoops Denver Showcase: Top Performers! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

One of the elite Prep Hoops Circuit events in terms of talent, the Battle At The Lakes brought some of the best independent teams from the Midwest along with a number of shoe sponsored teams who wanted to compete outside of their respective circuits. It provided a great opportunity to see some familiar faces, but more importantly, a better opportunity to find some new ones.

Here are some of the standouts from the Prep Hoops Battle At The Lakes:

Bradey Henige, 6’11, C, D1 Nation AZ 17U, 2024
In terms of sheer dominating statistical performances, Henige stole the show at Battle At The Lakes with his video game-esque 48-point, 22-rebound outing in the tourney’s opening night. The powerful lefty set massive screens, played well above the rim on both ends of the floor, and had no problem punishing the rim with countless dunks. Having run with AZ Unity in the EYBL, Henige has no shortage of experience playing elite competition and that was clearly evident over the weekend.

Lamont Hamilton Jr., 5’11, PG, Wisconsin Elite 17U, 2026
An unexpected addition to the event, Hamilton Jr. took the weekend off from his usual KL Power Five to get some run playing up two years with Wisconsin Elite. The lefty from Racine has downright blazing quickness, is fearless finishing through contact in the paint, and is a gifted natural scorer. Hamilton already owns D1 offers and is easily one of the most fiery players in the state of Wisconsin.

Andrew Jensen, 6’9, PF, All Wisconsin Platinum 15U, 2026
As far as long term potential is concerned, Jensen was right there amongst players with the highest ceiling at Prep Hoops. The lanky forward is elite running the floor, showed the ability to shoot the ball from beyond the three point arc, and has the agility to contain defensively in switching situations. Blending athleticism, skill, and a high level of productivity, Jensen is pushing for a spot as the top big man in Wisconsin’s 2026 class.

Jeremiah Sem, 6’4, SG, Sanford Sports 17U, 2024
In terms of single game performances at Battle At The Lakes, Sem had one of the very best, going 7-of-7 from 3-point range and hitting the game winner on Sunday against Minnesota Fury. Sem is a long armed guard who can defend multiple positions, is explosive attacking the rack via straight line drives, and is becoming an increasingly deadly 3-point shooter. One of the most exciting players in the Dakotas, Sem has already firmly established himself as a priority for a number of schools within the region.

Chase Thompson, 6’8, PF, D1 Minnesota 16U, 2025
With his entire squad playing up at the 17U level for the event, Thompson showed that he could hold it down against older competition and still produce at a high rate. He is a downright effortless shooter from beyond the 3-point arc, is really nice shooting on the move, and has shown improved athleticism from the high school season. Already standing every bit of 6-foot-8, he is the younger brother of 7-foot Treyton Thompson and doesn’t appear to be done growing anytime soon.

Tyler Forrest, 6’1, PG, Team Tyus 14U, 2027
With his entire Team Tyus squad playing up at the 15U level, Forrest showed that he’s already prepared to run the show against older competition. He scored double digits on varsity for Chaska as an eighth grader this past season, showing poise and maturity running a team dissimilar to most his age. Forrest is already outstanding in pick and roll play (both as a scorer and facilitator), can make high level passes to teammates in scoring positions, and has established himself as one of the best 2027 lead guards in the Midwest.

Kyle Jorgensen, 6’9, C, Minnesota Comets Elite 17U, 2024
One of the most unique players in the Midwest, Jorgensen is Minnesota’s high school version of Nikola Jokic. Matched up against Bradey Henige, he showed his ability to playmake from the center position, shoot the ball from beyond the arc (3 3PT), and utilize his body to create separation to get his shot off against more athletic defenders. The Minneapolis Washburn big man’s combination of perimeter skill, productivity, and ability to create for others have solidified his position as a D-1 prospect.

The post Battle At The Lakes: Top Performers! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Held in conjecture with ESPN National Recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi, the Rock The Rock brought many of the top teams from Carolina and beyond under one roof at the Rock Hill Sports and Event Center. There was no shortage of hostility between a number of the teams due to local rivalries, games were crazy competitive, and the talent level was ideal for an independent event.

Here are some of the standouts from the 2023 Big Shots Rock The Rock:

Sadiq White, 6’8, SF/PF, Team United 16U, 2025
One of the most versatile players in the class of 2025 on the defensive end, White defended all five positions at spurts at Rock The Rock. The lefty from Myers Park HS is fresh off a state title, was an explosive straight line driver, and was an absolute monster in transition. A top 25 player in the rising junior class, White will have his choice of virtually any school in the country to play his college hoops.

Chris Washington Jr., 6’8, SF, Tre Mann Elite 15U, 2026
As far as long term potential is concerned, Washington Jr. is right there with the best in the freshman class. The lanky swingman is creative off the dribble, has insane 3-point range, and has the versatility to play countless positions. The freshman already holds numerous D1 offers and is following Tre Mann’s footsteps as next in line at The Villages School in Florida.

Zymicah Wilkins, 6’8, PF, Team United 16U, 2025
In terms of production, there aren’t many better in the class of 2025 than Wilkins. While it may not be in the flashiest way, the burly power forward punishes defenders via absorbing contact for finishes, controlling the glass on both ends, and used his length to impact the game. Often compared to fellow North Carolina native Montrezl Harrell, Wilkins has the likes of Texas A & M, Mississippi State, and countless others actively pursuing him.

Gevonte Ware, 6’8, PF, 1 of 1 Rare 17U, 2025
After controlling the interior for 1 of 1 Prep during the high school season, Ware turned down playing for countless shoe programs to stay with 1 of 1 for the travel bell season as well. The powerful big was an example of consistency in 1 of 1’s undefeated weekend at Big Shots, blending a ridiculous high level of productivity with incredibly intriguing tools. Holding high major offers, Ware has firmly established himself as one of the elite big men that North Carolina has to offer for 2025.

Korie Corbett, 6’3, PG, Carolina Rebels 15U, 2026
Having heard of him but never seen him in person, it was great to see everything Korie Corbett brought to the table in Rock Hill. He is currently second in the EYBL’s E15 division in scoring with the Georgia Stars and carried over that level of play with the Carolina Rebels. Owning ideal size for a lead guard, Corbett is outstanding playing through contact, gets to the paint at will, and finishes with creativity. The South Carolina freshman made an impact at Ridgeview HS in Columbia and has shown that he can do the same with the nation’s finest on the circuit.

Cayden Daughtry, 5’9, PG, Florida Rebels 14U, 2027
One of the more productive guards in the event, Daughtry has already been producing on the varsity level for Somerset Academy in Florida, and was doing the same playing a year up at Big Shots. The playmaker was consistently in attack mode, got to the paint at will, and produced at a high rate all throughout the weekend. Florida high school hoops fans should be prepared for a very productive career out of Cayden Daughtry.

Trey Beamer, 6’3, PG, Team United 15U, 2026
A serious scorer, Trey Beamer showed that he could put up numbers at a high rate at the Carlisle School (VA) and did the same thing at Rock The Rock. Beamer is a super crafty scorer with deep range, can get two feet in the paint with ease, and has a nasty step through. Still under the radar nationally, Beamer has been creating quite the buzz amidst scouts for Team United in the EYBL.

Jeff Clark, 6’4, SF, Team Trezz, 2023
Playing as an unsigned senior, Jeff Clark had a simply monster showing against LaMelo Ball’s 1 of 1 Rare. The smooth wing was automatic with his pullup jumper, converted as a straight line driver, and shot it well enough from the 3-point line to keep the defense honest. Finishing up his career at New Garden Friends School (NC), Clark is one of the Tar Heel State’s more interesting players left on the board.

The post Big Shots Rock The Rock Standouts! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Here are the top performers from the Stellar Hoops Elite 60:

Rivers Knight, 6’9, PF/C, Durham Jordan HS (NC), 2026
If you had to take an early guess at the best long-term prospect at the event, Knight would be the consensus pick. Having made massive improvements in his game in the past six months, the Durham big man is much more explosive and is playing with much more confidence than when I saw him last September. Rivers has the ability to shoot the ball to the 3-point line, has intriguing footwork on the low block, and has proved to be a solid rim protector. Knight just recently picked up an offer from Illinois and both his height/offer list don’t appear to be done growing whatsoever.

Markus Kerr, 6’5, SG/SF, West Charlotte HS (NC), 2026
Immediately upon seeing Kerr, you see the upside that he brings to the table. Starting for powerhouse West Charlotte as a freshman, the swingman gained considerable experience playing against high level competition and it has carried over to the spring. Marcus is an outstanding slasher to the rack, is great reading the defense off screens (especially curling), and does a great job picking his spots on the court. Young enough to be a member of the class of 2027, Kerr is definitely going to be a name to remember for the future.

Mason Smith, 6’7, PF, Hough HS (NC), 2024
As far as performance is concerned, there wasn’t anyone better on day two of the Stellar Hoops Elite 60 than Smith. The talented new age forward had an absolutely gorgeous stroke from beyond the arc, exploited mismatches on the offensive end, and even showed flashes of being able to facilitate for others. A high academic student, Smith is still wide open in terms of his recruitment at this point and is one to watch this spring with TCF Wildcats on the circuit.

Rashad McCormick, 6’7, PF/SF, Andover Prep (MA), 2024
One of the most diverse players at the event, McCormick did a little bit of everything at the Stellar Hoops Elite 60. A talented high jumper in track, Rashad used his athleticism to change plays on both ends while also converting on at the rack. Originally from Charlotte, McCormick is heading to the northeast for a prep year this upcoming season.

Zacch Wiggins, 6’5, SG/SF, Grimsley HS (NC)
One of the more highly touted players in the event, Wiggins made plays that certainly made you realize why some have him ranked in the top 60 for the class of 2025. The slithery Team CP3 wing was a dynamic finisher in transition, has killer touch at the rim, and shot it well enough from the perimeter to keep the defense honest. The younger brother of OKC Thunder wing Aaron Wiggins, Zacch certainly has the genetics and game to carve out his own legacy.

Jermaurhiyun Anderson, 6’3, SG/PG, Quality Education Academy (NC), 2024
As far as guards were concerned at the Stellar Hoops Elite 60, there weren’t any more productive than Anderson. The lefty combo guard was straight up fearless attacking the rack, was a deadly isolation scorer, and showed the ability to facilitate for others. Running with Upward Stars on the Adidas 3SSB circuit, Thomas has the platform to show that he can get buckets with some of the best in the Southeast Region.

Braylhan Thomas, 6’5, SG/SF, Grey Collegiate (SC), 2024
As far as two way guards are concerned, Thomas was right there with the best that the Stellar Hoops Elite 60 had to offer. He has shown potential to be an outstanding on ball defender, can finish through contact, and is a really nice straight line driver. The three time state champion holds multiple D1 offers, but is still very wide open in terms of his recruitment.

Will Stevens, 6’9, PF/C, Community School of Davidson (NC), 2026
Immediately passing the look test, Stevens has all of the tools that you look for in a big man in today’s generation. He is every bit of 6-foot-9, has the raw tools offensively to play on the perimeter, yet also has the agility to switch and ability to protect the rim defensively. There’s certainly a considerable amount of growth both physically and in terms of his skillset to be done, but Stevens is definitely one of the sleeper big men that the Southeast Region has to offer.

D’Quill Osbey, 5’10, PG, Norcross HS (GA), 2026
Coming out of Georgia perennial power Norcross, Osbey showed some of the raw talent that is going to make him one of their next guards in line. The super quick guard was able to get into the paint at will, created no shortage of shots for others, and was one of the few players who was unselfish in a camp setting. With his father having played at Central Connecticut State, Osbey certainly has the lineage to be a nice lead guard down the road.

The post Stellar Hoops Elite 60: Top Performers! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

On Point About Nic Codie

It feels good to be right as I talked about ‘24 Nic Codie seeing a considerable leap in his recruitment this travel ball season here. It seems as if everything is coming together for him. Playing hard each possession, defending on the perimeter, protecting the rim, shooting from deep, finishing with either hand; Codie has polished his offensive game and imposing his will on both ends. Codie has recently received offers from Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech, SMU, Texas Tech and more during the NCAA Spring Live Period.

Darryn Peterson…..

Most of the time I just give my southwest prospect evaluations, but I still keep track of players from outside the region. It’s been a while since I’ve locked in and saw 2025 Darryn Peterson of Phenom United play and wow. The saying, “That’s what they look like,” applies to Peterson. And that statement means that’s what guys that eventually end up in the NBA or have a good chance to look like. Also, I’m always impressed when someone can drop 40 plus points at nine o'clock in the morning. Positional size and three level scoring we knew was there, but the high level passes and overall playmaking puts him on the elite tier of prospects in his class. Also defensively, he utilized his length to disrupt opposing ball-handlers and was able to switch from the 1-3 spots.

Cooper Flagg, Cameron Boozer & Koa Peat have been on a tier of their own early on for 2025, but Peterson has entered that level as well.

Team Talk: Team Trae Young

Team Trae Young finished April with a 7-1 record in the 3SSB Circuit, as the group contains depth and plays with an abundance of confidence and chemistry. Have to give credit to coaches George Clay, Josh Davis & Morlon Wiley for constructing a balanced team. 

Now to the Jimmy’s and Joe’s. Big man Doryan Onwuchekwa has been playing at a high level all year and it’s continuing in the Spring. Big body front-line prospect that has a soft touch with either hand, plus footwork on the block and is expanding his shooting range. Also helps that he’s in what possibly is the best shape I’ve seen him and he’s being productive now in longer stretches. Guard Bo Aldridge decision to re-class to 2024 is looking like a great move so far for him. Receiving high major offers from Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Mississippi State, Cal-Berkeley and more. Lefty that’s a big time scorer that excels getting downhill. Seeing a big stock increase. 2024 Dillon Battie, son of 15-year NBA player Tony Battie, is starting to turn the corner some. An athletic forward that plays with a plus motor and plays above the rim. The skill is progressively starting to catch up with the athleticism and Dillon is showing moments of what it’ll look like when it comes together. ‘25 Calrsheon Young is playing up and more than holding his own. A strong, scoring guard that’s handling the speed and physicality of the 17U just fine.

Team Talk: TJ Ford Academy

The Ford brothers,Tim and T.J., got the guys rolling with a flawless record on Adidas Gold with an 8-0 record after finishing up both chapters. Headlining the group is 2024 Robert Miller. At 6’10 with his versatility, you’re not seeing many guys not only in Adidas but in the country with his size and skill set. Continues to rise in the national player rankings. 2024 Jayden Gambrell is a guard with fairly long arms who can shoot it beyond the 3-point line. Like his size at 6’4 and his shooting prowess. The best available 2023 in Texas…well it's Ron Holland is now. So ladies and gentlemen,  the second best available 2023 player in the Lone Star State is 7’1 Bukky Oboye. Oboye at his size can move, block shots at a high rate, can shoot the three and has advanced ball skills for a player his size. He’s far from polished, but what he can do at his size isn’t common. Again, he has some work to do but I believe if he continues to play we will see a wide variance of D1’s on him. Also wanted to note how the 2023 backcourt of T.J. Ford Jr and Bryson Smith have been playing. Really managing the backcourt, getting to the paint and defending the full length of the floor. Both can score the ball, but I’ve also been impressed also with their playmaking.   

Mr. Devon Pryor

One Time Legends’ wing Devon Pryor is seeing his recruitment soar. Pryor, who was injured for the majority of the second half of the 2022-23 scholastic season, looks to be healthy and we are seeing his full offensive repertoire. At 6’7, he’s a dependable secondary ball-handler, is a big time vertical athlete and his shooting has vastly improved. He’s dependable connecting off the catch or bounce. He’s performing like a Top 100 player in the country.

2026 Prospect of The Event: Caleb Holt

I have talked about at length about the 2025 class, but the 2026 crop have been showing out as well and some are playing in the 17U division. Tyran Stokes is leading a 8-0 Vegas Elite squad in the Nike EYBL and A.J. Dybantsa is the second leading scorer in EYBL 17U division with 20 ppg. 

But we got to talk about Caleb Holt being a big-time contributor for a 7-1 17U Game Elite team on the 3SSB. A shifty, athletic guard that puts rim pressure. Holt has a plus wingspan, and is a quick twitch athlete that displays the ability to make an open 3-pointer. He’s one of the top 2026’s I’ve seen in the country and him still being able to do what he does best playing up is impressive.

Notables

Flory Bidunga, 6’8 2024 PF/C - Indiana Elite: Lefty big man that’s uber productive. Swats shots, even seen him closeout and block shots from the 3-point line. Athletic finisher that goes for every rebound and showed some promising touch on hooks and floaters. We see why he’s ranked so high in 2024. Will be a successful college player. Hasn’t played many years of organized ball so upside is very intriguing. 

Annor Boateng, 6’5 2024 Wing - Arkansas Hawks: Powerful, athletic wing-guard prospect that utilized strength and athleticism to score. Adequate mid-range game and I believe there’s been progress with the shooting and ball-handling. Boateng shouldered the offensive load for the Hawks.

Josiah Moore, 6’5 2024 Wing - One Time Legends: I came away very impressed with Moore. There was a stretch in the morning game where he collected four steals, he captured a poster dunk and one play he split a double team coming off a ball screen, then got to the basket and scored. This was in a span of four minutes. All that needs to be said.

Micah Robinson, 6’6 2024 Wing - Southern Assault: Broad framed wing that’s versatile. Plays the secondary ball-handler role and sometimes has primary dribbling duties in spurts. A capable shooter from three, really zips his passes and can thread a needle if needed and he knows how to find his way to the free throw line. There are some things that he needs to really work on, but I believe Micah will be a quality high major player.

Cam Carroll, 6’2 2025 PG - Southern Assault 16U: Tough, physical guard that embraces contact on drives. Cam is at his best when he relentlessly looks to get downhill and put pressure on the defense. Strong paint finisher, floater game and just generates a lot of activity when he’s aggressive. 

Amir McMillian, 6’ PG - Urban ASAK: When the ball is in his hands, McMillian is always on the go. Fast with the ball in his hands, McMillian gets paint touches and also can stop on a dime, launch and connect vs length. 

Peyton Marshall, 7’ Center - Game Elite: Peyton is a load inside. Large frame, legit size and has good foot-work on the block. Really throws his weight around and makes defenses adjust when he’s on the floor because he’s a threat in the paint. I believe the best basketball is ahead of him, especially when he reaches optimal shape. 

The post Adidas 3SSB Chapter 2: Storylines & Notables! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Amidst the various shoe sponsored circuits, the Under Armour Association got things kicked off in Mesa, Ariz., at the beautiful Legacy Sports Park. There will be another stop in Rock Hill, S.C. and then the UAA will culminate with the UAA Finals in July in ATL. College coaches will be permitted to attend all of the Under Armour sessions, offering up no shortage of excitement and intrigue, as seen this past weekend.

Sitting here in the end of April and with the portal starting to finally slow down a tad, D-1 coaches were intently focusing on the next wave of potential recruits in Phoenix. There was no shortage of guys who added to their offer lists during the UAA against older competition, especially since it was the first time that many had been seen by college coaches in close to a year. The wave of offer graphics on social medias were flying with the youngsters after session one of the UAA.

Here a few a the top underclassmen performers from the Under Armour Association Session I:

King Grace, 6’4, SG, Texas Impact 4:13 17U, 2025
In terms of underclassmen, there wasn’t a player who helped themselves more than Grace. Fresh off of getting a ranking in the ESPN Top 60, he showed that he could hold it down that against anyone UA had to offer. The Texas product showed off a smooth jumper from deep (shot 45% from 3-point on the weekend), had no shortage of confidence (made seven 3-point in one game), and was an effective straight line driver. Grace is definitely a name crossing your Twitter feed a lot more this spring.

Bryson Tiller, 6’9, PF/C, Atlanta Xpress 17U, 2025
The lone Overtime Elite player on this list, Tiller showed that he could hold his own in the trenches against older foes at the UAA. The sophomore used his powerful frame to punish guys on the low block, had a great fadeaway out of the mid post, and can create mismatches off the bounce. Tiller’s combination of size and productivity placed his upside at the top of all of the players that we saw in Phoenix.

Shon Abaev, 6’6, SF, SOH Elite 17U, 2025
One of the models of consistency, Shon Abaev was a walking bucket at UAA, averaging over 20 ppg on the weekend with big time efficiency . The Israeli lefty is great scoring off of a hang dribble, has effortless range as a shooter, and creates serious separation with his stepback. The top 50 sophomore is still a bit under the radar in terms of ranking on some services, but that won’t be the case much longer with his play in UAA.

Chance Mallory, 5’9, PG, Team Thrill 17U, 2025
Right up there amongst players who saw their stock rise over the weekend, Mallory earned offers from Maryland and Virginia Tech after his monster showing at UAA. The lead guard has an outstanding change of pace out of pick-and-roll play, does a great job of punishing defenders from mid-range, and shot the ball well from the 3-point line.

Shane Cherry, 5’10, PG, B-Maze Elite 16U, 2025
Cherry was another sub 6-foot playmaker who had the UAA buzzing with his downright electric style of play. The freak athlete has exceptional burst attacking the rack, is an elite shot creator, and has the bounce to dunk on you if you aren’t watching. Cherry already owns an offer from hometown Tennessee and has established himself as one of the most exciting players in the class of 2025 nationally.

Symon Ghai, 7’3, C, Gateway Basketball Club, 15U, 2026
The biggest player in the Under Armour Association also is one of the least tenured residing in the United States. Ghai has been in St. Louis for not even a full year now,, but his impact was felt immediately. The giant lefty is a very intense big man, has an incredibly mature frame, and showed flashes of a developing offensive skillset. While there is still a considerable amount of room for improvement, Ghai’s presence was immediately felt, resulting in Gateway’s 4-0 opening weekend of UAA.

Jayden Ramirez, 6’5, SG, Riverside Hawks, 16U, 2025
Ramirez is one of those guys who looks solid on the floor, but really surprises you once you check the box score. His no nonsense game involves scoring on limited dribbles, as seen with his 31-point showing in the game we took in over the weekend. Ramirez hit a number of deep 3-pointers, punished smaller guards in the post, and was able to free himself up by setting good screens then relocating. Playing for Queens based NYC powerhouse Christ The King, there will be plenty of attention coming for Ramirez.

The post UAA Session I Underclass Standouts! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Founded by Ryan Silver, WCE is far more than an AAU program (though it is a very successful one in the Under Armour Association). WCE has events all throughout the western part of the states, ranging from high school showcases to AAU previews to live period AAU events. Given the quality of events that WCE has put on over the years along with the massive amount of talent that The Copper State has to offer, the WCE Arizona Preview was a must attend event.

Here are a number of the standouts from the West Coast Elite Arizona Preview:

Cameron Holmes, 6’6, SF, Arizona Unity 16U, 2026
One of the best wings in the class of 2026 nationally, Holmes showed why blue blood programs such as Kansas put scholarship offers on the table for him before he even entered high school. The athletic lefty was an explosive straight line driver, finished with creativity in transition, and appeared much more confident shooting the ball from beyond the arc. Making it even scarier is that he’s likely not done growing, given that his older brother is 6-foot-10 Dayton NBA Draft prospect DaRon Holmes.

Jekhi Gupton, 6’7, SF/PF, Arizona Select 17U, 2023
A player that I wasn’t familiar with going into the event, Gupton showed why he’s going to be an interesting name for college coaches to watch this weekend in the Under Armour Association. The lanky senior is a quick leaper who plays above the rim, is an outstanding cutter, and has the raw talent on the perimeter to break people down. While he’s definitely more of a wing, the versatility that Gupton offers will allow him to play a multitude of positions at the next level.

Brandon McCoy, 6’4, SG/PG, Arizona Unity 16U, 2026
Fresh off of an appearance in the CIF Southern Section title game for FAB 50 ranked St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.), McCoy transitioned perfectly to playing against older foes on the AAU circuit at the WCE Arizona Preview. The slender guard used his explosive athleticism to convert above the rim, displayed vision that you’d hope to see out of an emerging combo guard, and changed speeds to continually apply pressure to defense. Having already been invited to a USA Basketball mini-camp, Brandon McCoy has firmly established himself as one of the names to remember for the class of 2026.

Anthony Batson, 6’4, SG, Arizona Select 17U, 2024
An absolute Swiss army knife on the court, Batson brought the type of positional fluidity that you love to see in today’s game. The powerfully built guard was a great finisher in transition, kept a ton of plays alive with offensive rebounds, and defended a multitude of positions. A high academic student athlete, Batson will be attracting attention from no shortage of colleges this weekend at the Under Armour Association.

Jovan Milicevic, 6’9, PF/C, Arizona Unity 17U, 2024
One of the more offensively skilled 2024 bigs on the west coast, Milicevic showed why he’s exactly what college coaches look for in today’s game. The burly big man has picturesque form on his jumpshot, is an outstanding passer, and has an old school craftiness to his game. The Canadian junior was very productive for Dream City International (Ariz.) this past season and should do so again in the EYBL.

Jaion Pitt, 6’8, PF/C, Arizona Unity 16U, 2025
Pitt has shown for a while now that he is one of the most productive bigs in the class of ‘25 and kept that up at the WCE AZ Preview. He used his grown man frame to punish opposing players in the paint, provided a high level of activity on both ends of the court, and punished the rims. Already owning a number of high major offers, the Canadian big man will be the focal point next year for Dream City Christian’s International squad.

Uriah Tenette, 5’10, PG, The Factory 16U, 2025
Setting the gym on fire with his electric style of play, Tenette was the fan favorite of the event at Phoenix’s KROC Center. The lefty guard had the crowd going wild with his two handed ally-oop, easily created separation to get his own shot off, and used his athleticism to convert at the rack. Tenette is the catalyst for a super talented sophomore group at Prescott (Ari.) High School.

The post WCE Arizona Preview Standouts! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

When we evaluate in a high school setting, we are usually watching specific teams or players we have already seen play or are familiar with. When it comes to younger players, we are usually just making some general observations. Within the framework of those general observations, we come away with five main points or aspects of the game that would help players of that age range maximize their potential.

At grassroots events we attend with younger players, there is usually a handful of players whose talent level is clearly more advanced than the others. That is expected, and the talent level tends to balance out more as players get older. Every young player, however, needs to improve in at least one of the five areas of the game mentioned below.

With that in mind, there's no need to panic. It's just normal progression. Even some of the best high school players, or future college and NBA standouts that we evaluated at the same stage, had similar shortcomings.

1. Players Must Learn To Be Self-Motivated
This concept separates the players who enjoy long professional careers from the ones who get a shot because they have to size and talent to play for money. In fifth or sixth grade, the amount of time a player spends in the gym is often dictated by parents -- and rightfully so. But at some point, a young player has to want it on his/her own. When old/mature enough, a player has to get down to the nearest park or find a way to get to the gym if mom/dad are tied up. At some point, nobody is going to make a young player put in the work and at some point coaches won't command your every movement on the court and at practice. In 2006 every national scout in the country called [Kevin Durant a can't miss NBA starter coming out of high school; after all he was the No. 2 prospect behind Greg Oden. Clark Francis of the Hoop Scoop, however, felt KD could go down at one of the great players ever to play the game. He published that statement, too. He felt this way because of the incredible work ethic Durant displayed while he was in high school. It's often what separates a great player from a legendary one.

Kevin Durant

6'9"   -   SF   -   2006

2. Players Must Complete The Task
It's easy for a young person to wait until a parent/loved one tells them to do something because they don't yet value time like an older person does. They don't yet see how much they can truly accomplish in 24 hours or in two hours of a practice or workout. We've seen countless players during the drills portion of a camp move or finish plays with less intensity when the coaching staff wasn't directly instructing them or directly looking at them. It makes no sense to sprint down court and then not finish the play with a strong lay up or pull up. Intensity is what separates high school and college games and practices. It's okay to have fun and be social, but at then end of practice if you're not tired there is a good chance you didn't get as much out of practice as you should have. Players love to socialize or relax before practice starts but you'd be surprised by how many shots you can get up in 10 to 15 minutes while waiting for practice to begin. The late Kobe Bryant was legendary for not wasting time while practicing or warming up.

Kobe Bryant

6'5"   -   SG   -   1996

3. Players Must Beat Defenders In Easiest Possible Manner
Young players emulate what they see on television or on the Internet. That's natural. But what they don't realize is what they see on NBA telecasts or on SportsCenter is not the style they will play in high school. Young players would benefit from watching more live high school games or attending them than watching NBA games so they can get a feel for what to expect in the coming years. They'll have to run the plays the coach calls, or attempt to. If not, they'll likely be on the bench watching another player run it. If you think they're going to be running a bunch of isolation plays -- think again. Too many times at youth camps we see players beat defenders off the dribble with a crossover or between-the-legs move -- only to pull the ball back and allow the defender to recover. In essence, they have to beat the defender twice on the same possession! Because of television, Youtube and mixtapes, players think slick ball-handling shows basketball prowess, but mostly it displays lack of experience and makes young players less efficient offensively.

4. Players Must Get Physically Stronger
When coaches ask you to do 10 pushups, and you can't do them properly, or even worse, you look around to see if anyone is watching, there's a problem. Refer back to being self-motivated and completing the play if you think you're getting away with anything when a coach asks you do a specific task and you find a way to cut corners. It will eventually catch up to you because there are young players out there developing good habits while you're trying to cut corners. Young players have to realize basketball is a contact sport. In fifth and sixth grade, the players who jump the highest or are the most mature usually come down with the majority of the rebounds. As you move up in levels, however, the players who are physically stronger and have the greatest desire to relish contact and go after the ball are the ones who dominate the glass. A fifth or sixth grader shouldn't be lifting weights, but they should be able to lift their own body weight and be able to do it properly at least 10 times and build from there. It's also important to play alot of pick-up ball (preferably with older players) to build stamina and build toughness.

5. Players Shouldn't Walk Or Stand Still
The word "hustle" doesn't just apply to diving for a loose ball. It applies to a player's entire approach to the game. Young players should always be engaged in the action and make it a point to move swiftly and directly when a coach gives instruction. A player's body language says a lot about what being communicated to the coaching staff and teammates. Too many young players walk around with no sense of urgency. One thing for young players to learn is to listen for a coach's instruction without turning around and completely stopping during a game. On the sideline you should always make eye contact, but a coach will know if you're listening during the game by your movements. On the court, it's also important to always be making basketball movements, whether it's a cut, fake cut, flaring, or moving towards the ball. Standing in one spot and waving to a ball handler that you're open isn't going to cut it. The best players are the ones that are always moving. They put the most pressure on defenses and make it easier for teammates to find an open passing lane.

Ronnie Flores is the National Grassroots Editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

The post 5 Things Young Players Must Do appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.